How to play C sharp on the flute: Fingering and trill chart for low and high octaves

If you’re looking to learn how to play C sharp on the flute, this guide is for you. From proper finger placement to breath control, we’ll cover everything you need to know to master this note.

C sharp flute finger chart

c sharp flute finger chart

What is C sharp on the flute?

C sharp is a note that is a semitone higher than the C natural and a semitone lower than the D natural note. The C sharp on the flute shares the same fingering with the D flat note on the flute. There are possible three C sharps on C flutes. It’s worth noting that the exact fingerings for different notes on the flute can vary slightly depending on the specific type of flute and the player’s individual technique. Additionally, the written note “C sharp” may be represented by different symbols in different musical contexts, such as a “#” symbol or the letter “C” with a small vertical line next to it.

How to play C sharp on the flute: finger position and placement

To play C sharp on the flute, you have to consider the position of that C sharp on the staff or consider the range of that C sharp. There are three ranges of C sharp on the flute and their finger positions include:

Low C sharp flute fingering (First ledger line below the treble staff)

To play the lowest C sharp on the flute, you need to;

  • close every key that is meant to be closed with your right finger except for the G sharp lever that is closed with the left little finger.
  • press the B key with your left thumb.
  • press every key that the right index finger, middle finger, and ring finger are supposed to close.
  • then press the roller key with your right little finger.

Low C sharp flute fingering

Middle C Sharp flute fingering (Third space of the treble staff)

To play the middle C sharp on the flute, you need to;

  • open every key that is meant to be closed with your right fingers.
  • don’t press the B key with your left thumb.
  • open every key that the right index finger, middle finger and ring finger is supposed to close.
  • then press the roller key with your right little finger.

middle C sharp flute fingering

Ledger Line C Sharp flute fingering (Second ledger line above the treble staff)

To play the ledger C sharp on the flute, you need to;

  • open every key that is meant to be closed with your right finger.
  • don’t press the B key with your left thumb.
  • open every key that the right index finger, middle finger, and ring finger are supposed to close.
  • then press the roller key with your right little finger.

Ledger Line C Sharp flute fingering

High C Sharp flute fingering (Sixth ledger space above the treble staff)

To play the high C sharp on the flute, you need to;

  • open the key that is meant to be closed with your right index finger and ring finger while pressing the G sharp lever with your right little finger.
  • don’t press the B key with your left thumb.
  • open every key that the right middle finger and ring finger are supposed to close and close the key for the right index finger.

high C Sharp flute fingering

C sharp flute: Price and measurement

Is there a C sharp flute? Yes there is a C sharp flute and it is a Punam flutes C Sharp medium right hand bansuri that measures about 18.5 inches long. The price of this flute  The “C Sharp” designation refers to the key of the flute, which is a Western music concept used to describe the pitch of the notes.

In Indian classical music, the bansuri is typically used as a solo instrument or to accompany vocals or other instruments. The right hand bansuri is played by holding the flute with the right hand near the blowing end, and using the left hand to cover and uncover the finger holes to create different pitches.

What are the C sharp major flute notes and scale?

C Sharp Major Scale For Flute-1

The C sharp major flute notes include C#, D#, E#, F#, G#. A#, B#, C#. These combinations of keys seem tough to play a simple scale on it because almost every note in this scale is sharpened. Mastering the C sharp major scale on the flute requires consistent practice and attention to technique. Here are some tips to help you achieve mastery of C sharp flute scale:

  1. Start slowly: Begin by playing the scale slowly, focusing on playing each note clearly and evenly. It’s important to use the correct fingerings and maintain good breath control throughout.
  2. Use a metronome: Once you can play the scale accurately, gradually increase the speed using a metronome to help you maintain a steady tempo.
  3. Practice in all octaves: Once you can play the scale in one octave, try playing it in different octaves. This will help you become more comfortable with the fingerings and strengthen your muscle memory.
  4. Practice ascending and descending: Start by practicing the scale ascending, then try descending. This will help you become comfortable with the fingerings in both directions.
  5. Pay attention to intonation: The C sharp major scale can be challenging to play in tune due to the nature of the sharps and flats involved.

