Flute Fingering Chart

Flute Fingering Chart Image (PRINTABLE)

High-quality fingering chart perfect for practice and reference. Download PDF

BEGINNER FLUTE FINGERING CHART

(Standard Flute | C4-C6 Range)

1. Basic Fingerings & Note Chart

Note	Left Hand	Right Hand	Fingering Description	Octave
C	Thumb + 1, 2, 3	1, 2, 3, 4	All fingers down (except L4)	C4, C5, C6
D	Thumb + 1, 2, 3	1, 2	Left 3 fingers, right 2 fingers	D4, D5
E	Thumb + 1, 2, 3	1	Left 3 fingers, right 1 finger	E4, E5
F	Thumb + 1, 2, 3	—	Left 3 fingers only	F4, F5
G	Thumb + 1, 2	—	Left 2 fingers only	G4, G5
A	Thumb + 1	—	Left thumb + index finger	A4, A5
B	Thumb + 2	—	Left thumb + middle finger	B4, B5
C♯/D♭	Thumb + 1, 2, 3	1, 2, 3	Left 3 fingers, right 3 fingers	C♯4, C♯5
E♭	Thumb + 1, 2, 3	1, 2, 3	Left 3 fingers, right 3 fingers	E♭4, E♭5
F♯/G♭	Thumb + 1, 2	1	Left 2 fingers, right 1 finger	F♯4, F♯5

Tip: Left hand fingers: 1=index, 2=middle, 3=ring, 4=pinky. Right hand fingers: 1=index, 2=middle, 3=ring, 4=pinky. Thumb = left thumb key. Cover tone holes completely for clear sound.

2. Essential Beginner Scales

(Practice these scales daily to build finger dexterity and muscle memory)

3. Simple Practice Melodies

(Great for beginners to practice fingerings and rhythm!)

4. Fingering Tips for Beginners

Understanding the Flute Fingering

Flute Anatomy and Parts

Before learning fingerings, familiarize yourself with the flute's components and how they work together to produce sound.

Key Components:

• Headjoint: Contains the embouchure hole where you blow
• Body: Main section with most keys and tone holes
• Footjoint: Lower section with keys for low notes
• Embouchure Hole: Where air is directed to create sound
• Lip Plate: Curved plate that rests against your lower lip
• Keys and Pads: Cover tone holes to change pitch
• Crown: Top cap of headjoint for tuning adjustments

How the Flute Works

The flute produces sound when air flows across the embouchure hole, creating vibrations. Pressing different key combinations opens and closes tone holes, changing the effective length of the air column and producing different pitches.

Understanding Musical Notes

Musical notes are organized in a specific pattern. Understanding this pattern is crucial for reading music and learning fingerings.

Want a deeper primer? Read our Music Notes Guide for beginners.

The Musical Alphabet:

Musical notes use the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, then repeat.

• Natural Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B
• Sharp (♯): Raises a note by one half step (e.g., C♯)
• Flat (♭): Lowers a note by one half step (e.g., B♭)

Half Steps and Whole Steps

Understanding the distance between notes is essential for learning scales and fingering patterns.

A half step is the smallest distance between two notes. A whole step equals two half steps.

Flute Range and Registers

The flute has a range from C4-D7. For beginners, focus on the comfortable middle range: C4-C6.

Common Flute Fingering Patterns Chart

Here are fundamental fingering patterns to get you started. Mastering these will build a solid foundation. For comprehensive fingering techniques and advanced patterns, explore our detailed Complete Flute Fingering Guide.

How to Hold the Flute Correctly

Proper flute holding technique is crucial for developing good tone, technique, and preventing fatigue. The flute is held horizontally to the right side of your body.

For a comprehensive guide on proper flute holding technique, posture, and advanced positioning methods, check out our detailed Complete Flute Fingering Guide article.

Key points for proper flute holding technique:

• Left Hand Position: Left hand index finger supports the flute at the balance point, thumb rests under the first key
• Right Hand Position: Right thumb supports underneath, fingers curve naturally over keys
• Embouchure Placement: Lip plate rests on chin, embouchure hole aligns with center of lips
• Flute Angle: Hold horizontally to the right, slightly downward angle (about 5-10 degrees)
• Posture: Sit or stand up straight with shoulders relaxed and level
• Arms: Elbows slightly away from body, wrists relatively straight and relaxed

How to Learn to Play the Flute

For comprehensive guidance on flute fundamentals, embouchure, breathing, and step-by-step learning, check out our detailed Complete Flute Fingering Guide.

• Start with basics: Learn proper posture, hand position, and sound production
• Practice scales: Build finger dexterity and note recognition
• Use this chart: Reference fingerings until they become automatic
• Play simple melodies: Apply fingerings in musical context
• Listen actively: Study professional recordings
• Be patient: Consistent daily practice yields best results
• Find a teacher: Professional guidance accelerates progress

Best Beginner Flute Brands and Models

Quality student instruments from trusted manufacturers make learning easier and more enjoyable:

• Yamaha YFL-222
• Jupiter JFL700
• Gemeinhardt 2SP
• Pearl PF505E

Always try instruments in person when possible, preferably with guidance from a teacher or experienced player.

Practice Tips

• Focus on proper embouchure formation - direct air across the hole, not into it
• Practice long tones to develop clear, steady sound production
• Work on smooth finger transitions between notes
• Use a mirror to check head and hand position
• Practice assembling and disassembling the instrument carefully

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Blowing too hard - flutes need focused air stream, not force
• Incorrect hand position - wrists should be relatively straight
• Rolling the headjoint too far in or out
• Not supporting the flute properly with left index finger and right thumb
• Neglecting to cover tone holes completely