A dizi is a six-holed flute made of bamboo and has seven finger holes.Since ancient times, single tube finger- played flutes have been part of Chinese culture.Many scholars believe that the dizi may have been imported into China during the Han Dynasty, which lasted from 206 BCE to 220CE.There were different styles of dizis for common people from the northern and southern regions.It is possible for well-built and maintained dizis to last 30 years.
Step 1: The material for the dizi's body should be selected.
Dizis and other flutes have been made from bones, stone, or pottery in the past.It is important to take into account being able to acquire and prepare the materials.There is a piece of material that is about 34” to 1” in diameter.It is easy to make a dizi out of bamboo, as it is the ideal material for the job.It will be easier to play if you are a beginning player.If you remove the leaves from a regular bamboo plant, you can reuse it for another bamboo object, such as an old bamboo fishing rod.In the north of China, purple bamboo is used, in the south it's white bamboo.
Step 2: You can choose the size of your flute.
The size of the flute is related to the key in which it plays.Flutes can be found in the following keys: F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F and F#.A good length is less than 20” long.The larger dizi may have an additional finger hole.Long flutes are ideally 24-26” long.
Step 3: Determine the ends for the dizi.
Pick between ringed ends, capped ends or no ends for the dizi.The susceptibility of your flute to cracking or mold will be determined by these.The materials for the capped ends can be made of brass, bone, plastic or wood.Some flutes have a brass ring around the end.It helps the flute from cracking.It can get underneath the ring.It is possible to install these on a flute that does not have a ring in order to stop a crack from getting bigger.Plastic, cow bone or horn are some of the materials used to make capped ends.Flutes with capped ends have brighter tones.It can get underneath the cap and cause mold.There are no rings or caps on the end of your flute.You can either leave them bare or paint the ends.bamboo flutes are more susceptible to cracking than flutes with ringed or capped ends.
Step 4: Measure the diameter of your flute.
You can find the correct size of plastic or metal ring or cap at a hardware store.You can wrap string around the dizi if you aren't using any ends.
Step 5: Measure and cut the material for the flute.
If you are using bamboo, you need to measure a length of bamboo that is at least 18” long, starting from one of the bamboo stalks.You should mark it all the way around.Make a mark all the way around the stalks by measuring 18-20” from this line.The last partition on one end should be between the two ends.Cut both ends with a saw.
Step 6: The holes are marked.
Do you want the top of the flute to be on one side or the other?From the blocked end of your flute, measure 1” along the top and mark a hole.Measure 3” from the first hole and mark the mokong hole, which will be covered by a dimo membrane.Measure another 3” from the mokong hole and mark the first finger hole.Measure and mark 5 holes for finger holes at 1” intervals from there.You should have one mouth, one mokong, and 6 finger holes.The holes will be about 14” in diameter.
Step 7: For bamboo flutes, burn out the inside.
Remove any material that might be inside the bamboo.Don't use a kitchen oven if you want to heat a 12” steel rod in a fire, as it will be very hot.Do not poke the steel rod all the way through the bamboo stalks.The blocked end should be left intact.To burn off excess material, twist the steel rod a few times.The steel rod needs to be removed.
Step 8: The hole marks should be burned.
Do not use a kitchen oven if you heat a 14” drill bit in a fire.The tip of the drill bit should be on top of each hole.The bamboo may crack if you push the wood all the way through the hole.
Step 9: The holes have sand through them.
Place a piece of 3x3 fine-grit sandpaper on top of one of the burned holes.Sand away the burned spots by twisting it back and forth.The tube should go through the hole.Make the mouth opening slightly larger by sanding it a little more, but be careful not to make it too wide.It should be less than 14” in diameter.
Step 10: You should sandpaper your flute.
Sand carefully along the body of the flute.Put a newspaper on your work area.The mouth opening, finger holes, and ends need to be taken care of.If you want the flute to be smooth, you have to sand it.
Step 11: You can have carvings on your dizi.
Some dizi makers will include a Chinese poem or other statement along the body, while others will only include their initials.Next to the third finger hole is where the key of the dizi is carved.
Step 12: You can choose a finish for your dizi.
Some dizis are painted and others are natural.linseed oil can be used to coat and finish the dizi.Put a small amount of oil on an old rag and rub it into the flute's body.It's best to let it dry before adding accessories or playing the flute.
