Topmusicanswers
The flute's range covers three octaves. As with most woodwind instruments the range also divides into three different registers. Its lowest note is Middle C on the piano or sometimes the B just below if the player has a longer foot joint. The flute does not transpose – the music sounds as written.
- What is the highest note a flute can play?
- How many notes can the flute play?
- How many octaves can be played on a bamboo flute?
- What is the comfortable range of a flute?
What is the highest note a flute can play?
The "official" highest note of a standard flute is the C 3 octaves above middle C (called "4th octave C" if counting from where the flute starts, "7th octave C" on the piano), but I sometimes get asked how to finger notes above it (e.g. when CUCOS played arrangements that seemed determined to push the flutes too high).
How many notes can the flute play?
If you have a regular (standard student classical flute) C flute with a C foot joint and you travel chromatically upward through the 3 full octaves you'll have 36 notes. If you have a B foot joint and use a few new fingerings to go above the 4th octave C, you'll have around 38 + notes.
How many octaves can be played on a bamboo flute?
Bansuri
| A 23-inch-long bansuri bamboo flute for concerts. | |
| Other names | Baanhi, Baashi, Bansi, Basari, Murali |
| Classification | woodwind instrument |
| Playing range | |
|---|---|
| 2.5 octaves (six-hole), 3 octaves (seven-hole) | |
What is the comfortable range of a flute?
Comfortable for flute for players of that standard: from D above middle C to the F three lines above the stave. Some players will be happy up to G and A, but not all are! The most comfortable range within that, and for that ensemble, would be from the C above middle C upwards.
