Your First Native American Style Flute

If this is your first Native American style flute, we would like to offer you some advice to make your playing experience more enjoyable. These suggestions come from years of helping people choose the right flute at shows and gatherings, and they are meant to help you start off comfortably.

Comfort Comes First 

First, choose a flute that is comfortable to play. The most important comfort factor is the distance between the finger holes on the barrel of the flute.

On a Native American style flute, if the chromatic cross-fingered notes are to be in tune, the tone holes must be spaced farther apart on lower keyed flutes. The lower the key of the flute, the farther apart the finger holes become. This is especially true for the ring and index fingers of the right hand.

If your fingers feel strained or stretched, learning becomes frustrating. Comfort should always come first.

The Right Key

So, a good key for a first time player is A or G. On these flutes your fingers easily cover the holes without having to contort into an unusual position.

For someone who has self confidence and flexible fingers an F# flute is a possibility.

No matter how much you may like the deeper sound of an F, E, D, or C flute, it is wise to wait until you gain some experience and your fingers become more flexible. If you already play guitar or another instrument that demands finger flexibility, you may be comfortable starting with a lower keyed flute.

For more information about keys and tonal range, visit our Flute Keys page. 

How We Make It Easier for All Skill Levels 

Another common challenge for beginners is covering the tone holes completely so that no air leaks.

Ancient Territories Native American style flutes are designed with a slightly flattened top surface where the tone holes are located, rather than a fully round barrel. This makes it easier for new players to seal the holes securely.

Tone hole size also plays a role. Our flutes use medium-sized holes, with the largest measuring 3/8 of an inch. In our experience, this size provides better control than very large or very small holes.

Finally, a flute with a bit of weight tends to rest more securely in the hands, improving comfort and stability while you learn.

Our Backpacker Flutes in Keys A & G

Our Backpacker Flute is not a so-called beginner’s flute. It is built using the same design standards as our higher-priced flutes and produces the same quality sound.

It is handcrafted from a single wood species and is suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Native American style flute hard to learn?

No. The Native American style flute is one of the easiest instruments to begin playing. You do not need special lip techniques. You simply breathe into the flute and cover the holes. Because it is tuned to a pentatonic scale, the notes naturally sound good together, even for a beginner. We explain this step by step in our Native American Flute Tutorial, Lesson 1: How to Play the Flute.

What key is best for a first flute?

For most people, a flute in the key of A or G is the best place to start. The finger holes are spaced comfortably and are easier to cover. If you have flexible fingers or experience with instruments like guitar, an F sharp flute may also work for you.

Do I need to read music to play?

No. Many people learn to play by ear. One of the wonderful things about the Native American style flute is how intuitive it is to play. There are also simple fingering charts and tablature systems that make learning songs straightforward, even if you have never read traditional music.

How long does it take to make a good sound?

People are able to produce a clear tone within a few minutes of trying. Developing control and expression takes practice, but making a pleasant sound comes quickly. 

Is the Backpacker flute good for beginners?

Yes. Our Backpacker flute is built to the same sound standards as our other flutes. It is not a lesser instrument. It is a solid, handcrafted flute that works well for beginners and experienced players alike.