Flu-torial #15: Native American-style Drone Flutes

[@cdb-ez6xg]

This is a really nice explanation and demonstration of drone flutes. Glad I came across your video. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@AllenBruceRay]

+cdb8315 Thank you! I'm really happy to hear that you have found it useful. You might also want to check out Clint Goss' all-encompassing website about Native American flutes: www.flutopedia.com/

[@elizastar1973]

I enjoy how slowly and softly you speak, makes it very easy to follow along. : )

[@marcusgorski3285]

Hello 👋 how are you doing? Hope you’re having a wonderful day? I was dropping a comment when I come across your profile.I must say you are a very beautiful woman,I liked what you shared , Although we are not friends on here. .May the lord be with you and your family 🙏🕊🕊

[@roberttemple2521]

This is really nice to find. I have been playing a lot of the Phrygian Dominant scale over KZbin drone examples that have flutes with open holes, lots of Eastern influence in those clps. Your playing here is similar in scale tones and the slides possible with half-holing your flute. I get warbles and more by bending notes on my diatonic harps. I can play chromatically on the diatonic harmonica. There are harmonicas available that are concidered drone or "bagpipe tuned" harps, similar sounding to what you have here with the drone flute, melody over a drone note. I intend to play along with your music at some point in the not too distant future. Thanks for sharing your inspirational music, great to see and hear. Peace.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank YOU, Robert, for your informative comment! I'm happy that you have found this video useful. Peace ~ Bruce

[@ZvikaDror]

So wonderful presentation! Thank you!

[@AllenBruceRay]

I'm pleased to hear that you liked it.

[@indicacoesnerd]

Muito bom. Abraço do Brasil 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷✌️✌️🙌🙏

[@AllenBruceRay]

Muito obrigado!

[@denniday5289]

What a great find this is! I first heard the split-design drone flute last month and fell madly in love...maybe because of my early experience playing flute, but more so because of these lovely, warm, and deep tones. Thank you very much!

[@AllenBruceRay]

+Denni Day Thank YOU, Denni, for your enthusiastic comment! I'm pleased that you found the video useful.

[@MoonShadowCove]

Hi Allen I have just received my flute from Kuzin Bruce and it is a beautiful thing. The tone is pitch perfect and it truly is a joy to play. Thank you for your flutorial on the drone flutes as this was what made me make my choice and it was the right one. I have posted a picture of it on my facebook for you to see. In time there will be a video or two in sure. Blessings and my best wishes, John Hancock

[@AllenBruceRay]

That's great news! Life is so much better when there are Native American flutes involved. We're all looking forward to hearing what your new drone can do...!

[@ShadowSeer]

OMFG, these sound so amazing!

[@AllenBruceRay]

That's because they ARE amazing. Drones like this do require a bit more air, but that in no way detracts from the joy of making music with them.

[@CDA129]

Great job on explaining these basics. I am a little more advanced so nothing was new to me, but was still a great listen. Thank you for demonstrating the different flutes. I enjoyed this.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Glad it was helpful! So sorry that I did not see this sooner... I've not been getting notices from KZbin when people comment, so I've got a pretty large backlog of them that I going through. I truly thank you for your never-ending support and praise!

[@ger.lieder]

Excelent worcks, plays and music.

[@x0Vinny0x]

This helped me pick my next flute.

[@AllenBruceRay]

That's great to know! Glad it helped you. Thanks for watching! ~ Bruce

[@thorinpeterson6282]

Awesome video, great demonstrations and a chill vibe.

[@sicilianeye]

That was very instructive, thank you. Beautiful sound. I have a new desire.

[@AllenBruceRay]

+sicilianeye You're welcome! Thank you for your comment. Playing a Native American-style flute is beautiful, soothing experience; playing a Native American-style *drone* flute is doubly beautiful & soothing. I hope you can get one for yourself. Good luck in your quest! Peace ~ Bruce

[@danielabustos904]

Beautiful sound, your way of talking is clear. Very diferent to other tutorials. Thanks from Chile.

[@AllenBruceRay]

I appreciate your kind comments Daniela. Many thanks for posting them!

[@josueocay6427]

amazing sound

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you, Josue!

[@MoonShadowCove]

Thank you so much for this wonderful Flu-torial on the drone flutes. This has helped me choose which drone flute to buy and from which maker. Very much enjoy your flute playing Allen and truly appreciate your guidance. With my kind regards and bright blessings John.

