How to Tune/The Tuning Note

Tuning the Flute

The skill of intonation (tuning) is one that is developed over time with consistent practice. Things like singing can drastically help your ability to tune because learning how to hear pitch and adjust it will help you solve intonation issues that we will cover in the next lesson.

The basic process for tuning the flute begins with physically warming up the instrument. Play through fundamentals exercises for a few minutes and then your instrument should be ready to tune.

It is not recommended to tune while not warmed up as temperature can affect pitch. A cold instrument will be flat (below the pitch) and a hot instrument will be sharp (above the pitch).

Once warm, play your tuning note using a tuner. There are many great physical options, but I would suggest the use of the tonal energy app - it is a great tuner and is compatible on all smart phones.

We will use “A” as it is a great note to tune on the flute.

1. Start with closed eyes, and direct your airstream (we want to start with eyes closed to learn tuning with our ear).

2. Then, without adjusting pitch, open your eyes while sustaining the sound to see if you are in tune or not. See the examples on the right for how to adjust if you are sharp or flat.

3. Once adjusted, repeat the steps until you are in tune.

Now that your instrument is more in tune, let’s go to the next chapter to learn how airstream and embouchure can also affect pitch, as well as the natural pitch tendencies of the flute.

If you are sharp on your tuning note, then pull out your head joint. It should be approximately 1/4 inch pulled out.

In tune!