How do you play high C on the flute?
by Miara
Question: Can you please tell me how to play high C in the fourth octave? I need to know for a piece we are playing in band, and I just can't get the note out.
Answer: Here's the fingering for the high C...
Left hand - index, middle, ring fingers, and the pinky (A-flat key). NO thumb.
Right hand - index finger only. NO pinky.
Does your flute have a B-foot joint? If so, press down the
gizmo key, too. If you have a B-foot joint and you don't press the gizmo key, it's very, very difficult to make that high C speak.
This note takes a lot of air. Inhale deeply and blow fast. Don't tense up, though. Stay relaxed and push out from the abdomen/diaphragm.
If you're having trouble getting the high C to sound, work up gradually from the high A-flat....
A-flat, A several times
A-flat, A, B-flat several times
A-flat, A, B-flat, B several times
A-flat, A, B-flat, B, C several times
Play each note slowly, getting a good sound before you move up to the next one.