Correct fingering for C2 ?

by Jan

Question: Hello,

I have just started on the Yamaha Fife (YRF-21) and I can play C2 (actually C3 on the fife) in 2 ways.

Either by fingering '0 | x00 | 000x' (Thumb | Left Hand | Right Hand, x = closed, o is open) or by fingering C1 'x | xxx | xxxx' and overblowing to the next octave (first harmonic).

When playing the phrase G1 - A1 - B1 - C2, the C2 fingering is quite convenient because I only have to move my left thumb to pass from B1 to C2.

However, when playing the phrase E2 - C2 - D2 - E2, I much prefer the C1 fingering with overblowing because with the C2 fingering I have to move 5 fingers instead of 1 compared to the C1 fingering.

Now my question is whether the correct fingering for C2 depends on the melodic context as I described above or should always be played with the same standard C2 fingering.

My question concerns the fife as well as the regular flute which one day I plan to switch to.

---

Answer: I can't help you with fife fingerings because I don't play the fife.

However, as far as flute fingerings, whether you use standard fingerings or alternate fingerings depends on the tempo of the piece you are playing and how well you can execute the fingerings.

Try both ways and listen to your tone quality. Ultimately the decision has to be based on the better sound.

No fingering is wrong if you can achieve a great sound with good intonation.