Thank you for sharing this. I’m at the beginning stages with my Stellar Flute in the key of G. I’m having difficulties with finger placement on the bottom hole. I’m working on it, and practicing every day, so seeing your different finger placements is helpful.
Thank You! I think my pauses for "breath" were pretty obvious. On the very first slow one... I paused after the highest note, took a breath and played back down the scale. On the faster ones.... I didn't take a breath between any of it... that was all one breath for me... on this flute. The Flute , and what you are playing will dictate when you may need to build in that "pause" in your playing to take a breath. Thanks again....and I hope my explanation helps. (I will think about adding another video....on Breathing Technique.)
Great advice about starting on a different not from the flute’s key. Our ears naturally remember the first note and assume it’s the key center. Wherever you start on the song’s journey, our ears like it when we return (resolve a phrase or end the song) by returning to where we started. In a way, we are all snake charmers. We set the tone and the listener is mesmerized by it. 😀
Thanks for watching...and for your comments. Yes, we can all take our listeners on a journey with our flutes. Glad you liked the Tutorial and found it insightful.
Yes Brent. I do move the bird slightly until I get the best sound. Especially on the hike next to lowest. That is the tough one. I move the bird and play the minor scale until I feel it sound just right.
I do those exercises as a warm-up and to remind me of the possibilities in creating songs. I find all of it fun. Just creating joyous noises is fun. Imitating birds. All fun. Heck, I love just holding some of my flutes. Thank you for the concise review for new flute players. I will forward this to my sister-in-law who got her first flute on Christmas and is ready to move beyond the basic pentatonic scale. I will be sure to contact you when I hit my next roadblock. Thanks again!!
@@GKJurrens I'm glad that you can make the room that you need for your flutes..... luckily, they don't take up that much space. That is part of the reason they are so attractive to me. They are so easy to take anywhere with you.
Love the sound on this flute!! Hoping to discover the key of this as i am about to make a purchase. This is my favorite sounding one out of like, 10 different videos ive watched but this one doesn't show the key
This particular NAS Flute is in the key of "G#" in the 4th octave on a piano...or "G#4" . It is made from ReClaimed Eastern Red Aromatic Cedar. It is also a pretty "clear" sounding flute. That has to do more with how the flute is made & the Flute Maker than the key. This is a Modern NAS Flute that I made. Thank You!
Hi Brent, Finally, thanks to your video I will be getting past the problems I encountered learning to play the flute. You have pointed the missing links I needed so badly.
Thank you so much for your comment! This is why I have done these tutorials. I'm so glad to hear that it is helping you with your playing. Flute On, my friend!
Am I the only one, maybe? Unlike all your wonderful song videos, I had trouble hearing the audio on this and your drone flute comparison video, Brent. Keep 'em coming! Your videos are awesome. And yes, like others I'm sure, I am plagued with flute envy!
The volume level is just what came from my camera. My voice is lower than the flute..... sorry about the difference, but I didn't want the flute sound to start distorting. Many of the flute that I own.... I have made or I have found many used at much lower prices than purchasing them new.
Thank you so much!! I’m fairly new at this, and I love the Native American style flute! I do want to constantly get better and this gave me a number of ways to help achieve my desire! Louise J
Ok Brent, I tried your exercise. I did it in front of a mirror. Covered all five holes, etc. I was squeaking like crazy with the burst of air on raising the finger on the last hole & two fingers on the next hole up. And a few minutes of frustration doing this, on two different flutes, a light bulb went off. I am using too much air on those last two holes. I am trying to project too much sound from those two lower note holes. They need to be played very softly. I have to work on my breath control on those two holes. But I am doing much better. Your exercise helped me to realize this. Thank you so much. Made a mistake on one or two flutes. My first flute was an walnut ‘G’ from Appalachian Flutes. My cheaper flute bought off Esty. I have a Maple high ‘F#’ and a mid range Spanish Cedar ‘F#’ from High Spirits Flutes. I have a Purpleheart high ‘B’ from Marvin Yazzi. And I have an American Cherry mid ‘F#’ with wet out protection, and a low Zebrawood ‘E’ from Ancient Territories (John Stillwell). We could do the phone thing. A zoom would be better. I could do it on my laptop. Thank you wanting to help me. I do want to improve. I love these flutes, since the first time I heard one. Any other suggestions about good flutes & flute makers would be appreciated. Thank you so much for getting back to me and your help. I am going to watch more of your videos. Keep up the great work. Sincerely, Bob
This is GREAT news....... now... I also want you to look carefully at the block and its relationship to that square hole.... the "True Sound Hole". I want you to move the block so that you can see a little strip of wood at the end of the block...just between the block and the "TSH". Maybe a dime's thickness...not much. Try moving the block toward the finger holes very slightly...then a tiny bit more... a tiny bit more, etc. Try to find the "sweet spot" where it gives the best performance for you at this time. That might change over time and from flute to flute. Let me know how this works...... does it help? Moving the block to match the edge of the "TSH" ... or hanging slightly over it can definitely cause some problems with jumping to that higher octave note.... or "overblowing" too easily. ... and YES! the lowest note in particular does require the least amount of air.... but it shouldn't be "that touchy" on most flutes.
