Closed Hole Flute vs Open Hole Flute Comparison

Join us as we discuss the differences and relevancy of open and closed hole flute configurations. We are often asked if it is "necessary" to have open hole keys on a flute. The short answer is it depends on the level you are playing at. Whilst the vast majority of pro players do use open hole it's also possible to play at that level with the closed hole system.
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[@LouisFrayser]

Thanks, especially for demonstrating some open-holed techniques.

[@andrewprzybyla8871]

Thank you for your insightful discussion on the difference of open and closed flutes.

[@stavrosk.2868]

For 95% of all amateurs, closed hole flutes are just fine.

[@LilyShimizu]

I’ve been playing my open hole flute for around 10 years (as a hobby, I’m barely a better player than when I graduated high school) and I still have never taken the plug out of my right ring finger key. For a while it was an issue but I’ve played it that way so long I kind of forget about it instead of trying without it now and then.

[@TheCynedd]

I have two open-hole flutes (which I love) that I play in my wind ensemble and in my church orchestra but I still love my 50-year-old closed hole that I call my "float-trip-flute."

[@OPTIONALWATCH]

I've been playing around since Christmas day 2019. I got mine as a gift. I have the open hole with the rubber plugs. I removed them and play without it. I think if you want to have the best of both worlds you should get the open hole flute, that way you can use it with the rubber plugs that can be easily removed and plugged back on. BTW, I'm having fun with my flute and can play tunes already. I have played for almost a month straight. I think I missed 2 days of practice between December 25 and Jan 19. I'm taking lessons from two great methods I bought on Amazon. One with a DVD and application and the other one with audio files. I also watch the youtube lessons online to get a different perspective.

[@laceyphillips8494]

Wow good on you I have a closed hole flute and I have had it for 4 years and I have been playing for 4 years in a couple weeks time I’m getting a new flute thank god any way good practicing to you

[@FD2003Abc]

Thanks! I am self-taught and tend to jazz/rick riff imitating Chris Wood (yeah like THAT is gonna happen). I had a decent student flute but the pads got too old and it was too expensive to re-pad. I bought the Amazin cheapo but the lower keys over time become unrespinsive and leaky. I am ready to put 200-300 (US) into a middling flute and at that price a lot of them are open hole. Based on this I will take the open hole plunge in the hopes of getting those glides I could never produce (lol)! This was 8 mins very well spent and I thank you again!

[@vintagehaynesflute]

I play a handmade closed hole flute by Wm S Haynes. Marcel Moyse played a Couneson closed hole flute with an offset G.

[@sherrylessen]

What about playing jazz flute is it better closed or open

[@loveforeignaccents]

Can you help? My niece wants one for Christmas, and I saw one for a good price, but it's advertised as a 16-key open/closed flute... so not open, not closed, but "open/closed".

[@roydiga2669]

What brand of flute are you using and model?

[@dawkesmusic]

In this video we were using Windcraft Flutes. The open hole version is available here: www.dawkes.co.uk/windcraft-wfl-300-open-hole-flute-in-c/15600

[@grekori748]

I am thinking to get the Pearl Dolce Series Flute Model 695
Forza Headjoint
Offset G; split E mechanism; C# trill key; D# roller
Any advice?

[@mrsandroks]

Open holes flute is my choice.

[@Annederthesun]

Which is easier to play? I play piano better than flute, but I also play open hole flute. However, I find it tiring to play open hole flute. Is closed hole better?

[@joejoejoe532]

Short answer:There isn't enough to difference functionally between open and closed hole flutes to make or the other significantly easier to play for MOST forms of repertoire. There are also other factors (weight of flute, C/B foot joint, key shapes, metal used) that affects comfort in playing at least as much as holes in the keys. Try BOTH open and closed flutes and see what works for you!
Long answer:
An open hole flute demands a more perfect finger positioning in the right hand: this is mostly relevant in the Low C#, C, and B (if B foot joint) where pinkie stretch is more likely to cause the other fingers of the right hand to bend and leak the hole.
For notes above low c, the functional difference between Open and Closed Hole is negligible. The MAIN functional difference is that open hole flutes have *limited* ability to bend some notes (a slight glissando of sorts), which for most "mainstream" repertoire is not relevant.
It is worthy to note that even to play closed hole flute, a closed holed flute does not give a flutist "permission" to slack in good finger position, so you'll still have to reckon with that.
An experienced flute player seeking a new flute would place the sound of the flute and their natural affinity with instrument above all other details: essentially, if you try a bunch of flutes and you play best on a closed hole flute, then that is what you ought to pick. Same for open -hole.
The one advantage beyond that I can see is that playing open hole flute is that it makes a transition to simple-system flutes easier (flutes with holes like baroque flutes, romantic flutes, Irish flutes) if that is something you ever want to try if you haven't already.

[@ritchiecole4193]

Yooooo 300th like

[@deegee1317]

So why not just purchase an open hole flute and plugs, and treat it as a student flute?