Eight-keyed flute little finger position?

[tstermitz]

On my 1850 flute Firth & Pond, I did not find the C & C# easy to play at first, although they are now coming along. For that matter, the D note was slightly harder to seal when compared with other flutes, perhaps due to the hole’s size or its location being a little lower down; not sure why.

(1) Breath control is harder the lower you go.

(2) If the right ring finger moves ever so slightly, you lose the C notes. Sealing the D hole takes some practice. I notice in Jem’s video that his right ring finger moves a little when he reaches for the C, despite which he successfully plays the C notes.

(3) Maybe the Eb key doesn’t seal properly - pad or spring issue. Try a rubber band on that key to verify.

[jemtheflute]

@tstermitz

(2) If the right ring finger moves ever so slightly, you lose the C notes. Sealing the D hole takes some practice. I notice in Jem’s video that his right ring finger moves a little when he reaches for the C, despite which he successfully plays the C notes.

That’s the E hole, closed by R3 to give D. Tone-holes are named for the note they give voice to when they are open, defining the tube length/pitch. One cannot avoid the ring finger moving somewhat as you operate the foot keys, as you observe in my videos, but it is possible to keep the E hole sealed nonetheless. You just have to work out how for yourself with your hand on your particular flute.