Here is a Flute Comparison that I did (I have 21 other ones also... but this covers a lot of different Flute Makers in price order. This represents what I have found that work for me and my playing style. (I did have to make some adjustments on the first one in this comparison to get it to play correctly "in tune"... it was quite a bit off when I got it) th-cam.com/video/XGGIbiSuk7c/w-d-xo.html
Brent, Thanks so much for the response. The problem I mentioned seems to be in mostly all my flutes, especially my mid range like my G & F#, and my low E. If I am coming down from the higher notes to the lower notes, it usually isn’t a problem. If I go to hit those lower two notes specifically, especially if I want to staccato them, not happening. They don’t squeak. I barely get the notes out. It drops off. Or I cannot find the note at all. Sound mostly like air being released. I am watching my breathing. More breath on higher notes, less on the lower notes. I feel I have all the finger holes covered.
Try covering all the holes (or the first 5 holes) making sure the fingers are centered over on the holes...then bring the flute up to your lips, and breath into the flute......then try it with a slight "burst" of air (tonguing the note). Practice this until you can get those two note every time...the first time. You didn't mention what flutes you are using. Are they all from the same Flute Maker? Who made them? Thanks again...and I hope this will help solve the problem.
Brent, nice video with some great recommendations. I wish I had this when I was trying to teach the several groups of senior citizens and a couple groups of 5th grade students how to play. A few of them "caught on" and continue to play, but I'll bet more would have it I had this video back then. Anyway, taught me a couple of things too.
I am trying your exercise covering all the holes and making sure my fingers are centered. I bring it up to my mouth and just play the note long and steady. Once I try raising the finger off the bottom home and do the burst of air, I am actually getting so much squeaking. The same when I lift two fingers off from the bottom. I am looking at my fingering in the mirror too. I have a ‘G’ (my first flute) from Apelecian Flutes made of Walnut. My beginner cheap flute. I have a Maple high F# & Mid range Spanish Cedar F# from High Spirits. I have a Bb from Marvin Yazzi made from Purpleheart. And a mid range American Cedar F# & low Zebrawood ‘E’ from Ancient Territories (John Stillwell)
If you would be up for a video chat if you have a "smart phone" I'd more than happy to do a little "on-line" session with you. There are so many things to go over when someone is struggling...this might help. What do you think? You could share your phone number here...then we could delete it as soon as I get it. Let me know if you'd like to give that a try, my friend. I'd love to see if I can help.
Do you believe it is possible to play Native American flute music using a Chinese Dong Xiao in the key of G? The techniques are very similar (slides & flutters.)
Thanks for watching! Can you play Native American Flute Music on a Xiao? Sure. You can any kind of Music on any kind of an instrument. However...the Xiao does not sound the same as a Native American Style Flute. The Native American Style Flute is a very unique type of flute having a Slow Air Chamber (in most cases). That and the fipple & block design combine to give it the unique sound. My understanding is that it is the only type of flute that has these design features. It is also a much more limited flute in its range...having about 1 1/3 octave range. I play quite a few styles of Music on my NAS Flutes. Ambient, Blues, Rock (of a few types) and a little Pop style Music. I very rarely play any true Native American Music.....I tend to like more Modern Music Styles....and don't want folks to think that I am of Native American Heritage when I am NOT! Sorry this was so lengthy....
Hello Brent, Thank you for all the tips on the flute playing. You have given me some ideas to try some new exercises so not to get in that slump in my playing. My one major problem is hitting those two lowest notes (5 & 6 holes all covered), when I need just “them.” I play them find when coming down leading into them, but if I just want to hit those two notes, I struggle. Any suggestions? Thanks, Bob
Thank you very much Bob! Regarding playing the lowest notes...I'm guessing... without "squeaking", or without breaking to the next octave. (You mentioned a "problem" , but not what the problem was). What is the flute(s) that you are experiencing this problem with? All flutes? Larger flutes only? Let's start with answers to those questions first.