[@AllenBruceRay]

You're welcome! Thank YOU for watching. By the way, which drone flute did you end up purchasing?

[@IgorLisul]

Really great tutorial my friend! Happy upcoming winter days and always all the best!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank Igor (and please excuse the extremely late reply!)

[@ronduff4325]

Man the breath needed for the Triple !

[@AllenBruceRay]

It's not too bad if you choose your phrasing well. It's certainly harder to play lots of long notes, but short bursts or staccato passages are fine.

[@richardboulton2629]

My friend just got the High spirits triple sparrow and it sounds amazing. I bought my first native american flute from high spirits in F#. My friend played like 20 of them and he suggested that one. I'm new to native american flutes. I don't know why he chose the F# for me, is that a good key for a first flute? Are High Spirits considered good flutes? I'd really appreciate a reply.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Wow, I did not see this until just now since somehow my comment notifications were turned off (?) By now I guess you've picked up a flute or two, or at least I hope you have. High Spirits are indeed great flutes to start out on. Many people own more than one HS flute, including myself - I think I have around 17 at last count. F#m, Gm, and Am flutes are all well-suited to beginners because their size -length of the flute, the spacing between the finger holes, and hole size - makes them very easy to play for the majority of people.

[@raol635]

Excellent présentation. Thank you.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you so much!

[@raol635]

@@AllenBruceRay I really liked the sound coming out from this flûtes. I am working on an 2d animation just for fun. Characters will look like a Caveman style. And thinking to use your audio in my videos. If you give your consent 😊

[@AllenBruceRay]

@@raol635 Sure. Just be sure to acknowledge where you got the music from :)

[@raol635]

@@AllenBruceRay yes sure. That's the least thing to do to thank you 😊

[@1mdlmusic]

Great playing! And thanks for the tips!

[@AllenBruceRay]

My pleasure ~Thank YOU!

[@BananaAlert]

Very nice video. Good speaker and good player..! Your speaking manner and voice sound reminds me of physicist Dr Thomas Valone.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Yours are very kind words, indeed. Thank you, Robert!

[@sylvia7024]

Love the touque!

[@MoonShadowCove]

Hi Allen, I went for the Spalted Poplar drone flute in E minor by Kuzin Bruce. It looks and sounds beautiful. Its on its way as we speak so I am very much looking forward to its arrival here with me in the UK. I am sure I will post a video or two of me playing it in due time. We are friends on FB so will post a picture of it when it is here. Bright blessings, John

[@AllenBruceRay]

Sweet! I'll definitely be looking forward to hearing/seeing that. You, sir, are in for a treat like no other!

[@copperhorse4515]

Allen! Dude! You are the best! :) I decided to give NA fluting a try in this new year after joining some Drum Circles and started with a Jonah Thompson Am as they sounded great on KZbin video's and are so affordable. In short time I now have thirteen or fourteen flutes and got my first drone today! (Jonah Thompson Fm). I have a Billy Crowbeak "Warbler" Am, Douglas Thunderhorse D, David Nighteagle Am and a stable full of beautiful Paul Neal flutes in many keys. I also love High Spirits flutes they sound very well and my Greyfox G! I also purchased one Anasazi rim blown flute and can manage to get a melody but find it difficult to sustain and repeat every time. I get a total lightheaded high from blowing while trying to embouchure!!! lololol I think I have watched all your video's and wanted to tell you how much I have learned from you and have been inspired! I hopped on here tonight to get a tutorial on drones since my new drone arrived today! Thank You for making these great video's, they have really helped! Stay safe over there and much happiness and prosperity! XO *Music from the soul can be heard by the Universe* Lori***

[@AllenBruceRay]

Lori, thank you so much for your kind message! 14 flutes already?! Apparently you've been bitten by "the bug." (It's a GOOD bug, though). The JT's are all good flutes from my experience. Glad to hear you've got a drone (yay!) and have also stepped into the world of the Anasazi flute. I think I could play one if I gave it a little time. Last year I was in the US at the World Flute Association Convention and played several that some vendors were selling, and after receiving a few helpful tips, I was able to get some sound out of them. I didn't buy one, though, as my budget doesn't really allow for flutes these days. I'm not unhappy, mind you - I have 60 already! I'm also very happy to hear that you have been able to learn something from my videos. That is precisely why I post them. 2014 was a barren year for that, but I hope to do more tunnel videos this year. I will definitely stay safe, thank you! You do the same... and please post some videos of yourself playing some of those flutes! Peace ~ Bruce

