How to Play the C Scale on the Flute

The flute is a beautiful instrument with many variations. The most-known version of the instrument, made of a silver metal, is one of the most common band and orchestral instruments used today. Playing the flute requires careful attention to breathing and finger placement. Learning the C major scale in flute is one of first scales you'll learn as you progress in your studies.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Get Familiar With the Notes and Keys

1. Learn the notes of the scale. A scale is a pattern of notes. The first note dictates what the remaining notes will be. In the C scale, the notes are C, D, E, F, G, A, B and C. There are no half-keys, or flat or sharp notes, in the C major scale.

2. Choose an octave. The flute has a considerable range for a monophonic instrument, and established flautists can play three octaves of the C scale. As a beginner, the middle octave is easiest.

3. Lay your hands flat in front of you. Label the fingers from "1," the pinky of the left hand, to "10," the pinky on the right hand. Use these numbers to understand the notes of the scale. Each number corresponds with a certain letter of the scale.

Practice, Practice, Practice

4. Position your fingers for C. This note requires only fingers 2 and 10 pressed on the appropriate keys.

5. Change your fingering to D. This note requires only fingers 2, 5 and 10 raised.

6. Lower 2 and 5. Lift 9. This note is an E and can be airy if you do not switch fingers quickly.

7. Pick up the 8 finger to play F.

8. Play G. The G requires you to keep the same fingering as F except raise 7.

9. Raise 4 to get the fingering for A.

10. Move to the B fingering. The B requires 1, 2 and 10 to be pressed.

11. Play C again. Use the same fingering as above but alter your breath to play the note an octave higher.

Tips & Warnings

• Playing a scale allows you to practice breathing techniques. Try the scale by using a heavy accent, slurring and other techniques to improve your playing.