For a beginner selecting the first carnatic or hindustani flute is a daunting task as it involves fair amount of understanding of different types of flute. In this blog we will explore what are the key features to look when anyone has to buy a flute.
Flutes are one of the earliest musical instruments by mankind. The earliest usage of flutes dates back to about 35000 years ago, a flute made of animal bone found as fossil in Russia. Flute is the musical instrument that is very closest to human vocal chords, and was probably the first instrument used by mankind to produce music.
A flute is a wind instrument. The classical Indian flute is made with bamboo and the instrument is used both in Carnatic and Hindustani styles.
In western music the flute is made of metal, mainly steel and instead of holes it has buttons that are to be pressed and played. There are some acrylic fibre flutes, which loses pitch over a period of time and it will create erratic sounds and purists don’t recommend them.
Major difference between Carnatic and Hindustani flute
- Flutes with 6 holes are used in Hindustani genre. Hindsutani flutes are commonly called as bansuri flutes.
- Flutes with 8 holes are used for Carnatic genre.
Both the above flutes come in 12 numbers according to the scales C to B like C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#,G, G#, A, A# and B. The length of the flute is inversely proportional to the scale of the flute, that is, scale C flute is the longest flute and scale B the shortest flute in length.
How to select the correct Carnatic or Hindustani flute?
For a beginner picking the right flute is tricky as age poses a big confusion amongst the beginner learners.
To solve this check the following chart for purchasing the right flute according to the age of the learner. Generally the right age for learning flute is once a kid is 7 years and above. Given below is the scale one has to pick and the same is based on age of the student.
| AGE | SCALE OF FLUTE | SCALE OF SPARE FLUTE |
| 7 to 8 Years | G or G#(Any one only) | None |
| Above 8 upto 10 years | F or F#(Any one only) | None |
| Above 10 upto 15 years | F | E |
| 15 years and Above | D# | E |
As kids grow up the scale of the flute comes down, so we generally recommend one flute to start learning flute. You can understand more about carnatic music by visiting this blog.