Step 13: There are accessories for your dizi.
These can be purchased at Asian markets.The bottom hole of the dizi has a silk tassel attached to it.Red is a color associated with good fortune in China and can be an appropriate color for a tassel.
Step 14: You can choose the material for your dimo.
Dimo is made from bamboo.Other materials that can be used are garlic skin, rice paper, cigarette paper and other very thin papers.There are online music supply stores that sell Dimo paper.Clear tape is an alternative material, but it won't produce the best sound.
Step 15: Pick out your supplies.
These include small, sharp scissors, water, Erjiao (a traditional Chinese flute glue) or other water-soluble adhesive, the dimo membrane, and the dizi body.There are online music supply stores that sell Erjiao.Since you may need to adjust the placement of the dimo, water-soluble glue is preferred.When you try to move the dimo, the glue will crack and ruin the membrane.
Step 16: Measure and slice the dimo.
The dimo will be placed on the second hole from the top of the dizi.Put the dimo paper over the hole and place it on all sides.The membranes should be cut to the specifications.
Step 17: Glue the dizi.
Rub glue on your finger after dipping it in some water.Glue around the hole where the dimo will be placed.The glue should be removed from the hole itself and the very edge of it.The hole will be vibrated if glue is applied to it.Another way to make a sticky, water-soluble glue is to use garlic juice.Rub the freshly cut garlic across the hole that was Peeled.Some material will be left.
Step 18: Place the dimo over the hole.
Put the dimo on all sides.With your fingers, pinch the flute on either side of the hole.If you move your fingers up and down a few times, you can create a line in the dimo.The dimo should have an equal amount of wrinkling.The dizi will sound dull if the dimo is smooth.If the dimo is not taut, the dizi may sound bright, but may not emit any sounds from time to time, becoming unpredictable.
Step 19: Put the dizi to the test.
To check the sound created by the dimo, blow into the dizi.While you play, tap on the dimo a few times.When you play the dimo should start vibrating.The sound of the dizi will be lowered when it is played.It limits the ability to play high notes.You can use the same dimo for several months on a dizi, but you may need to make minor adjustments as you play more.If you have difficulties with the dimo, don't get discouraged.It takes skill and practice to get the best sound from the dizi.
Step 20: Place your lips next to the mouth opening while holding the flute to your body.
Place your fingers from one hand to the other on the top and bottom of the holes.Blow over the flute as you would a soda pop bottle, pursing your lips and directing air into the mouth.Pursing your lips tighter will cause the air hole to be smaller.The dizi can be held in either horizontal or vertical direction, and is easy to play by a left-handed person.
Step 21: When you play, consider the season and temperature.
Winter is a less desirable season to play dizis because they emit different tones depending on temperature and humidity.
Step 22: There is a mirror.
As you are playing, watch the shape of your mouth.Take notice of how your mouth looks when you play the flute.
Step 23: Instructions and courses can be found online.
There are many online resources that teach how to play the dizi.Tim Liu is one of the most well-known dizi instructors, although there are a number of others as well.
Step 24: You can learn advanced techniques.
Once you have mastered how to play a dizi, you can experiment with other techniques such as sliding and popping notes, creating two tones simultaneously, using different tonguing techniques, and so on, which can be accomplished by changing the embouchure.A beginner shouldn't expect to be an expert player right away.Dizi musicians spend decades honing their skills.Master dizi players can play in a range of keys.
Step 25: After playing the dizi, wipe it dry.
After playing the dizi, wipe it dry with a soft cloth.You can use a long rod to push a cloth inside the dizi.
Step 26: The dizi can be kept in a dedicated case.
The ideal containers for storing a dizi are cloth bags, plastic bags or hard-lined cases.
Step 27: It's a good idea to avoid quick temperature changes.
Depending on the temperature and humidity, bamboo flutes can expand or contract.Direct sunlight on a windowsill can lead to cracked bamboo.If you are playing the dizi outside on a cold day, make sure the flute is acclimatized.
Step 28: The growth of fungus should be eliminated.
Even if you have dried it, the dizi may still be moist.Food grade hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean the flute.
Step 29: Every now and then oil the dizi.
Some flute owners oil their dizis with almond oil.Wait until the flute is completely dry before applying oil.Rub oil into the dizi with a soft cloth.The inside of the flute can also be oiled.Before you play, let it dry completely.