How do you make different sounds with your mouth to make the notes sounds different. If you could make a video to how you are blowing each note for one song exercise to practice that would be helpful. Thank you! You play very nicely!
I have more tutorials after this one. Here is a link..."Beyond the Basics" Tutorials This is the first one in the series. Check the one for embellishments. That might help answer your question.
Thanks for watching! For the first NAS Flute, I would recommend a single. It is easier to handle....and teaching your fingers to be able to completely cover a the finger holes will be easier with fewer "squeeks".
Hi Tim, This is one of my "Brent Adams Flutes" in the key of "G#4" made of re-purposed Eastern Red Aromatic Cedar.... and the audio is just from my Nikon DSLR...not the best.
Great tips. I new playing the naf, and so far I am self taught
Thank you very much! ....and Enjoy your Journey!
Thanks❤❤❤❤
Thank YOU!
Thank you!!
Thank YOU Sue!
You are a great teacher! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Thank you so much! Good to hear that you have found this helpful.
Thanks!
Mode 4?! Grabs flute 🎶🎶🎶🎶🧙♂️🙏
My Pleasure, my Friend! Flute On!
Thank you for sharing this. I’m at the beginning stages with my Stellar Flute in the key of G. I’m having difficulties with finger placement on the bottom hole. I’m working on it, and practicing every day, so seeing your different finger placements is helpful.
Thank You! So pleased to know that you are finding this helpful.
Thanks mate. The only thing is missing in this great video is the breath during the exercise.
Thank You! I think my pauses for "breath" were pretty obvious. On the very first slow one... I paused after the highest note, took a breath and played back down the scale. On the faster ones.... I didn't take a breath between any of it... that was all one breath for me... on this flute. The Flute , and what you are playing will dictate when you may need to build in that "pause" in your playing to take a breath. Thanks again....and I hope my explanation helps. (I will think about adding another video....on Breathing Technique.)
thank you very much brent! amazing greetings from belgium
My pleasure! Glad to be of some help!
Thank you for your help.
A Pleasure!
I'm glad I noticed this in your reply to someone else on the Enthusiasts group on FB. Nice to see you Brent.
Thank you so much Jeff!
Excellent advice
Thanks so much Gerard!
Nice work, good video, welcome the motivation. Go well Black Peace Eagle
Thank You!
Thank you🙏❤
Thank you for watching! .. and for your comment.
Great advice about starting on a different not from the flute’s key. Our ears naturally remember the first note and assume it’s the key center. Wherever you start on the song’s journey, our ears like it when we return (resolve a phrase or end the song) by returning to where we started. In a way, we are all snake charmers. We set the tone and the listener is mesmerized by it. 😀
Thanks for watching...and for your comments. Yes, we can all take our listeners on a journey with our flutes. Glad you liked the Tutorial and found it insightful.
Thanks for the lesson, this was great and I can feel it improving my playing already!
Your comment makes all of this feel very worthwhile for me. Thank You, and Flute On my Friend!
Yes Brent. I do move the bird slightly until I get the best sound. Especially on the hike next to lowest. That is the tough one.
I move the bird and play the minor scale until I feel it sound just right.
I do those exercises as a warm-up and to remind me of the possibilities in creating songs. I find all of it fun. Just creating joyous noises is fun. Imitating birds. All fun. Heck, I love just holding some of my flutes. Thank you for the concise review for new flute players. I will forward this to my sister-in-law who got her first flute on Christmas and is ready to move beyond the basic pentatonic scale. I will be sure to contact you when I hit my next roadblock. Thanks again!!
Thank you very much!
Breathing is important. One Breath Solo!
Nice suggestion! Thank you!
I tought that I had many flutes but when I look around in your room......... Nice explaning greetings from A flute player from Holland
Glad you liked the instruction video! You can never have too many flutes! LOL! Blessings Always....
Unless you live in a 43' bus, Brent! I still make room for a dozen or so, of course!
@@GKJurrens I'm glad that you can make the room that you need for your flutes..... luckily, they don't take up that much space. That is part of the reason they are so attractive to me. They are so easy to take anywhere with you.
Love the sound on this flute!! Hoping to discover the key of this as i am about to make a purchase.
This is my favorite sounding one out of like, 10 different videos ive watched but this one doesn't show the key
This particular NAS Flute is in the key of "G#" in the 4th octave on a piano...or "G#4" . It is made from ReClaimed Eastern Red Aromatic Cedar. It is also a pretty "clear" sounding flute. That has to do more with how the flute is made & the Flute Maker than the key. This is a Modern NAS Flute that I made. Thank You!
