Though it is a prime choice in Indian classical music, this alluring instrument has become increasingly popular in Western music, too.

While we have a few guides already on our blog about clarinets, we’re yet to discuss what to do once you actually have one! So, in this guide, we’ll discuss our top picks of easy clarinet songs that are great to add to your repertoire.

A member of the woodwind family, flutes are one of the oldest instruments in the world. They’re a popular part of any orchestral ensemble and are ideal for players of all different sizes and abilities which is, perhaps, why many musicians started playing the flute at a young age!

Despite its dark and distinctive tone, the contrabass flute is actually quite difficult to play as it requires a greater volume of air to play than the standard concert, meaning it’s more suited to intermediate and professional players who have honed their breath control skills.

Flutes date back to the 16th century, and now they’re seen in all kinds of ensembles, from jazz bands to flute choirs. There are many different types of flutes that make it a versatile instrument for these various applications; aside from the popular concert flute, we have a curved head concert flute and the lesser-known Bansuri flute, among many more.

The panpipes, also known as pan flutes, were developed in Greece and have a rich history that dates back centuries. Named after the Greek god ‘Pan’, the patron of nature, these unique musical instruments exude a beautiful, haunting sound.

Its robust nickel-silver body is built to endure the test of time and regular usage, allowing you to practise your way to playing perfection. Renowned for its sound quality, the YFL212 boasts of a double flare taper that facilitates a quick response across a variety of tonal registers.

Tuned to C, the concert flute has a range of three octaves (C4 – C7). They suit a wide variety of playing genres, from pop to classical. and many well-known bands and artists, such as Men at Work and Focus have also previously incorporated flutes into their music. Plus, as this is the standard size of flute, it’s great for flautists of any ability level.

The beauty of the harmonica is that it’s easy to practise with – it’s about the size of your hand and you can pick it up and take it with you anywhere. But the techniques can take time to master – which is why we’re here to teach you how to play the harmonica.

The curved head convert flute is similar to the concert but, instead of a straight head joint, it features a – you guessed it – curved head joint. This allows you to easily reach the keys, making it ideal for smaller players. Due to its smaller sizing and easy playability, the curved-head concert flute is popular with younger players just starting out.

Firstly, keeping your flute protected is a must and it’s best to invest in a soft case like the Gator Adagio Series EPS Lightweight Case for Flute. This ensures that your flute will withstand transportation between rehearsal and performance, protecting against any bumps or scrapes.

When your instrument has been successfully cleaned, it’s also worth investing in a dryer pad. Something like the BG Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon and Oboe Pad Dryer is a great way to add the finishing sparkle to your flute, with a lint-free construction to minimise dust and debris on your instrument.

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Alto flutes can be crafted from various materials, including nickel silver or pure silver, each contributing to the instrument’s unique tonal quality. The alto’s range extends from G3 to G6, with an altissimo register reaching up to Db7. This range offers a world of expression for the player, from deep, resonant lows to soaring highs.

Flutes are played horizontally, making them transverse instruments, and are usually constructed from metal… usually – they can be made of wood or bone!

FluteMain FeaturesOur Recommendation ConcertThe most widely used flute, this flute is tuned to the key of C and is perfect for use in jazz bands, marching bands, and flute ensembles.Yamaha YFL212 Student Model Flute Curved head concertThis flute is also tuned to C, but this time it has a curved head, which is perfect for smaller players.Curved Head Student Flute by Gear4music PiccoloOne of the smallest flutes, this is half the size of a concert flute and is tuned to the key of C. However, it plays an octave above the standard concert flute.Student Piccolo by Gear4music Open hole concert variantsBetter suited to experienced players due to the open hole feature. This is the perfect flute for players looking to apply extended techniques.Powell Sonaré 101 Series Flute, Open Hole AltoProvides a rich and mellow tone and uses the same finger placing as a C flute, but is tuned to G.Pearl PFA-201ESU Alto Flute with Curved & Straight Headjoints BassTuned to the key of C, the Bass flute had a soft dynamic range, suited to small ensembles and choirs.Trevor James Performer Bass Flute, Silver Lip & Riser ContrabassIdeal for flute ensembles, this flute is tuned to the key of C and is better suited to experienced players as it needs more air to be played. Subcontrabass Like the contrabass, this flute is perfect for flute ensembles and is one of the largest flutes, measuring over 4.6 m long. Double contrabassThis is the second-lowest flute and features an extremely powerful tonality. Whilst they're great for ensembles, contrabass flutes are rare. BaroqueThese flutes are traditionally made from wood, although many modern baroque flutes are constructed from resin.Aulos AF1 Traverso Grenser Flute