[@copperhorse4515]

Allen Bruce Ray ...definitely got bit by the flute bug! Peace to you & yours too my Brother! I look forward to more great tutorials and commentary from you as I have learned much from you! I am told there are video's of me on KZbin (Toms River Drum Circle) playing a little flute I brought along with me to a drum Circle I purchased as a souvenir at an Native American Pow Wow here in NJ at the Rancocas Indian Reservation about 12 years ago. Flutes and Drumming seem to fit well together and decided I needed a much better quality Flute and started my research. That's when I came across your video's and took your advice and started out with a l beginner, affordable, Jonah Thompson Am flute and quickly working my way up and into more expensive Flutes in other keys and the beautiful world of Native American Flutes! Peace to you and Yours too Brother Bruce! XO

[@DaniloSena10]

Dear Allen, i'm searching for a flute to play, and this you cath me! Can you tell me wich tone this flute is ? Spirit Flute at Barr Falls

[@AllenBruceRay]

It's a Gm.

[@cadror26]

You have to wonder how many prototypes the first man to play that went through.

[@AllenBruceRay]

No doubt about that!

[@Gummyxx]

Do you know any flutes that sound like the shotgun flute you used on the video

[@WillemTanke]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@AllenBruceRay]

You're most welcome!

[@PastorErickDMarquez]

Wow your sooo amazing brother!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you kindly, Pastor Erick! I wish you all the best. Hope you are also playing the flute regularly. It's great medicine!

[@ruiwaldete5904]

OS SONS DESSAS FLAUTAS SÃO MUITO LINDOS, LINDAS FLUTAS

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@Gummyxx]

Is the first flute you used a low tone or can it be high pitched

[@AllenBruceRay]

It's a lower midrange tone. A higher-pitched version of this style of drone flute would be a bit shorter in length and smaller in diameter.

[@ronduff4325]

I have the High Spirits Drones in F# and A . I'd love to get a Triple . I have 2 shotgun drones too .

[@AllenBruceRay]

They still make the triple flutes though they are not especially cheap!

[@StopFear]

I have a sort of concern. The multiple flutes sound pretty interesting. There is no issue with that. But I am wondering why at this point do they have to remain "Native American" flutes? Why use them specifically? I say this because it seems like its almost like their solo instrument is being exploited to make a frankenstein instrument that when it sounds in final form doesn't even sound like any of these flutes alone. It sounds more like some Peruvian or Mesoamerican instrument which are obviously different in style and sound. Its not a doubt about your personal respect for the instrument and its source. More like a question whether this is right to do. May as well do it with any generic wooden or plastic "flute" or recorder.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks for commenting. While I completely get what you're saying, I think the point of making these kinds of drone flutes is to take an existing design that already produces a very pleasing sound and expand on it in interesting ways. Of course, they don't sound quite like a single flute, but I think that was always the point; it's something new and a bit different that still retains the essence of the original. So yes, the results do fall a bit outside of what one would expect a Native American-style flute to be. That's one reason why these are called Native American-STYLE flutes. The other reason is that by law (the U.S. Department of the Interior), the term "Native American" can only be applied to articles created by someone who is a registered tribe member. There are, in fact, flute makers who are registered Native Americans who also produce these kinds of flutes, so... I guess it comes down to what you like. I know some players such as Jeff Ball who do not own or play drone flutes because they just don't like their sound. Personally, I think it's great that there are creative spirits out there who thrive on experimentation, and as long as these folks don't try to claim that they are Native Americans when they are not, then there is no disrespect.

[@aicMadSeason]

I got a quick question. Is it possible to make a drone flute that has the melody in a higher pitch and the drone in a lower? Like having a bass guitar and a regular guitar in one. Hope that makes sense...

[@AllenBruceRay]

+aicMadSeason That can definitely be done. I believe some makers make double flutes with different pitches for each flute barrel.

[@aicMadSeason]

Hmm I'm gonna have to look into this. I think it would definitely sound interesting. Thank you!

[@AllenBruceRay]

+aicMadSeason Stephen DeRuby makes such a flute. It's a drone contrabass: www.deruby.com/dronecontrabass.html

[@andiemiller7252]

I know Dana Ross of Falcon Flutes makes all kinds of drone flutes with more than one key on the drone. Check his page out.