@@BrentAdams hey, thanks for letting me know so quickly!
I would love to buy a flute from you, is this one for sale?
@@disherofpain contact me here....
brent.a.adams53@gmail.com
Hi Brent,
Finally, thanks to your video I will be getting past the problems I encountered learning to play the flute. You have pointed the missing links I needed so badly.
Thank you so much for your comment! This is why I have done these tutorials. I'm so glad to hear that it is helping you with your playing. Flute On, my friend!
Am I the only one, maybe? Unlike all your wonderful song videos, I had trouble hearing the audio on this and your drone flute comparison video, Brent. Keep 'em coming! Your videos are awesome. And yes, like others I'm sure, I am plagued with flute envy!
The volume level is just what came from my camera. My voice is lower than the flute..... sorry about the difference, but I didn't want the flute sound to start distorting. Many of the flute that I own.... I have made or I have found many used at much lower prices than purchasing them new.
Thank you so much!! I’m fairly new at this, and I love the Native American style flute! I do want to constantly get better and this gave me a number of ways to help achieve my desire! Louise J
Thanks so much for your comments. I'm very happy to know this has helped you. Check out the other Tutorials that I have, later on as well.
Lovely instructional video Brent and the sound on your recent videos is awesome. Thank you for your efforts mate
Thank you so very much!
Thanks for the advice!
Hope that you and others can take something from this and enjoy an improvement in your playing. We can always be learning and improving.
Great video Brent very helpful.
Thank you so much! Glad to know it helped. Flute On!
Ok Brent,
I tried your exercise. I did it in front of a mirror. Covered all five holes, etc. I was squeaking like crazy with the burst of air on raising the finger on the last hole & two fingers on the next hole up. And a few minutes of frustration doing this, on two different flutes, a light bulb went off. I am using too much air on those last two holes. I am trying to project too much sound from those two lower note holes. They need to be played very softly. I have to work on my breath control on those two holes. But I am doing much better. Your exercise helped me to realize this. Thank you so much.
Made a mistake on one or two flutes.
My first flute was an walnut ‘G’ from Appalachian Flutes. My cheaper flute bought off Esty.
I have a Maple high ‘F#’ and a mid range Spanish Cedar ‘F#’ from High Spirits Flutes.
I have a Purpleheart high ‘B’ from Marvin Yazzi.
And I have an American Cherry mid ‘F#’ with wet out protection, and a low Zebrawood ‘E’ from Ancient Territories (John Stillwell).
We could do the phone thing. A zoom would be better. I could do it on my laptop. Thank you wanting to help me. I do want to improve. I love these flutes, since the first time I heard one.
Any other suggestions about good flutes & flute makers would be appreciated.
Thank you so much for getting back to me and your help. I am going to watch more of your videos. Keep up the great work.
Sincerely,
Bob
This is GREAT news....... now... I also want you to look carefully at the block and its relationship to that square hole.... the "True Sound Hole". I want you to move the block so that you can see a little strip of wood at the end of the block...just between the block and the "TSH". Maybe a dime's thickness...not much. Try moving the block toward the finger holes very slightly...then a tiny bit more... a tiny bit more, etc. Try to find the "sweet spot" where it gives the best performance for you at this time. That might change over time and from flute to flute. Let me know how this works...... does it help? Moving the block to match the edge of the "TSH" ... or hanging slightly over it can definitely cause some problems with jumping to that higher octave note.... or "overblowing" too easily. ... and YES! the lowest note in particular does require the least amount of air.... but it shouldn't be "that touchy" on most flutes.
Here is a Flute Comparison that I did (I have 21 other ones also... but this covers a lot of different Flute Makers in price order. This represents what I have found that work for me and my playing style. (I did have to make some adjustments on the first one in this comparison to get it to play correctly "in tune"... it was quite a bit off when I got it)
th-cam.com/video/XGGIbiSuk7c/w-d-xo.html
That was indeed very helpful! Thank you! And happy Thanksgiving
Thank you Tom. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours....
Thanks for the tips. It will be helpful in improving my journey with the Native American flute.
I'm glad that you are finding it helpful. Enjoy the Journey.
Brent,
Thanks so much for the response. The problem I mentioned seems to be in mostly all my flutes, especially my mid range like my G & F#, and my low E.
If I am coming down from the higher notes to the lower notes, it usually isn’t a problem. If I go to hit those lower two notes specifically, especially if I want to staccato them, not happening. They don’t squeak. I barely get the notes out. It drops off. Or I cannot find the note at all. Sound mostly like air being released.
I am watching my breathing. More breath on higher notes, less on the lower notes. I feel I have all the finger holes covered.
