If a musical instrument is out of tune, it doesn't sound right.You might not know, but flutes can be out of tune.If your band teacher tells you that your flute is out of tune, you may not know how to fix the problem.It's important to make sure that your flute is in tip top shape to play the instrument.It's a good idea to know when your flute is out of tune.
Step 1: Know what the terms mean.
A flute can be flat or sharp.If you know if your flute is flat or sharp, you can get it back into tune."Flat" means a pitch that is slightly lower than it is supposed to be.A slight lowering of pitch is all that is needed for a note to be flatted.A slight heightening of pitch is what "sharp" means, and it's less of a difference than you might think.
Step 2: Know your flute's size.
The length of the instrument's body determines whether it plays a particular pitch in tune.The lower the flute's pitch tendency, the longer it is.You change the overall pitch of the flute through headjoint adjustments.
Step 3: There are two ways to change a flute's tuning.
The process for tuning a flute is different than for other instruments.The headjoint position is the only modification a player should make.The headcork/crown could be replaced if the scale is out of tune.You should take it to a certified repair person if possible.The cap on the end of the flute is the closest to the lip plate and embouchure hole.The crown is attached to a headcork assembly that is inside the headjoint.Leave it in place once you adjust it.Don't loosen it again.The headjoint is the first of three joints that hold the flute's body together.The lip plate is included."smallUrl": "://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/117/Tune-a-Flute-Step-4."After tuning your A, you can play a mid-range note without looking at the tuner.When you have the note established, look at the tuner to make sure it isn't playing flat or sharp.The headcork needs to be adjusted or replaced if it is playing flat or sharp.
Step 4: Take a measurement of where the cork is right now.
The cork attached to the crown is supposed to be set at a particular place, depending on the manufacturer and pitch of the flute.The flute's will be out of tune if it isn't in place.The measuring line on your flute's cleaning rod will let you know if the cork is in place.Push the cleaning rod all the way through the flute until it touches the cork at the other end.The mark on the cleaning rod should be visible through the embouchure hole.
Step 5: Understand what it means.
The placement of the tick-mark on the cleaning rod tells you if the cork's location is responsible for the flute being out of tune.The cork placement is not a problem if the cleaning rod is in the exact center of the embouchure hole."Tuning Your Flute: Adjust its Headjoint" is the next step.The tubing is too long if the tick mark is to the left of the crown.
Step 6: The cork is not centered.
If your cork is not centered, your flute needs to be adjusted.If it is not done correctly, it can damage your flute.If you're not sure you can do it correctly, ask your music teacher or instrument repair shop to adjust it for you.Measure the placement of the cork to make sure you know if you need to shorten or lengthen the flute tube.The crown should be turned counterclockwise a small amount to shorten a flute tube.To shorten the flute tube, gently push the crown toward the tube.If you meet resistance, push until the crown sits against the headjoint.To shorten a flute tube, turn the crown clockwise a small amount.Don't pull on the crown if you turn it clockwise.To make sure it's in the correct place, check the position with your cleaning rod.
Step 7: Put the cork in place.
Don't mess with your cork once you have adjusted it.Until it is serviced by an instrument repair person, it should remain in place.When you purchase a new instrument, the cork will always be in the correct position, so you don't need to modify it yourself.It's a bad idea to twist the crown because it can damage your flute and change its tune.The shape of the bore can be irreparably damaged by pulling the headcork assembly the wrong way.
Step 8: You should adjust your headjoint every time you play.
Every time you play, the headjoint must be adjusted.The length of a flute's headjoint can range from three to fifteen millimeters for optimal pitch, depending on factors such as the temperature in the room and the pitch of other instruments that you might be playing with.If you want to check your pitch, play an A with your tuner.
Step 9: Your pitch should be raised.
If you are playing flat, you need to raise your pitch by pushing in the headjoint and flute shortening tube.Holding the body of the flute in one hand above the keys, carefully but firmly push in the headjoint as much as possible.You can push it in with a slight twisting motion.Push it in a bit and then check your A again.To check that you are playing in the correct pitch, use your chromatic tuner.Push it in a bit more if you are still flat.
Step 10: Take your pitch lower.
If you want to play sharp, you need to flatten your pitch by pulling out your headjoint.Carefully pull the headjoint out of the flute's body.Pull the flute headjoint away from the lip plate.Damage to the instrument can be caused by breaking the soldering on the lip plate.You might have to use a slight twisting motion to pull it, but don't pull too hard.Start by pulling it out and then check your A.To check that you are playing in the correct pitch, use your chromatic tuner.Pull it in a bit more if you are still sharp.