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What are your experiences with The Virtual Flute? If you have found this web service helpful in your performances or compositions, or if you would like to provide suggestions for new features or improvements, we would certainly like to hear from you! Also, be sure to browse through the comments of other musicians below. Their experiences demonstrate the range of fingering searches that are possible with The Virtual Flute. There are two ways in which you can post a comment:

  • When you find a useful fingering, click the  ()  icon beside the note or multiphonic of interest. In your description, please tell us the musical context of your search, such as the piece of music, the musical phrase, or the precise sequence of notes and fingerings which call for an alternate fingering.
  • Or, to post a general comment on the website as a whole, click here.

Jane Cavanagh
Flute - Muramatsu EX
Playing Level - Professional
1-Nov-2005
Fingering - C foot Th 1 2     |   2   tr2 (split E)

Note(s) - D#6

Piece of music - Stravinsky's "Firebird" Suite, flute 1 part

I was playing Stravinsky's "Firebird". It required an acciaccatura from B5 (B above the stave) to E6 (The E above that). It's far too easy to split the last B and slip up to an F#6 instead. This good fingering alleviated the problem, although it's a very sharp D#6.

Jane Cavanagh
Flute - Muramatsu EX
Playing Level - Professional
1-Nov-2005
Fingering - C foot Th 1 2 3   | 1     tr2 D# (split E)

Note(s) - F6

My problem fingering was a tremolo from F6 (Th 1 3 | 1 D#) to A6 (Th 2 | 1 D#). I searched for a fingering for the F6 which included the keys of the A6. I also ordered the fingerings by playability. This fingering, listed at the top of the search, is comfortable and the tuning is adequate for a tremolo.

Jane Cavanagh
Flute - Muramatsu EX
Playing Level - Professional
1-Nov-2005
Fingering - B foot   1 2     |   2   tr2 (split E)

Note(s) - F7

In the acoustics lab we searched for fingerings for high F (the fourth one on the flute), ordering the search by playability. This fingering was returned at the top of the search, producing a brilliantly clear F.

This finding is useful in contemporary music as this fingering makes the note much easier to play, particularly when pp, than the standard fingering. This new note is playable on flutes with C foot and B foot. It is only easily playable on a flute with a split E mechanism. This fingering is not found in "The Other Flute" by Robert Dick.

Jane Cavanagh
Flute - Muramatsu EX
Playing Level - Professional
1-Nov-2005
Piece of music - Liszt's Piano Concerto No 1, flute part 1

I came across a slurred, fast passage which, although was not exposed, was tricky to execute. The passage was:

Eb6 - F6 - Eb6 - F6 - Eb6 - D6 -Eb6 - F6 - G6

I searched for fingerings which did not include the tr1, tr2 and gizmo keys. The fingerings I found were useful for the passage:

Eb6: Th 1 2 3 | 1 2 3 D#
F6: Th 1 2 3 | 1 D#
G6: Th 1 2 3 | D#

Although these fingerings are simply an overblown first register, I didn't think of it at the time. Finding the fingerings here was easy.

Kathleen Gallagher
Flute - -
Playing Level - Professional
1-Nov-2005
Piece of music - Richard Barrett's "What Remains" for flute, bass clarinet and piano

An awkward high passage:

Sharp C7 - sharp B6 - E7 - flat D7 - flat E7 - D7 - flat Eb7 - Bb6

I found useful fingerings for most of these notes. Carl Rosman told me I'm the only flute player in history who has ever been able to play this bar.

Kathleen Gallagher
Flute - -
Playing Level - Professional
1-Nov-2005
Fingering - C foot   1 2     |     3 tr2 D# (split E)

Note(s) - F7

Piece of music - Chris Dench's "Closing Lemma"

I required a fingering for the final flourish of high notes landing on a sharp E7. I found this flat F7.

Andrew Robbie
Flute - N/A
Playing Level - Composer
1-Nov-2005
Piece of music - Andrew Robbie's "Damp Leaves & Conversation"

Being able to have precise tunings and multiphonic predictions for any given fingering was an incredible timesaver. The piece involves micro-tonal trills and tremolos, timbral and articulation modifications and a number of multiphonics for both flute and clarinet. I only wish similar sites were available for other wind instruments!

Antonio Arias
Flute - Arista 14k Gold
Playing Level - Professional
1-Nov-2005
Fingering - B foot Th 1   3   |     3 tr2 D# (split E)

Note(s) - B6

This fingering is very good for playing B6 softly.

Antonio Arias
Flute - Arista 14k Gold
Playing Level - Professional
1-Nov-2005
Fingering - B foot Th 1 2 3   |   2 3 (split E)

Note(s) - F#6

This fingering is very good for playing F#6 pp.

Ramaekers Dominique
Flute - Pearl PF-761
Playing Level - Intermediate
1-Nov-2005
Fingering - C foot Th   2 3   | 1 2   D# (split E)

Note(s) - B4

When I try this I get an E5. I can force an approximate B4 but I get so much wind noise that it isn't a useful tone.

Theory vs. practice?