Try covering all the holes (or the first 5 holes) making sure the fingers are centered over on the holes...then bring the flute up to your lips, and breath into the flute......then try it with a slight "burst" of air (tonguing the note). Practice this until you can get those two note every time...the first time. You didn't mention what flutes you are using. Are they all from the same Flute Maker? Who made them? Thanks again...and I hope this will help solve the problem.
Great job buddy learned alot
Thanks! I'm glad you found things to help you along your Flute Journey.
Brent, nice video with some great recommendations. I wish I had this when I was trying to teach the several groups of senior citizens and a couple groups of 5th grade students how to play. A few of them "caught on" and continue to play, but I'll bet more would have it I had this video back then. Anyway, taught me a couple of things too.
Thank you John. I'm honored that you found this helpful.
I am trying your exercise covering all the holes and making sure my fingers are centered. I bring it up to my mouth and just play the note long and steady. Once I try raising the finger off the bottom home and do the burst of air, I am actually getting so much squeaking. The same when I lift two fingers off from the bottom. I am looking at my fingering in the mirror too.
I have a ‘G’ (my first flute) from Apelecian Flutes made of Walnut. My beginner cheap flute.
I have a Maple high F# & Mid range Spanish Cedar F# from High Spirits.
I have a Bb from Marvin Yazzi made from Purpleheart.
And a mid range American Cedar F# & low Zebrawood ‘E’ from Ancient Territories (John Stillwell)
If you would be up for a video chat if you have a "smart phone" I'd more than happy to do a little "on-line" session with you. There are so many things to go over when someone is struggling...this might help. What do you think? You could share your phone number here...then we could delete it as soon as I get it. Let me know if you'd like to give that a try, my friend. I'd love to see if I can help.
Do you believe it is possible to play Native American flute music using a Chinese Dong Xiao in the key of G? The techniques are very similar (slides & flutters.)
Thanks for watching! Can you play Native American Flute Music on a Xiao? Sure. You can any kind of Music on any kind of an instrument. However...the Xiao does not sound the same as a Native American Style Flute. The Native American Style Flute is a very unique type of flute having a Slow Air Chamber (in most cases). That and the fipple & block design combine to give it the unique sound. My understanding is that it is the only type of flute that has these design features. It is also a much more limited flute in its range...having about 1 1/3 octave range. I play quite a few styles of Music on my NAS Flutes. Ambient, Blues, Rock (of a few types) and a little Pop style Music. I very rarely play any true Native American Music.....I tend to like more Modern Music Styles....and don't want folks to think that I am of Native American Heritage when I am NOT! Sorry this was so lengthy....
Hello Brent,
Thank you for all the tips on the flute playing. You have given me some ideas to try some new exercises so not to get in that slump in my playing.
My one major problem is hitting those two lowest notes (5 & 6 holes all covered), when I need just “them.” I play them find when coming down leading into them, but if I just want to hit those two notes, I struggle. Any suggestions? Thanks, Bob
Thank you very much Bob! Regarding playing the lowest notes...I'm guessing... without "squeaking", or without breaking to the next octave. (You mentioned a "problem" , but not what the problem was). What is the flute(s) that you are experiencing this problem with? All flutes? Larger flutes only?
Let's start with answers to those questions first.
How do you make different sounds with your mouth to make the notes sounds different. If you could make a video to how you are blowing each note for one song exercise to practice that would be helpful. Thank you! You play very nicely!
I have more tutorials after this one. Here is a link..."Beyond the Basics" Tutorials
This is the first one in the series. Check the one for embellishments. That might help answer your question.
thnx for this.. would a drone flute be a decent choice for my 1st flute?
Thanks for watching! For the first NAS Flute, I would recommend a single. It is easier to handle....and teaching your fingers to be able to completely cover a the finger holes will be easier with fewer "squeeks".
@@BrentAdams Key of A or G?
@@1888CHAD8881 Either would be a good coice. I started with a "G". Most recommend an "A", but I think either would be fine.
Great video. Do you ever use several scales within the same song?
I have used a couple of different scales at times in one tune, yes, but usually I will stick to one.
What flute is that and what key?
Hi Tim, This is one of my "Brent Adams Flutes" in the key of "G#4" made of re-purposed Eastern Red Aromatic Cedar.... and the audio is just from my Nikon DSLR...not the best.
@@BrentAdams Sounds nice, almost looks like a Laughing Crow Flute! Are you making them only for personal use or are your flutes for sale?
@@Tim7-j3z I do make and sell flutes. You are welcome to contact me here...
adams1485@comcast.net