Are Native Flutes Really in Specific Keys?

[@Denise-SA]

Excellent information. I've been wondering about this as I've recently began to purchase and learn various keyless flutes and whistles. I'm trying to play noted songs and have been confused with fingering (though I have a D transverse flute and have learned that fingering quite well). Now I'm learning Native American flute (Am).... now I know what you mean! Thank you!

[@DrawingTechnical]

What is that flute that you have in the video? It looks and sounds great!

[@kylewschafer]

For the concert band world a trumpet, clarinet, etc are in the key of B flat. Typically in an orchestra they perform on a C Trumpet or sometimes even an A Clarinet (classical time period) The alto sax is in the key of E flat the tenor sax is in the key of B flat, E flat Baritone Sax, etc Tuba trombone euphonium C flute are considered non transposing instruments For example, on a B flat trumpet the lowest open fundamental note is a B flat that is why it is called a B flat trumpet.

[@tikigodsrule2317]

Harmonica's are also stamped with a key designator.

[@ateade5299]

Great😊 verry talented person. God bless you sir

[@ibleasse]

The note mentioned with wind or brass instruments (usually) indicate the range, yes. But they do not indicate a key. Also correct. The main reason why we don’t say an A minor piano is that it is not tunable (technically you do but it takes forever). A guitar can be in drop tuning. Open tuning etc. but a B flat flute or F sharp alto sax are just the range because they cannot be retuned on the fly.

[@KalaniMusic]

Yes, the flutes are not as easy to play chromatically, as other instruments, so there are certain keys that are easier to play on a given flute. Still, locking a flute to a key is probably not necessary or entirely accurate, since any flute can play in multiple keys.

[@hifijohn]

Almost all instruments are chromatic, they have all the sharps or flats needed to play in any key or mode.recorders and NA flutes are in one key, if your lowest note is a C and there is no flats or sharps in youre in the key of C major, if the lowest note is an A then its A minor, with clever fingering you can get some other notes outside of the designed key.note the E Phrygian mode also has no sharps or flats.

[@claudiasunshinetristancho5595]

Hi Kalani! I like!... modes, scales and keys CAN be confusing. I am glad you shone some light on what people may confuse (like flute in key of Am). Native American Indian style flutes are mostly a minor pentatonic scale. As you said, the “root” of the flute is the lowest note with all holes covered and that root note is part of the pentatonic scale. If an Am flute, you can play along with blues in the same root “key”. This type of flute can also be played in more than one mode, like the major scale/Ionian mode. I’ve been watching your videos over the last few years. I started teaching native Indian flute and organizing drumming circles in 2017 for healing... I am always learning! thanks again!

[@KalaniMusic]

Thank you Claudia! Best wishes in your playing and teaching!

[@YouTubalcaine]

I say my pan flute is a "G" because the lowest note is a G and it's tuned to a G Major scale, but if I simply flatten the F# it's then tuned to C Major and I can easily root it in C by starting above the low pipes, playing in more of a Bansuri style. At this point I'd refer to it as a "C" flute just so I remember that I changed the tuning (which isn't really necessary to play the scale) but since the lowest note is still a G you can see the classification is already getting muddled. The descriptor is a little more meaningful for me on a "Native American" style where, for example, playing in C Minor on a G Minor flute entails 3/4-holing the A♭, and in a case like that it's much easier to grab a "C" flute if I want a lot of expression in that key (or if I forget my transposition lol). Any of them will play any mode if I try hard enough, but some organization is useful nonetheless.

[@TuttodunfiatoPanfluteHarmonica]

very good!!!!! but how did you make the background of the video? thanks friend

[@idontlikeit.7822]

It all makes sense, the hard part is remembering…….

[@yeshichoden3409]

Hi I just found your channel and I have a question. I bought a new ukulele and the g strong just won’t tune and I noticed that if I put my finger on the 9th fret it sounds like it’s supposed to.. what should I do? Ps:-I don’t have a capo and I really wish you would reply back if possible

[@ajsamano7869]

Depending on what manufacturer you got the ukulele from, it’s probably a defect in the tuning peg. If you paid a pretty penny for the ukulele, it should be able to tune normally

[@BrentAdams]

I get what you are trying to put across here... BUT... what happens when we start looking at flutes that are tuned differently? "Medicine Man Scale" (not a fan of the name), Hitzaz, Anasazi (another bad name but one most folks seem to prefer right now), Hirojoshi, mode 2/5 or , Diatonic. All of these and the 5 or 6 hole minor pentatonic flutes have been optimized to play those certain scales. Yes, many are capable of playing other scales as well, but they all won't play all scales possible...or play them well and in tune. Yes, the main NAS Flute that is most prevalent is capable of playing MANY scales pretty darn well if it is well made and tuned to optimize playing other scales. Many flutes are not optimized for any scale other than the minor pentatonic scale.... hence the name that has become the standard bt which we know that flute design.

[@KalaniMusic]

Brent Adams Valid points. So many perspectives through which to view. Seems like the “minor pentatonic” reference is becoming part of the lexicon, even though it’s not ideal from a technical perspective. It’s more about making it easier to identify different instruments.

[@johnthebob1]

ookalayle 🤣😂

[@Koloherides]

nice you call the ukulele correct. mahalo kalani

[@arieswaters]

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[@artmeditationvista1526]

Hmm... harmonicas are in specific keys.

[@KalaniMusic]

That’s true!