Joe Wolfe
Flute - Yamaha
Playing Level - Composer
1-Nov-2005
Fingering - C foot Th   2 3   | 1 2   D# (split E)

Note(s) - B4&E5

I agree with both the previous comment and with The Virtual Flute. The B4 is dark, as promised. But it's a useful multiphonic with E5.

Catherine
Flute - Muramatsu GX
Playing Level - Advanced
23-Jan-2006
Fingering - B foot   1 2   G# | G   2   tr2 (split E)

Note(s) - F7

This fingering had a far faster and clearer response than even the standard fingering. Also it seemed to requir less lip tension It also seemed to use less air - or at least, I could play it for a longer time.

Catherine
Flute - Muramatsu GX
Playing Level - Advanced
23-Jan-2006
Fingering - B foot   1 2   G# | G   2 3 tr2 (split E)

Note(s) - F7

-Very- awkward to finger, however does play very clearly, and may be useful for it's tuning.

Fabio Cifariello Ciardi
Flute - none
Playing Level - Composer
27-Jan-2006
thank you very much! I am forwarding your page to all my students and to my colleagues as well.
I would suggest to add the key percussion and tongue-ram results as well.
Darren Cook
Flute - Emanuel
Playing Level - Professional
11-May-2006
Awesome resource! Surprised that your flute model does not include a C# trill key? This is a common addition to many flutes now. I bet the major flute manufacturers would allow you to borrow instruments to model so you could add a "brand" choice as well.

When are you going to model a piccolo? :D
Lami
Flute - Artley
Playing Level - Advanced
7-Jun-2006
Some alternate fingerings, such as for F# are NOT POSSIBLE. A person would have to have 6 to 8 fingers on the right hand to manage them. Some work needs to be done on this virtual flute for feasability and reality.
Andrew Botros (TVF Creator)
Flute - N/A
Playing Level - Beginner
7-Jun-2006
[Referring to the previous comment from Lami]

Indeed, there are many fingerings that are difficult to finger because they include too many pressed keys. However, in your searches, ensuring that the "Allow unconventional finger positions" option is *not* selected will remove these fingerings from the list. When this is done, no fingering should contain more pressed keys than fingers on a hand (except for the foot keys, which can be multiply selected reasonably easily).
Catherine
Flute - Muramatsu EX
Playing Level - Advanced
20-Jul-2006
Fingering - B foot     2     |     3 tr2 D# C# (split E)

Note(s) - F7

Noticeably flat, but very playable, and thus ideal for short staccato passages when one is often inclined to play sharp anyway.

Kelly
Flute - N/A
Playing Level - Advanced
19-Oct-2006
What are some techniques I can use to get the highest C and B on flute.
Andrew Botros (TVF Creator)
Flute - N/A
Playing Level - Beginner
19-Oct-2006
[Referring to the previous comment from Kelly]

The highest C on the flute is C7, and the highest B on the flute is B6. So, using the search facility for single note fingerings (Tool 2), select your flute type and enter these notes to find alternatives. If you order the results by 'Playability', the fingerings that are easiest to sound will be displayed near the top of your search.

The top note on the flute is F#7.
Emily
Flute - Yamaha 674
Playing Level - Advanced
23-Jan-2007
I know what a Split E Mechanism DOES, and know that my flute DOES have it, but I don't know how to USE it. All the places I've searched on the internet tell me what it does and why I want it on my flute, but none of them tell me how to use it. I heard that it can be turned on and off. How do I do this? I don't have the "donut" High E Facilitator, that's different. I have the extra thing sticking out between the key to the right of the G# lever (when holding the flute in playing position and looking down on it) and the key to the right of that key. Can I turn this Split E on and off, or do I have to send it into a shop to have that done? Please, someone, give me some answers. Thank you.
Andrew Botros (TVF Creator)
Flute - N/A
Playing Level - Beginner
23-Jan-2007
[Referring to the previous comment from Emily]

The Split E mechanism is an extra connection that affects the RH2 key (the key between the two trill keys). If a Split E mechanism exists, RH2 will, amongst other things, close the large hole immediately to the right of the G# lever. Without the Split E mechanism, this hole remains open when RH2 is pressed.

There is no means of turning the Split E mechanism 'on' or 'off' as such -- it either exists on your flute or it doesn't.

Some sources will recommend flutes with a Split E mechanism because of known alternative fingerings that make use of it. All of these fingerings include the RH2 key. Nevertheless, The Virtual Flute offers an abundance of alternative fingerings for your flute, with or without a Split E mechanism, so be sure to search for a fingering on this website regardless of your flute model.
Nicole Alesich
Flute - Sankyo C foot Etude
Playing Level - Advanced
22-Jun-2007
Fingering - C foot Th 1   3   | 1   3 tr1 (split E)

Note(s) - F#6

Piece of music - A#6 to F#6 transition from Moyse Daily Exercises

This fingering does not give F#6 as easily as indicated (2.5 stars). The easiest note is actually A#6 followed by c#5.

