How to play C-flat (Cb) major scale on flute, notes, fingering chart, and concert tips

The C-flat (Cb) major scale on flute is the scale of the key of C-flat or seven flats. This implies that its tonic note is C-flat. C-flat major is relative to the key of A-flat minor, parallel to the key of C-flat minor, dominant to the key of G-flat major, subdominant to the key of F-flat major, and enharmonic to B major. Below is a two octaves scale of C-flat major on flute and how it sounds;

c flat major scale for flute

How to play the C-flat major scale on the flute, its notes, and fingering chat

You can only play a C-flat major scale of two octaves on the flute, being between the ranges of Cb5 to Cb7. You need to use a fingering chart or a particular pattern to play the C-flat major scale on the flute. Below is a guide and finger chart of how to play the C-flat major scale on the flute;

First octave C-flat major scale notes (Cb5 – Cb6) fingering chart for flute

To play the first octave (Cb5 – Cb6) C-flat major scale on the flute, you have to flatten every notes that you will play. Your fingering needs to be accurate in other to produce a perfect scale. Below is a chart for the first octave C-flat major scale on the flute;

c flat major scale for flute first octave

Second octave C-flat major scale notes (Cb6 – Cb7) fingering chart for flute

To play the second octave (Cb6 – Cb7) C-flat major scale on the flute, you have to flatten every note that you will play. Your fingering needs to be accurate in other to produce a perfect scale. Learning the scale might be hard for beginners. You will also have to tighten your lips to produce higher-pitched notes. Below is a chart for the second octave C-flat major scale on the flute;

c flat major scale for flute second octave

Concert C-flat major scale

While playing the C-flat major scale, every note is flattened. If you play an alto flute or any other transposable flute, you can play the C-flat major scale without any transposition. But while running the C-flat major scale with another instrument that is not transposable, you will then have to transpose to the right key in other to sound the same with them in pitch.

C-flat major scale flute notes and arpeggio

The C-flat major scale can be played up to two octaves on a C flute, the standard concert flute. The first note of this scale on the C flute is the C-flat note on the third space of the treble clef which in the range is the Cb5.

The notes or alphabets that you will play to get this scale correctly include; C♭, D♭, E♭, F♭, G♭, A♭, B♭ C♭. The two-octave arpeggio of this scale has its notes as C♭, E♭, G♭, C♭, E♭, G♭, C♭, G♭, E♭, C♭, G♭, E♭, C♭.

Notable flute compositions in C-flat major

Study No. 29 in C-flat major from 30 Etüden in allen Tonarten, Op. 6 by E. Prill