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What is the range of the flute ? (range meaning the lowest note it can play to the highest)

By Marguerite Asked Mar 19 2009 12:24PM
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by Qwertymuffin411 on Apr 10, 2009 at 6:43 pm Permalink

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Sorry meant to type Bflat 6 in the second to last sentence (in the second answer, the one about the highest notes on flutes)
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Avatar Marguerite Apr, 10 2009 at 08:40 PM
Yes, I understand you!

Answer 2 out of 3

by Qwertymuffin411 on Apr 10, 2009 at 6:39 pm Permalink

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The answer by Jkat_Knight is really good, and I totally agree with it. Just want to add a couple things. On a regular concert C flute, the lowest note is middle C. On an open-holed flute, the lowest note is the B flat directly below middle C. Apparently extremely experienced can get to C8, which is 4 octaves above middle C ( I can get to C7 - 3 octaves above middle C), but I have never in my life have heard anybody do that, and I find it kind of hard to believe. Most music (at least that I have played) doesn't even go past B flat 7. Hope this helps!
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Avatar Marguerite Apr, 10 2009 at 08:39 PM
Thank you. You have been most helpful. If I were to compose a song for a flute I would expect to know its range.

Answer 3 out of 3

by jkat_knight on Apr 3, 2009 at 9:39 am Permalink

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I assume you are talking about the orchestral flute in C Major. The range is from middle C to approximately Bb four octaves higher. The lower register from middle C to the D one octave above is warm, breathy and tends to be soft. The middle register from that D to one octave higher becomes increasingly brighter and stronger on ascent. The high register is brilliant and can sometimes be piercing or shrill.
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Avatar Marguerite Apr, 03 2009 at 09:56 AM
Yes, I forgot about other kinds of flutes. Thank you. I play the piano, so it's easy for me to see the range of the flute in my head. What a beautiful sounding instrument the flute it with its different ranges!+


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What is the range of the flute ? (range meaning the lowest note it can play to the highest)

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