Nicole Alesich
Flute - Sankyo C foot Etude
Playing Level - Advanced
22-Jun-2007
Fingering - C foot BbTh         |     3 C# (split E)

Note(s) - D7

Piece of music - D7 - Prokofiev Sonata 1st movement

This alternate fingering is much easier to sound than the standard fingering of Th 3 | 1 2 C

Nicole Alesich
Flute - Sankyo C foot Etude
Playing Level - Advanced
23-Jun-2007
Fingering - C foot   1 2 3 G# |     3 tr2 D# (split E)

Note(s) - E7

Piece of music - Septet by Thierry Tidro

This fingering is the easiest for sounding E7 in this piece and also gives the greatest possibilities for adjustment of intonation.

Anna
Flute - Bundy?
Playing Level - Beginner
21-Jul-2007
My husband, knowing how much I love flute music, bought me a used one. :) I am looking forward to learning how to play with you all here. I play a little keyboard and guitar (taught myself both), and hope to be able to play my "new flute" soon! Thank you for having this site for me! Blessings!
Nicole Alesich
Flute - Sankyo Etude
Playing Level - Advanced
28-Jul-2007
Fingering - C foot Th   2 3   | 1 2   tr1 (split E)

Note(s) - E5

Piece of music - Prokofiev Sonata

This fingering is very hard to play since the C#5 minima is so strong and close to E5.

Nicole Alesich
Flute - Sankyo Etude
Playing Level - Advanced
28-Jul-2007
Fingering - C foot Th 1 2     | 1   3 (split E)

Note(s) - A5

Piece of music - Franck Sonata Movement 1

Use this fingering to get a darker and a more stable pianissimo A5 for the final note of this movement.

Nicole Alesich
Flute - Sankyo Etude
Playing Level - Advanced
28-Jul-2007
Fingering - C foot Th 1   3   |     3 C (split E)

Note(s) - B5

Piece of music - Franck Sonata Movement 1

Use this fingering to get a darker and a more stable pianissimo B5 for the 2nd last note of this movement.

Yva
Flute - Tom Green 68
Playing Level - Professional
5-Oct-2007
I love this reference! What an excellent tool! But I must agree with Darren Cook and think you ought to check out flutes with C# trill keys to include in the reference. They really are becoming more common these days.
I, too, would love to see a piccolo chart!
Thanks!
Allyra
Flute - Yamaha YFL 281RBI
Playing Level - Intermediate
16-Jul-2008
This is fantastic resource. You should be proud of everything you have achieved. Thank you
joe pepe
Flute - artley 18-0
Playing Level - Beginner
17-Aug-2008
Fingering - C foot Th 1 2 3 G# | 1 2 3 (split E)

Note(s) - G#4

i came across this fingering one morning while i was practicing. has a crisp high pitch to it, but isnt over bearingly high.

Sarah
Flute - artley 18-0
Playing Level - Intermediate
27-Nov-2008
Fingering - B foot Th 1 2 3   |   2 3 (split E)

Note(s) - F#4

Piece of music - African bell carol

Sounds really pretty

Elizabeth Allen
Flute - Buffet-
Playing Level - Advanced
6-Feb-2009
Fingering - B foot BbTh   2 3   | 1 2 3 (split E)

Note(s) - D5

Piece of music - Silver Eagle

i hated this piece of music at first, but after a while I finally got used to it. thanks to ya'll.

Thank you!

Rockstarbabu
Flute - hero hond
Playing Level - Intermediate
19-Sep-2009
hi every body i really need this types articles the all information is really very useful for every one thanks for share it .
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Rockstarbabu
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mls listings
danie53595
Flute - hero hond
Playing Level - Intermediate
19-Mar-2010
Thanks for sharing this post. This is a very helpful and informative material. Good post and keep it up. Websites are always helpful in one way or the other, that’s cool stuff, anyways, a good way to get started to renovate your dreams into the world of reality.I will write more in detail after my mcp very soon. Thanks!
Diane
Flute - Pearl
Playing Level - Advanced
20-Jan-2012
This is a fantastic resource. Well done to all involved. I would love to see a clarinet version.
Richard Barrett
Flute - -
Playing Level - Composer
9-Feb-2012
Brilliant work here and very useful indeed. I'm surprised though that none of the comments seem to mention open-hole flutes. Expanding the repertoire of fingerings to include half-hole possibilities would be even more useful, especially for microtonal composition, and while I'm here it might then also be useful to make the indications of intonation more precise than to the nearest 5 cents. Still I'm very grateful for what you've done here and the site will be acknowledged on the score of the solo flute composition I'm working on.
Dan
Flute - Muramtsu EX C foot
Playing Level - Intermediate
30-Sep-2014
Fingering - C foot BbTh 1   3   |     3 tr1 (split E)

Note(s) - A#6

This is how Pahud is playing A#6
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XMCxcnzhsA

Marc
Flute - Muramatsu DN
Playing Level - Advanced
11-May-2015
Piece of music - Lookout - Robert Dick

This website is absolutely fantastic. Many thanks !!

Mike Barbour
Flute - Azumi 3, Gemeinhardt 50th Anniversary Model (hand made)
Playing Level - Professional
22-May-2019
I read a comment about split E and a flute either having it or not having it. Many manufacturers today do a make a split E that can be turned on ot off by the use of a small lever next to it. So, I just wanted to clear that up because it is available on several models now.


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