 The Fingering Forum
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Author: sax2flute
Date: 2001-05-10 21:00
I'm a sax player just beginning to double on flute. In looking at fingering charts, I notice that the D# key is part of the fingering on a lot of notes once I go above D#. To my untrained flute ear, in most cases I hear no difference whether I include the D# key or not. (Maybe I instinctively make other adjustments to make the note sound in tune.) In sax playing, the D# key is not used so extensively. In switching over to the flute, I therefore tend to ignore including the D# key as long as the note sound "OK" to my ears. My question is, is it a flutist sin to omit using the D# key as long as the note still plays in tune?
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Author: Bill
Date: 2001-05-10 21:56
Obviously, it is required to play Eb/D#. It also provides venting for some other notes, and may or may not improve the sound. Most importantly, it helps balance the flute. It is customary for flutists to use it, so I'd say that you should learn the "right" way.
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Author: D. Pegel
Date: 2001-05-11 21:44
I agree with Bill on this one. I started off ignoring the Eb/D# key and I had trouble playing fast runs and even simple glisses. Then when I switched to an open hole it became downright impossible. Just to try proper fingerings I started using the Eb/D# key, and it's worked beautifully ever since. It seems odd, but trust me, it makes sense.
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Author: ellie
Date: 2001-05-12 19:10
It's mainly for balance, and I think it keeps a few notes more in-tune. Also, it makes a lot of the higher notes sound better in tone quality.
The only reason that you would want to NOT use it owuld be when you are switching very quickly between two notes, neither of which requires the key- and using it will only make it harder. Ultimately, though- it should be a goal to use the correct fingerings for each note.
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Author: tink
Date: 2001-06-04 21:13
it's very important! it affects the intonation and tone color most importantly on notes that involve the right hand. it will become more apparent as you develop a more refined flute embouchure. on a similar note, always always always pick up your left hand first finger on d and eb. i couldn't hear the difference for the longest time, until my embouchure began to develop, and now i can hear the color change...it's painful.
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