Erik the Flutemaker Oriental Flute (D)
The Oriental Flute is a handmade flute, crafted by Erik the Flutemaker. It was inspired by the Japanese Shakuhachi, which is a difficult flute to play. Erik has made it side-blown so that it becomes easier to blow. The sound produced by this flute is very calming and meditative. It plays in the minor pentatonic scale. It is a deep and low sounding flute, but the hole spacing is comfortable for players with small hands too!
It is played like a western flute, blown from the side and held horizontally. It requires a little practice to get comfortable playing such an instrument. This flute is tuned to D (minor pentatonic).
How to play this flute?
- Aim your airflow against the edge of the embouchure hole
- This requires some practice and patience
- The flute is held horizontally, this too requires some practice
- There's 4 fingerholes on top, and a thumbhole on the back
- Cover the holes with the pad of the fingers, not the fingertips
The musical possibilities
- Easily plays in the minor pentatonic scale
- It is possible to 'bend' notes by sliding your finger off the hole
- You can achieve a similar effect by rolling the flute
- It has a reach of two octaves.
