Beginner's Guides, Flute Instrument Terminology

Head joint

This is the part of the flute that you blow in to and where the sound is produced. Below is a list of features you may find on a head joint:

Lip-plate

This is the part of the flute that sits against your lip. Like the head joint tubing, changing the material of the lip-plate influences the sound quality that is produced.

Riser

Also known as the chimney. This is the part of the head joint which links the lip-plate to the tubing of the head joint. The riser is the first point of contact between the airstream and the flute, so the material it is made from can have a significant impact on the quality of sound that the flute produces.

Curved head joint

A curved head joint on a student flute shortens the length of the instrument, enabling smaller players to get started at an earlier age than they might have been able to previously. Curved head joints can also be found on some alto and all bass flutes to shorten the reach of these larger instruments.

Silver plated/ Solid silver – see body joint features

Body joint

The longest part of the flute with the most holes and keys. Below is a list of features you may find on the body joint:

Offset G key

Refers to the position of the G key. Offset means that the G key is not in line with the other keys on the body and is more comfortable for most people.

Inline G key

The G key is in line with the other keys on the flute. With this type of flute, the left-hand ring finger needs to stretch more, especially if it is an open hole flute, as the finger needs to fully cover the hole to produce a sound. In terms of sound, there is no difference between an offset or an inline G flute.

Split E mechanism

Third octave E on a flute can be unstable and difficult to achieve without it splitting. A ‘split E’ mechanism makes this note easier to play, more stable, and improves the intonation.

C# trill key

An extra piece of keywork that simplifies some awkward trill and tremolo fingerings. It is activated by the first finger of the right hand which opens a tone hole next to the thumb key.

Closed hole keys

Also called ‘plateau’ keys. The keys on the flute are covered over, making it easier to play. Most student flutes will have closed holes.

Open hole keys

Open holes, also known as ring keys, have holes in the centre of the A, G, F, E and D keys, which encourages a good hand position, as the holes need to be completely covered by the players fingers in order for a note to be produced. Open holes also allow for the use of extended techniques found in some contemporary flute music.

Key arms

This part connects the flute rod to the key itself. ‘Y’ arms are standard on all student flutes. French style pointed key arms extend into the centre of the key to give extra strength. Pointed key arms are also a nice cosmetic feature. This used to be a feature solely of more advance handmade flutes but is increasingly being seen on student flutes.

Pinless mechanism

Most standard mechanisms use tiny pins to attach the keys to the rods. This can be a potential entry point for perspiration and body acids. A pinless mechanism (such as the one used by Pearl flutes) significantly reduces the amount of perspiration allowed to enter the mechanism. This almost eliminates corrosion and the binding of keys.

Silver plated

Silver plating is preferred to nickel plating, as nickel can cause allergies and feels slippery. Most modern flutes are silver plated. Lighter and less dense than solid silver, it takes less resistance and therefore less air to get the sound going.

Solid silver

Denser than silver plating. The greater resistance and density of solid silver can give a flute more power to project as well as flexibility of dynamics and tone colour. Solid silver head joints, lip plates and risers will have a significant effect on the quality of tone.

Nickel silver

Also known as German silver. This does not actually contain any silver, but is a combination of copper, nickel and zinc which has a silvery colour. It is durable and well suited for being plated with silver.

Foot joint

This is the shortest part of the instrument and has the fewest number of keys, which are played with the right-hand pinky finger. Below is a list of features you may find on a foot joint:

C foot joint

Allows a flute to play down to bottom C (the equivalent of middle C on a piano). A ‘C’ foot joint is standard on most flutes.

B foot joint

A ‘B’ foot joint increases the flute’s range by one note down to low B which is useful for some orchestral music and solo pieces. Because of the extra length, a B foot changes the weight and balance of the instrument. The tone is darker and there is more resistance in the top register.

Gizmo key

Almost all B foot joints will come with a Gizmo key as standard. This lever closes the low B tone hole only without closing the neighbouring C and C# tone holes. Used primarily to facilitate the performance and intonation of C in the 4th register.

D# roller key

Facilitates the movement between the low D#, C# and C keys on the foot joint.