- The third octave on flute tends to run sharp; alternate fingerings allow you to adjust intonation and produce a bigger, more resonant sound
- Each note (Eb, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B, C) has its own effective alternate fingering that proves especially powerful when you want to project at forte
- Advanced techniques such as pressing only the rim of ring keys allow for fine pitch adjustments and shaping diminuendos
- When using alternate fingerings, it is absolutely essential to practice with that fingering consistently so you don't make mistakes in performance
Alternate Fingerings for Flute: Mastering Control of the Third Octave
Unlike the violin or piano, the flute is an instrument with irregular fingering patterns. The third octave tends to run sharp, and alternate fingerings play a crucial role when you want to produce a bigger sound or adjust intonation. By using alternate fingerings, you can lower the pitch of high notes while keeping your tuning correct, enabling you to produce a bigger, more resonant sound. Conversely, using an alternate fingering that raises the pitch simply by pressing a key allows you to play softly and expressively even when tapering to pianissimo. In this article, we will explain alternate fingerings for the third octave that work at forte one by one, along with advanced techniques for fine-tuning pitch and shaping diminuendos, all in a detailed Q&A format.
Q&A: How to Use Alternate Fingerings on Flute
- Eb: Adding the pinky on the C# key lowers the pitch
- E: Lifting the pinky lowers the pitch
- F: Pressing the ring finger lowers the pitch
- F#: Pressing the middle finger lowers the pitch
- G: No true alternate fingering exists, but there is a trick where you slide the pad of your left thumb partway over the thumb key to half-cover it and lower the pitch (do not use this during fast passages)
- G#: Press both the middle finger and ring finger
- A: Press the ring finger
- Bb: This note does not tend to go sharp easily, so you can generally play with full air support without it going sharp, even without an alternate fingering
- B: When you really need to project, switch to the opposite trill key and play with that fingering
- C: Add the middle finger and ring finger to the standard C fingering
Practice Menu
- Step 1: Try the basic alternate fingerings for each note in the third octave. Experiment with the alternate fingerings for Eb, E, F, F#, G#, A, and C. Get a feel for how the pitch lowers and the sound becomes bigger.
- Step 2: Practice the thumb technique for G. Practice the technique of sliding the pad of your left thumb partway over the thumb key to half-cover it and lower the pitch. Be careful not to use this during fast passages.
- Step 3: Practice the trill key alternate fingering for B. Master the technique of switching to the opposite trill key when you really need to project.
- Step 4: Practice fine adjustments using ring keys. On F and A, get a feel for how pressing only the rim of the ring key, rather than fully pressing the ring finger, enables fine pitch adjustments.
- Step 5: Practice alternate fingerings for shaping diminuendos. Practice shaping a beautiful diminuendo by adding the ring finger to A, which raises the pitch slightly. On E, practice producing a beautiful diminuendo by touching the trill key with your middle finger to open a different trill key.
- Step 6: Decide on your alternate fingerings and practice with them consistently. To avoid mistakes in performance, once you decide on your alternate fingerings, practice with them consistently from the start. Aim to execute them exactly as planned in performance.
- Step 7: Experiment and find the alternate fingerings that work best for you. Try different alternate fingerings suited to various situations. Build up experience by discovering what works when you add a particular finger, and find the alternate fingerings that suit you best.
Summary
The third octave on the flute tends to run sharp, and by using alternate fingerings, you can adjust intonation and produce a bigger, more resonant sound. Each note (Eb, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B, C) has its own effective alternate fingering that proves especially powerful when you want to project at forte. Additionally, advanced techniques such as pressing only the rim of ring keys allow for fine pitch adjustments and shaping diminuendos. When using alternate fingerings, it is absolutely essential to practice with your chosen fingering consistently so you don't make mistakes in performance. Once you decide on your alternate fingerings, practice with them consistently from the start, and then in performance, execute them exactly as planned. This is one of the key tips for success. Alternate fingerings are personal, and the possibilities are truly limitless. Please experiment on your own, find the spot that works perfectly for you, and apply it in your actual performances.
