The basic scale of the Irish flute is D, while the Boehm flute is C. Differences in Playing and Technique FingeringĪs a result of the difference in key systems, the fingering used to play the two flutes differs slightly. On keyed Irish flutes, you don’t need to hold down the Eb key with your little finger either. You should also note there is no thumb key on an Irish flute. It may take a small amount of adjusting to get used to covering them completely with just your fingers. Simple system flutes also use open holes. In other words, wooden flutes have significantly fewer keys, or none at all. Irish flutes are based on the simple system flute, while classical flutes, as you know, use the Boehm-system. For more information, have a read of my blog post on Traditional Irish Wooden Flute Tuning. You might also notice a difference in the internal tuning of the instrument. Overblowing is a common feature of traditional Irish flute playing. Don’t be afraid to blow a bit harder than you might be used to. It’s definitely a darker tone, with hints of overtones. It’s important to remember that the desired tone for the Irish flute is a bit different from the classical ideal.
Don’t be afraid to try different positions to see what works best for you! An easy way to achieve this is by positioning your lips and mouth in the same way you would to say ‘muh’ (as in M for music). I usually advise players to push their lower lip forward slightly. This might also require you to change the shape of your own embouchure (not the flute’s!). This offers a different level of responsiveness than a classical player might be used to, and can take some getting used to. Most wooden flutes also have an older style oval shaped embouchure. Irish flutes don’t feature a raised lip plate. The difference affects both the tone and the resistance of the flute. Classical flutes usually have cylindrical bores, while Irish flutes have conical shaped bores. Conical vs CylindricalĪnother difference between the two flutes is the shape of the bore. Wooden flutes offer a different tone and responsiveness to the silver flute, but you’ll soon get used to it. The traditional Irish flute is usually made from wood, while classical flutes are typically made from silver and other metals. Let’s start with the obvious ones… Wood vs Metal So what are these differences people keep warning you about? You’ll just need to make some slight adjustments.Īn unexpected bonus is that you’ll also have better posture than most traditional Irish musicians!
You’ve mastered your breathing, embouchure and fingering.
CLASSICAL FLUTE MUSIC HOW TO
You already know how to play the Boehm system flute. If you’re thinking about taking up the Irish flute and you’re already classically trained, much of that training will be an advantage to you.
So what are the similarities and differences between the classical flute and the Irish flute?
CLASSICAL FLUTE MUSIC PLUS
You’ll also learn about the different tonal qualities of the Irish flute, plus some tips and tricks to help you master the traditional Irish flute playing style.īy the time you’ve finished reading I hope I’ll have addressed any doubts you may have and you’ll feel able to embark on this exciting new musical journey with complete confidence. I’ll cover the similarities and differences between the classical flute and the Irish flute, and, you’ll discover the advantages of being classically trained before you switch. That’s why I’ve put together this blog post, filled with all the information you’ll need. However, there are a few important things you need to be aware of before you start. The good news is that it’s not a difficult transition at all. One of the questions I’m asked most frequently is “how difficult is it to switch from the classical flute to the Irish wooden flute?” So, I thought it was about time I gave you an answer. Switching from Classical Flute to Traditional Irish Flute