So here’s what’s going on, I just started playing a couple weeks ago with a D whistle. I’ve never played any instrument so I had to learn to read music as well so I don’t know much about what certain notes are supposed to sound like. However, I’m pretty sure the C whistle I just got isn’t tuned right on the “F” note. To compare, I played the notes “D”, “E”, “F” on the D whistle, then I played the same notes on the C whistle but the “F” does not sound the same at all (I realize the fingerings are different for the same notes so that’s not it). I tried the rest of the notes and they all sound the same except that dang “F”. I played some songs, like LOTR for instance and it didn’t sound right when I played the proper notes. Now if I play songs by fingerings and not notes then it sounds ok so far, but if I play it by notes it doesn’t work. Is it supposed to work like that?
What boggles my mind is that all the notes sound the same on both flutes except the F, am I going crazy?
Ok, after a closer read, what I said sounds right. When you’re comparing the notes between the whistles, the D whistle plays F# since that’s part of it’s major scale. However, a C whistle’s major scale has no sharps or flats, so it’s giving you an F natural. But both C and D major scales do both have D and E natural in them.
Nope. XXX XOO is F# on a D whistle, while XXX OOO is F natural on a C whistle.
Remember, these are diatonic instruments, not chromatic. They’re designed to play certain scales, and notes outside of those scales are only possible with half-holing or cross-fingering, usually with very variable results.
Someone like MTGuru will undoubtedly be along soon that can explain this better than I can.
@swedishballerina: I really, REALLY think you need to spend a couple of hours with another whistle player (you can even check out the “teachers” section here). You are going to drive yourself nuts if you don’t! You might also think about one of the books on the subject - I like Grey Larsen’s, personally. In the meantime, I would advise sticking to the D whistle until you can control it well…
phew, thanks guys! I was worried for a while, like I said I don’t really know how to read music yet either so I don’t know what a flat vs natural even is. It’s harder for me since I’ve never played anything before. It would be nice if there was a local teacher around here, I’ll have to look.
I don’t think you need a “teacher” per se - even some time with just a relatively competent player should work. Added bonus - he/she will surely know about sessions in your area!
I have a serious suggestion, which I would strongly recommend: don’t bother to learn to read music. Not yet. Learn to play tunes - any tunes - on your instrument by ear first. Then you won’t be distracted by worries about what note is on what instrument - you just play 'em. Plus, now is your best chance to learn a vital skill that many people who kind of get “dot-dependent” struggle with all their lives - playing by ear. It’s worth it.
Once you can play simple tunes by copying what you’re hearing - figuring it out on your instrument - then learn to read music if you want to. It’s a valuable tool. But, for now, at this early stage, it’s so much more important to train your ear and just concentrate on the sound of your instrument.
A big word up on that!
I also wonder where in Sweden you live, assuming your username isn’t just for fun
I live in the south of Sweden, and I know people nationwide who could probably help.
Plus, now is your best chance to learn a vital skill that many people who kind of get “dot-dependent” struggle with all their lives - playing by ear. It’s worth it.