How To Play C Flat Note On the Flute: Fingering and trill chart for low and high octaves

Techniques for C sharp trill on the flute

To play a C sharp trill on the flute, check it out here. Meanwhile, to have a clear production you need to follow these steps:

  1. Start by playing the C sharp note on the flute.
  2. To play the trill, alternate quickly between the C sharp note and the note one half-step higher, which is D.
  3. To make the trill sound smooth and even, use a combination of finger and air techniques. For example, you can use a “hammer-on” technique with your fingers to quickly switch between the C sharp and D notes, while also using a faster air stream to help the notes sound connected.
  4. Practice the trill slowly at first, making sure that each note is clear and even. Gradually increase the speed of the trill as you become more comfortable with the technique.
  5. You can use a specific C# trill key on the flute that was designed for this.

Nocturne in C sharp minor for flute

The Nocturne in C sharp minor is a famous piano piece by Frédéric Chopin, but it can also be played on other instruments such as the flute. To play this piece on the flute, you will need to obtain or transcribe the sheet music for flute.

Here are some general tips for playing the Nocturne on the flute:

  1. Practice the notes slowly and accurately, paying attention to the correct fingerings and pitch.
  2. Try to replicate the piano’s phrasing and dynamics on the flute. This means playing with expression and using dynamics such as crescendos, diminuendos, and accents to highlight the musical phrases.
  3. Experiment with different articulations, such as staccato, legato, and slurs, to give the piece more character and texture.
  4. Use vibrato to add warmth and emotion to the sustained notes in the piece.
  5. Work on your breathing and breath control, as the Nocturne has many long phrases that require sustained breath support.

Overall, the Nocturne in C sharp minor can be a challenging but rewarding piece to play on the flute. With practice and attention to detail, you can bring out the beauty and emotion of Chopin’s music on the flute.

Flute concertos with high C sharp

Many flute concertos have middle C sharp passages, as this note is one of the highest notes commonly played on the flute. It is very rare to see flute concertoes with high C#. Here are a few examples of flute concertos with prominent middle C sharp sections:

  1. Mozart Flute Concerto No. 1 in G major: The third movement of this concerto features a fast and virtuosic section with a high C sharp in the solo flute part.
  2. Bach Flute Concerto in A minor: This concerto has a beautiful slow movement that features a sustained high C sharp in the solo flute part.
  3. Vivaldi Flute Concerto “Il gardellino”: This concerto, also known as “The Goldfinch,” features a high C sharp trill in the third movement.
  4. Ibert Flute Concerto: This modern concerto has a challenging cadenza in the first movement that includes high C sharp runs and trills.

When playing a concerto with high C sharp passages, it is important to practice the fingerings and articulations carefully to ensure clean and accurate execution. You should also work on your breath support and tone production, as these notes require a steady and focused airstream to sound clear and in tune. With practice and perseverance, you can master these challenging passages and bring out the beauty and excitement of the concerto.

C sharp major flute songs and repertoire

C sharp is a rare key for flute music, and there are many beautiful songs and pieces that feature this key. Here are a few examples flute songs and repertoire in C sharp major:

Title Composer Instruments
Study No. 15 in C-sharp major
from Exercices journaliers pour la flûteOp. 71
A. Terschak Flute solo
Study No. 15 in C-sharp major
from 24 Technische StudienOp. 11
E. Prill Flute solo
Study No. 15 in C-sharp major
from 24 Etüden Zur Förderung der TechnikOp. 12
E. Prill Flute solo
Study No. 15 in C-sharp major
from 30 Etüden in Allen TonartenOp. 6
E. Prill Flute solo
Study No. 3 in C-sharp major
from Studi per il flauto
N. Dôthel Flute solo

When playing these or any other songs in C sharp on the flute, it is important to pay attention to intonation, tone quality, and expression. Practice slowly and accurately, and use your breath support and finger technique to create a beautiful sound on the flute.

Frequently Asked Question About C Sharp on Flute

  1. Where is C sharp in flute? In a flute, C sharp is in between C natural and E natural because C sharp is the same as D flat. The C sharp and D sharp in flute share the same fingering at all ranges.