How to Play North American Native Flutes
Native American flutes are either hand-crafted by American Indians or crafted to resemble flutes created by American Indians. These flutes are simply fashioned of wood. Not just used for decoration, they can be played just as any flute can be played. Although Native American flutes can be tuned to different keys, the key of C is one of the most common and easiest to play. Learning to play a Native American flute is as easy as learning to play other flutes, and uses many of the same techniques.
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Instructions
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Locate a fingering chart for your Native American flute. If you have a flute specially made, the flute maker will often provide a chart. You can also find Native American flute fingering charts online at no cost. A fingering chart will show you where to place your fingers to make the notes on a Native American flute. Check to see if your flute is a five- or six-hole flute, and be sure to use the appropriate chart.
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Practice making the notes on your Native American flute by reading your chart. A flute fingering chart is typically a diagram that resembles a basic flute shape. Darkened holes indicate holes you cover, and white holes indicate holes that are left open. The combination of covered and uncovered holes produces different notes. Some music written specifically for a Native American flute is written with the same method as a fingering chart.
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Practice playing a standard Native American flute pattern (see resources). Follow the open- and closed-hole indications to make the notes. To give the music a Native American sound, practice the trill technique. To achieve this trilling effect, rapidly lift your finger on and off the holes as you play them. This is a familiar sound in Native American music.
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Add varied rhythm to the notes you play to enhance the Native American effect. Play one note extended, for a count of three, and the next note for a count of one before you begin trilling. You can also practice rolling your tongue against the mouthpiece to produce a different trilling effect. Concentrate on slow, soft, almost trance-like musical patterns that have a mournful or melancholy feel. Native American music is often characterized by this type of sound.
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Experiment by half covering holes as you play. This will change the pitch of the notes slightly, allowing you to achieve more range.
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References
- Photo Credit woman playing flute image by GeoM from Fotolia.com
