Erik the Flutemaker Jiahu Crane Flute
The Jiahu Crane Flute is a handmade flute, crafted by Erik the Flutemaker. It plays in the minor pentatonic scale. As a small to medium-sized flute it is a suited instrument for people with small hands.
It is played in a similar way to an Andean Quena or a Shakuhachi or a Xiao. You hold the flute vertically, angle it a little bit and then blow across the V-shaped notch. It requires a little practice to get comfortable playing such an instrument.
How to play this flute?
- Aim your airflow against the V-shaped notch
- This requires some practice and patience
- The flute is held vertically
- There's 5 fingerholes on top
- 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 approximately one octave