Types of flutes with names

The alto flute was first constructed in 1850 and introduced by Boehm. It carries a rich and mellow tone, setting it apart from its flute relatives, but it does use the same fingerings as the C flute, making it a smoother transition for those familiar with the latter. Like the piccolo, the alto flute requires more breath, demanding greater diaphragm control and stamina from the player.

Whilst delivering incredibly low tones, this flute measures an impressive 5.5 metres in length. And much like the contrabass, this flute is pitched to the key of C. Typically constructed from PVC, its wider bore delivers a supremely broad tone.

Originating from Europe and the Middle East, the fife is deeply ingrained in military and marching bands, with its high-pitched notes cutting through the air and setting the beat for military parades. It’s traditionally crafted from wood and boasts six finger holes, but modern variations of the fife have evolved to incorporate ten holes for a wider range of sounds.

Playing the Baroque flute requires a delicate touch and precise control, meaning it’s suited to experienced flautists who want to try something a bit different to the standard flute, something more historical.

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Some curved head flutes come with a straight head, allowing you to adapt your flute throughout your playing journey – pretty handy! And like the concert flute, it’s tuned to C. In fact, it sounds just like the concert flute and is used in a variety of ensembles.

When it comes to tonality, flutes have a clear and bright sound with a subtle warmth to them. The first flutes, which date back to as early as the sixteenth century, were more like recorders. Interestingly, early flutes didn’t feature keys, rather, they featured only open holes.

Lastly, keeping your instrument clean is also vital – this will make it run smoothly and sound the best it can be. There are many different cleaning tools. Some are in the form of a cleaning rod, such as the Flute Maintenance Care Kit by Gear4music; some are brushes, such as the HW Flute Pad Saver Pad; and others are swabs, like the BG Alto Sax, Bass Clarinet, Bass Flute Silk Cleaning Swab.

In this article, we take a look at the different types of flutes, discussing their history, construction, and what genres and ensembles they’re suited to.

The bass flute is a stunning and unique instrument that has a rich and booming sound. It’s easy to recognise due to its elongated body and deep resonating pitch, and unlike a traditional flute, this particular variant has a range of three octaves, allowing you to reach those low notes.

Possibly one of the most recognisable forms of flute, the concert flute is used in flute ensembles, military bands, marching bands, and jazz bands. The concert flutes that we know today are based on flutes that were developed by Theobald Boehm in the nineteenth century.

If you want to pick up the piccolo but you’re a beginner, it’s worth bearing in mind that the piccolo flute is incredibly challenging to play compared to standard concert flutes as it requires a strong air stream. They’re more popular with intermediate and professional players than those who are just starting out.

With pointed braces on keys, it guarantees strong and responsive key action so you can always be assured that it will produce the tones accurately.

Open-hole concert flutes have the same C scale as their closed-hole counterparts, however, the open-hole feature presents sharper tones that are much better vented. They’re also typically made from a range of metals, including silver-plated nickel-silver alloy.

Most open-hole flutes come complete with silicone or plastic plugs, which let you transition from an open-hole to a closed-hole design.

And it’s not just in military contexts that you’ll find the fife, it is also a popular choice in folk music, providing a lively accompaniment for dances.

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The Baroque period was a time of musical innovation and experimentation, and the Baroque flute was an integral part of that artistic movement. Unlike modern flutes with their cylindrical tubes and metal bodies, Baroque flutes were made of wood and had a conical shape. This unique design gave the flute a warm and mellow tone that was loved by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel.

Pitched in the key of C, the bass flute features a J-shaped head joint and stands at approximately 146cm in length. It’s striking in its design and certainly very eye-catching – plus, the distinctive build contribute to the soft dynamic range of its sound.