[@FlorTPaz]

Hermoso!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you Maria!

[@MusicOfEpirus]

Same as the Albanian/Greek shepherd’s aulos.

[@gearaddictclimber2524]

For a flutist whose on a budget (hint hint, it’s me) what flute or flute manufacturer would you recommend for a low-priced drone flute? Low your videos

[@gearaddictclimber2524]

Love*

[@AllenBruceRay]

Sorry I didn't see this before (notifications were off). Kuzin Bruce (Bruce Belmore) makes excellent drone flutes for VERY reasonable prices. My E minor drone was around $160, IIRC. You can contact him on Facebook. He's pretty active there.

[@felipenadeau1346]

Allen these flutes are AMAZING, big congratulations for sharing these beautiful sounds. Is there any place to check out your music with these?, all the best from a Chilean ethnic music fan and also, instrument collector :)

[@AllenBruceRay]

Greetings Felipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and share your kind comments. It really does mean a lot to me! I have a lot of music on Bandcamp. Check it out here: allenbruceray.bandcamp.com/

[@ThePaigeMa5ter]

Great video, would you recommend a drone flute for a beginner? Someone's who's never played a Native American flute before although played a lot of recorder growing up

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you! Usually, drones are not recommended for beginners, but if you have previous experience with a recorder, I would say you could manage it. I would start off with a Gm drone so that you could get a feel for playing one and your hands could adjust. Afterwards, you could move on to lower keys, which are larger flutes. good luck! Hope you are able to get one. You will NOT be disappointed!

[@richardpeterson3753]

damn that first flute looked like a shotty lol.but i like the concept completly.bad assed.can i ask how you got it to warble?it sounds perfect.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Hi Richard. Glad you enjoyed the video! The "warble" is in fact just the natural vibrato that I use whenever I play. Actually, the term "warble" when speaking of Native American flutes usually refers to an effect that happens naturally due to the design of the flute itself. Most modern NAFs don't warble; it's not really an effect that most people like. Vibrato, on the other hand, is generated by a pulsing action that originates in the diaphragm. You can search for Odell Borg's original "How to Play the Native American Flute" series to see a demonstration of how that is accomplished.

[@kingChin0]

Hi Allen, Hope all is well. I sent you a message on your FB page since youtube doesn't really allow the private message function anymore. I would love to hear your advice. Thank you again for sharing all of the amazing music and videos!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Hi Raf! I finally sent you a reply (lol)! Sorry it took so long...

[@AllenBruceRay]

That's a perfectly sound question. The simple answer is that at one time, I had lots of disposable income because I was single and debt-free. (I'm now happily married again - to the same lovely lady as before, by the way - and still manage to have no debts.) During 2007, 2008, and 2009, I bought most of the flutes that you see me playing in these videos. Also, since then, several extremely generous flute makers have given me a few flutes. I really haven't made any new flute purchases in a few years now. I seriously doubt that I will buy any more for a long time as I have more than enough to keep me happy at the moment!

[@IIrandhandleII]

Which is your favourite of your collection?

[@AllenBruceRay]

So sorry that my comment notifications appear to have been disabled for some time. I hadn't realized this was the case, hence my lack of response. Which one is my favorite? That's a really *hard* question, haha! Probably it changes every day. Right now I'm playing my Darrell Hibbard low Bm a lot, but tomorrow I might spend all day with the Jonah Thompson F#m, or the Redtail Hawk Gm.

[@indicacoesnerd]

good Work !Muito bom!!! parabéns me escrevi aqui. Um abraço do Brazil. tanks!!

[@AllenBruceRay]

A big thank you! So glad you liked it.

[@jefftinnirello5624]

Hi Bruce, have you tried any of the rim-blown anasazi/mojave style flutes? I see you have some Deruby ez anasazi flutes, but what about the embouchure type? I must say they are very dynamic and versatile and I think you would enjoy them.

[@AllenBruceRay]

I've tried them, but to date I'm afraid I can't report any success. I really wish I could play those kinds of flutes because both the range of notes and expressive capabilities are so great. Alas, I can't get them to make *any* sound, so for the time being, I will remain frustratingly embouchure challenged! But one day...

[@nikolai2769]

could i maybe use samples of you playing the flute in my song?

