How to Get to the Bottom C on a Flute
The low C on the flute is middle C. For student model flutes without the B extension, this is the lowest pitch possible. Keeping a loose embouchure and steady airflow helps when trying to play this low pitch. Familiarity with the lowest pitches through consistent practice will improve your low range. Using proper posture, a solid embouchure and proper fingering, the low C will become much easier to play.
Step 1
Sit up straight or stand with your shoulders in a relaxed position. To achieve proper airflow, you must have good posture and take breaths into the diaphragm. Avoid the tendency to take shallow breaths that stop at the chest.
Step 2
Play an E above low C. Hold this note out for four beats.
Step 3
Play chromatically from E down to low C on whole notes. Use a fingering chart if you have trouble remembering the fingerings. Use a loose embouchure to allow the lips to vibrate slowly.
Step 4
Hold the low C for eight beats. Crescendo and then decrescendo on the C to gain familiarity with the pitch. The low C is fingered by pressing down all of the keys on the flute with the pink of the right hand depressing the D flat and C keys.
Practice daily; if you can only get down to a low D then stop there and try to go lower the next day. Eventually, you will be able to play the low C.
Cyberflute: Low C on flute [http://www.cyberflute.com/low-c-on-the-flute.html]
The Woodwind Fingering Guide: First Octave [http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/flute/fl_bas_1.html]
Step 1
Sit up straight or stand with your shoulders in a relaxed position. To achieve proper airflow, you must have good posture and take breaths into the diaphragm. Avoid the tendency to take shallow breaths that stop at the chest.
Step 2
Play an E above low C. Hold this note out for four beats.
Step 3
Play chromatically from E down to low C on whole notes. Use a fingering chart if you have trouble remembering the fingerings. Use a loose embouchure to allow the lips to vibrate slowly.
Step 4
Hold the low C for eight beats. Crescendo and then decrescendo on the C to gain familiarity with the pitch. The low C is fingered by pressing down all of the keys on the flute with the pink of the right hand depressing the D flat and C keys.
Tips
Practice daily; if you can only get down to a low D then stop there and try to go lower the next day. Eventually, you will be able to play the low C.
References
Cyberflute: Low C on flute [http://www.cyberflute.com/low-c-on-the-flute.html]
The Woodwind Fingering Guide: First Octave [http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/flute/fl_bas_1.html]
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