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This flute’s distinctive feature is the membrane hole covered by a delicate tissue that vibrates when played, generating a unique resonance. Although traditionally associated with classical Chinese music, the Dizi flute’s versatility means it’s also used in contemporary music.

Crafted with silver-plated hardware and an ABS finish, the instrument gleams with a lovely shine. The durable ABS resin then assures longevity, allowing you to focus on honing your musical skills for years to come.

Also like concert flutes, curved head flutes are made from metal, such as nickel silver alloy, with finishes such as nickel silver and silver plating.

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The bass flute is particularly suited to jazz and classical music, but in all honesty, it’s great for anyone who simply enjoys its unique, rich sound. It’s often used in small ensembles, contributing a beautiful depth to the harmony.

Better still, this is a great flute for achieving natural hand positioning with the offset G mechanism, allowing for comfortable play.

Because of its size, the sub-contrabass flute produces a vast range of melodies and tones, and it’s often used in flute ensembles to create a deep, resonant base that complements the higher-pitched flutes.

It’s traditionally made of wood, but more modern Baroque flutes are also crafted from resin, which is a more affordable alternative. Its octave range extends from D to A, but one of its more distinctive features is the varying size of the holes. This diversity in size not only affects the tuning but also adds to the unique tone and timbre of the Baroque flute.

The smallest type of orchestral flute is the piccolo flute, which is almost half the size of a standard size of flute. This flute type also features the highest notes of all orchestral flutes.

Flutes only began looking like the way we know them today after German instrument manufacturer Theobald Boehm introduced a new type of flute in 1847. This boasted a new mechanism and fingering system and was made from metal.

If you’re a budding saxophonist, you’ll want an instrument that ensures your learning journey is as seamless as possible. Entry-level saxophones often have responsive keys and an easy blowing response – among other features – that improve playability. They also tend to come with handy accessories such as mouthpieces or bags and cases – making for a convenient beginner’s package.

This flute is not only designed for ensemble performances, where its distinctive tone can add depth and complexity to the overall sound, but also shines as a solo instrument.

Flutes are considered to be one of the oldest instruments in the world. Created 35,000 years ago, they were originally made from wood and looked more like a recorder.

The piccolo flute is one of the smallest flute types available. At half the size of a normal flute, a common nickname for the piccolo flute is the ‘’baby flute’’. Made in the key of C, this type has been used by renowned composers, including Mozart in his composition “Idomeneo”. Piccolo flutes are also available with a split E mechanism, allowing for a much more responsive tone.

The ney flute, with its rich history and unique sound, has its roots in Egypt, though variations of it can be found in Persian and Turkish cultures as well. Persian neys are traditionally designed with six holes and are played horizontally, whilst Egyptian and Turkish types have seven holes and are played in an upright position.

The contrabass flute is another unique type that’s known for its deep and resonant notes. Again, it’s pitched in the key of C, two octaves lower than the conventional concert flute, creating a gorgeously rich sound that adds depth to any performance.

The dizi flute, often referred to as a Chinese transverse flute, is an instrument that has been deep-rooted in Chinese music for many centuries. Crafted from bamboo, the dizi flute is capable of producing an extensive range of sounds, from gentle soothing melodies to bright, loud, and lively notes.

The bansuri flute has deep roots in India and Nepal, with a history steeped in ancient tradition. This side-blown flute is traditionally crafted from a single bamboo stalk – a simple yet charming design- and features six or seven finger holes to generate soothing sounds with wonderful projection.

Some alto flutes have a choice of straight and curved head joints, allowing you to play the one that’s most comfortable for you.

In terms of sound, piccolo flutes produce a high pitch (D5 -C8) – an octave higher than a concert flute. They’re best suited to marching bands and orchestral music, often being the highest-sounding instrument in an orchestra.

PiccoloFlute

Also known as French flutes, open-hole variants are, as the name suggests, flutes with holes in the keys. They’re best suited to experienced players as they need to be played with accuracy. Due to the open-hole design, this kind of flute allows you to use a range of techniques, such as slide and embouchure control.

All modern-day concert flutes are constructed from metal, you’ll often find a nickel silver alloy used for cheaper flutes, while more expensive flutes are made from higher quality metals such as 9.25/9.85 silver and gold. You’ll also find that a concert flute’s holes are covered with keys, each with pads fitted underneath to help seal the hole when pressed down.

