Western Concert Flute - Flute Terms

Flute Terms

• Flautist (also "flutist" or "flute player") — one who plays the flute.
• Crown – the cap at the end of the head joint that unscrews to expose the cork, and which helps keep the head joint cork positioned at the proper depth.
• Lip plate – the part of the head joint which contacts the player's lower lip, allowing positioning and direction of the air stream.
• Riser – the metal section that raises the lip plate from the head joint tube.
• Head joint – the top section of the flute, has the tone hole/lip plate where the player initiates the sound by blowing air across the opening.
• Body – the middle section of the flute with the majority of the keys.
• Closed-hole – a finger key which is fully covered.
• Open-hole – a finger key with a perforated center.
• Pointed arms – arms connecting the keys to the rods which are pointed and extend to the keys' centers; found on more expensive flutes.
• French model – a flute with pointed French-style arms and open-hole keys, as distinguished from the plateau style with closed holes.
• Inline G – the standard position of the left-hand G (third-finger) key – in line with the first and second keys.
• Offset G – a G key which is extended to the side of the other two left-hand finger keys (along with the G♯ key), making it easier to reach and cover effectively.
• Split E mechanism – a system whereby the second G key (positioned below the G♯ key) is closed when the right middle-finger key is depressed, enabling a clearer third octave E; standard on most flutes, but omitted from many intermediate- and professional-grade flutes, as it can reduce the tonal quality of 3rd octave F♯.
• Trill Keys – two small, teardrop shaped keys between the right-hand keys on the body; the first enables an easy C-D trill, and the second enables C-D♯. A-B♭ lever or "trill" key is located in line directly above the right first-finger key. An optional C♯ trill key which facilitates the trill from B to C♯ is sometimes found on intermediate- and professional-quality flutes. The two trill keys are also used in playing the high B♭ and B.
• Foot joint – the last section of the flute (played farthest towards the right).
• C foot – a foot joint with a lowest note of middle C (C4); typical on student model flutes.
• B foot – a foot joint with a lowest note of B below middle C (B3), which is an option for intermediate and professional-grade flutes.
• D♯ roller – an optional feature added to the E♭ key on the foot joint, facilitating the transition between E♭/D♯ and D♭/C♯, and C.
• "Gizmo key" — an optional key on the B foot joint which can assist in playing C7.