I'm starting to play the flute and I have a question. I see that notes that only use the left hand also use the Eb key at the other side of the instrument. Like, lets say, middle B, it uses Two keys on the left, then the Eb key, If you play the note without the Eb key, it sounds the same. What does this extra key do? Thats my question. Please reply
Oh, thanks alot! I thought it would be something like that!
Thanks alot man
I owe ya one go ahead ask me something about the Clarinet, Trombone, Bass recorder, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Piano, Composers, or anything Classical musicy
Also for some notes it is necessary to have your pinky on the Eb for physical reasons. Holding that key down helps you with balance and maintaining proper posture. Try playing a B, A, G with the pinky, and then the same without the pinky. Is your embouchure in the same place as before? Probably not.
It is used for many things, balance, tuning mainly, quality of sound , to make a d an eb! but some notes dont use it however this is more advanced than what starting books might suggest, i.e. top A, E and C dont use this for certain reasons.
The Eb key is really helpful when you learn to play the d and the Eb. the only difference between the 2 notes is the Eb key.
on the d the fingering is thumb, 2, 3, and the 3 keys on the bottom hand with no Eb key,
Eb is the same only you use the Eb key as well.
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you also need it for other notes like E and C#, and some of the really really high notes
The Eb pinkie key shouldn't be relied on for balancing the flute, as it can lead to the locked pinkie issues and possibly a less fluid technique. If the flute is properly balanced between contact on the chin, the thumb, and the LH index finger, the flute will not move.
The key is purely for fingering eb and venting other notes, that's it.
Good thing to bring up. Yo should be able to go from any note to any other note and not have the flute wobble, like high eb down to high db. It can be difficult to get used to, but is well worth it down the road.
"...The Eb pinkie key shouldn't be relied on for balancing the flute, as it can lead to the locked pinkie issues and possibly a less fluid technique."
If you are pressing it down just enough to open the key, and without undue tension in your finger, then you are not setting yourself up for "locked pinkie issues".
Sure, you don't need RELY on it for balancing the flute, but if you are pressing it down just enough to open the key, and without undue tension in your finger, it adds a lot of incidental stability and security, which beginners at least, may well appreciate and actually need.
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