[@ThePaigeMa5ter]

Thanks for the reply. Hope everything's going good in Korea. What brand would you recommend on the gm drone flute and also what about a non drone style to get started with. Have you used or recommend a Jonah Thompson Native American flute? Your videos are really inspiring!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks Will. I recommend a standard NAF to start with - Jonah Thompson Am or F#m flutes are a safe bet. I have both of these and LOVE them. www.laughingcrow.com/jonah_thompson_native_american_flutes.html You should also seriously consider getting a Butch Hall Bm, Am, Gm, or F#m flute because they're cheap but extremely well-made. www.butchhallflutes.com/index.php/flute-catalog If you do get a Gm drone, I'd recommend a Laughing Crow though you could also go with a Spirit drone from Northern spirit flutes for $125.00. These are made of ABS plastic and sound really good; I actually tried one out at the World Flute Society Convention last week. www.northernspiritflutes.net The High Spirits Two Hawks, Twin Tails, and Double Eagle are all great flutes. You save some money by getting them in either Spanish cedar or walnut. www.highspirits.com/double-triple-flutes Hope this helps! ~ Bruce

[@WhatIsYourMalfunction]

Allen Bruce Ray I just purchased a Butch Hall flute in Am, a felt bag and instruction book with CD. Many thanks. This is something I have wanted to do for 25 years; now that I am recovering from surgery and have some time, I am going to give NA flute music a try. I was browsing though KZbin and listened to your video. It was inspirational.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Michael McNamara Thank you Michael! YOUR comments inspired ME. You did well by taking up the Native American flute and doubly so for getting one from Butch Hall. It's the perfect healing instrument. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to learn. Just remember two things: (1) With Native American flutes, you play what YOU want to play, which is always the song that is in your heart... and (2), after a short time, you'll want to get more flutes in different keys by different makers. It's a little paradoxical: you're healed from one ailment only to be bitten by the flute bug! Nevertheless, I wish you many blessings on your flute journey and for your speedy recovery. Peace ~ Bruce

[@medbyhi5114]

Wonder why Native American-style Drone Flutes sounds so like medieval double flute.

[@AllenBruceRay]

They are similar in their design in some ways, so it's not surprising that you hear some commonalities. Can you play the medieval double flute?

[@medbyhi5114]

@@AllenBruceRay No. But simply love almost all kinds of music before today's music theory has been established, maybe because they are less "unified" in deeper ways. not know much about music, just love listen to music.

[@AllenBruceRay]

@@medbyhi5114 Ah, yes I see what you mean. I also prefer the more earthy and less theoretically-formal types of music. I wonder... are you in Japan?

[@medbyhi5114]

@@AllenBruceRay Yes. living japan

[@medbyhi5114]

*living in japan*

[@ObiTrev]

I've got two flutes one for each of ya!

[@sgtladi5048]

Hello, what kind 9f flute are you using around 11:20

[@AllenBruceRay]

That's a Kuzin Bruce E minor drone flute made of spalted poplar.

[@adams4332]

Need more air for drone, shorter phrases Me: (laughs in tuba player) But really tho, awesome video! Learned alot!

[@WeepingWillow1]

@Adam S :(laughs in tuba player) Me: (Laughs in Contrabass Sax player)

[@regnar_flowlluks]

Cringe

[@7cstair93]

I would like to learn to play flute

[@jameskelly8929]

Has anyone ever tried to attach a bag to these drone flutes? And make a sort of native american bagpipe?

[@lakaumbucha]

I could feel the evil spirits trying to escape.

[@professorgryphonsmuseumofb5380]

Good to remind people the the words Native American include all the native people from North to.south pole, in the three American continents.

[@ShadowSeer]

WANT!!!!

[@ruiwaldete5904]

TOP OK ?

[@daviewavie112]

Think you could fit a third drone on there :)

[@AllenBruceRay]

Not sure how fun that would be to play. I might need a third lung as well!

[@daviewavie112]

Allen Bruce Ray lol

[@MrStarchild777]

there are three drones out there i play a v drone in the key of a

[@davidlowe1256]

Double barreled shotgun.

[@AllenBruceRay]

TRIPLE-barreled shotgun!

[@medbyhi5114]

sounds like two people are shooting

[@johnwood1814]

白种人创造力好强

[@adamschmidt546]

Be easier to circular breathe

[@alxxanderr]

So cool!