There are many different types of flute, all from various parts of the world, some with a deep-rooted tradition and national identity. Whether you’re a flautist or just interested in woodwind music, we hope this article has shown you just how vast this family of instruments is.

This flute has a silver-plated body and keys, and it radiates a captivating shimmer to enchant both the eyes and the ears. Its ergonomically designed body is designed to ensure a comfortable grip for long performances and rehearsals.

The vessel flute was invented in Italy in 1853 and embraces a different take on flute design. Its body, a spherical shell, acts as a resonator topped with carefully positioned finger and air holes that allow you to create a variety of pitches and melodies. This Italian innovation has since become a beloved instrument worldwide, cherished for its delightful sound and charming, unconventional design.

The flute’s responsivity, combined with its clear and rich tonality, ensures a reliable tone that suits a variety of genres – great for students who are just discovering their style.

You’ll also need a stand to hold your flute when it’s not in use. Stands such as the Flute Stand by Gear4music ensure no damage comes to your flute as it holds the flute upright rather than on its side.

The fife flute is a high-pitched wind instrument similar to the piccolo, with a tonal range of C4 to C7 (and sometimes extending to F7), creating a powerful sound despite its small size which is just slightly longer than the piccolo.

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Originally, the piccolo flute was created from wood, glass, and ivory, though nowadays they’re made from resin, nickel silver, and silver. Higher-end piccolo flutes can be made from wood.

Plus, it’s usually decorated with intricate designs and patterns, echoing not only the meticulous beauty of Japanese culture but also the ethereal sound it produces.

One of its most significant features is the split E mechanism, which allows players to produce the often challenging top E with ease no matter whether you’re rehearsing or under the pressure of live performance.

Normally made from bamboo and reeds, these flutes feature tubes of various lengths, each of which is meticulously tuned to a fundamental frequency. This arrangement results in an enchanting spectrum of musical notes, allowing the panpipes to play a significant role in a range of music genres, from folk to classical.

This piccolo is designed to offer a smooth, consistent tone, courtesy of its narrow body. It provides accurate intonation and a rich low register.

A flute produces sound when air strikes across the embouchure hole; from here, you control the pitch of the flute by covering holes.

Historically, the piccolo has the same keys as the baroque flute (we’ll discuss this type of flute further down the list). Unlike the concert flute, the piccolo flute has small tone holes that are closer together, and it’s slimmer in build – making it slightly higher in pitch.

As the name suggests, the headjoint is the top of the flute. It’s home to the embouchure hole, in which air is injected. The body is where the keys are situated; these determine the sound of the flute, and the foot joint allows it to reach lower pitches – adding extra length and keys to the flute itself.

The double contrabass, also known as the octobass, is the second lowest flute and is known for its sheer size and depth of sound. Originally developed in the 19th century, the double contrabass has a unique timbre that has made it a favourite of experimental composers and performers looking to push the boundaries of what is possible with sound.

The sub-contrabass flute, often referred to as the hyperbass, is the largest and lowest-pitched instrument in the flute family, with a range extending from Ab0 to Eb3. This impressive instrument measures over 4.6 meters long, making it the largest in the flute ensemble.

The Pearl PFA-201ESU Alto Flute is a great flute if you’re looking to play a variety of playing styles at an intermediate level.

The Japanese flute, the shinobue, is also steeped in tradition. It stands out with its distinctive melodic capabilities, ranging from peaceful, serene tunes to more lively, rhythmic beats. This kind of flute is short in length, but high in pitch, creating beautifully piercing tones. Because of this, coupled with the shinobue’s adaptability, it can be used in a variety of different musical styles, from traditional folk music to modern arrangements.

Playability is also at the forefront of this flute’s design, featuring an offset G and split E mechanism that promotes a more natural hand shape and comfortable playability.

The most common type of flute is the concert flute. These flutes are suited to players of all abilities, with curved neck options for smaller players and open-holed variants for professional and advanced players.

The difference between a flipple flute and a transverse flute is that fipple flutes are held vertically to the floor whilst a transverse flute is played parallel, held to the side.