Why Can’t I Get My Low C?

What do you do when you just can’t get your Low C to come out?

Sometimes you’re going for that Low C, and nothing comes out! You just can’t get it no matter how hard you try, that Low C won’t come out – Ugh!

Here are the 2 most common reasons that I’ve found as to why you can’t get that Low C.

One of the simplest reasons is that your flute needs to get a COA – a clean oil and adjust. Many times, I mean many, many, times when I have students that can’t get Low C to come out it’s because their flute is leaking. This leak may be caused by a key that needs to be adjusted, or a pad that needs to be replaced or re-seated.

This problem will definitely hinder your production of a beautiful crisp and clear Low C!

You will know that your flute is leaking when you play the Low C with all your fingers down. With other fingering combinations you might not catch it quite as easily because they put different pressures on the keys. But when you try for that Low C and nothing comes out, it’s could be because something is leaking.

However, before you blame your flute, you do have to make sure that you are in shape. Because, one of the first notes to go when you are out of shape is the Low C.

There were times when I couldn’t get my Low C to come out, but I would think that I couldn’t be that out of shape. So, I would take it in for a COA. Then when I got it back – viola it works again. It is such a great feeling when you get your flute back after a COA – it’s like getting a brand new flute again.

It’s then that you realize that it wasn’t you after all!

You see, when the key starts to come out of adjustment, or a pad begins to rip, you will unconsciously begin to compensate. You adjust your technique and finger pressure to get the notes without even realizing that it’s starting to leak or a pad has been ripped.

The botton line here is to get a regular maintenance. I recommend that my students get a COA at the end of each school year. Sometimes, if they’re really working hard on it they may need it at the halfway point, maybe Christmas break or something. But you need to do it – don’t neglect regular maintenance.

But if it’s NOT the flute, then it’s YOU!

Another reason that you can’t get your Low C to come out is that you’re blowing too hard. You don’t need much air for that Low C!

Even if you want to play a little bit louder, you’re still holding in a whole lot of air. Try playing the note with a lot less air. Keep all that air held in, and just let out a nice stream. Basically, just use the air that is already in your mouth. Keep it under control. You Low C will come out much easier when you use less air by controlling your air stream.

Try this, and see if you can get that Low C to come out.

Those are the most common reasons why your Low C is not responding. The bottom line, if you’re sure you have your breath under control, then your flute probably needs a COA.

Have fun!

DoctorFlute

Watch me demonstrate this: FluteTips 40 Why Can’t I Get My Low C?