Hello,
I just got my flute.
Not easy to learn this.
It seems though that when you hit a note and it sounds clear, at that exact moment
everything seems to be easy.
Question is this.
I taped the top three notes C, B and A to practice the lower notes without being hampered by the top fingering
but could not get a sound at all.
So, as an experiment, I only taped the top C note and still the same.
I slowly lifted the tape while blowing in the embouchure and as soon as the tape is partly removed the sound begins.
Now, you would think that taping the top hole is the same as covering it with your finger, put apparently not.
Why is this ? And I tried and tried to make sure but no…tape on top hole no sound, finger doing the same coverage works as it should.
Please tell me why?
RonaldD
yes, it is easy when it works
let’s quibble about “taped the top three vent holes for the notes C#, B & A”
we don’t like weird science
nope, not from here
You might benefit from spending a few minutes in meat space with someone that plays flute.
Just stop using the tape…
It sounds like you are playing second-octave notes, and that partially venting the top hole is helping you hit them. Could you post a sound file or youtube video of you trying this experiment? That might solve the mystery. It would also help to know what kind of flute you have.
Also, tape doesn’t necessarily seal well. The best stuff is “blu-tack” (or any similar brand), a sticky putty used for putting up posters.
Second the suggestion to skip the tape; also to take a lesson if you possibly can. Not meant as a brush off; ask us questions, too. Figuring out the tape-thing isn’t going to help you
learn the flute. Playing without the tape will. So will a lesson–very helpful to take one
or two at the beginning.
I can’t wait to see what happens next. Since someone mentioned that you may be playing in the second octave, can you play two notes per hole? (first ocatave D, second octave D, first octave E, second octave E, etc.)
We only ask these questions because it really is amazing what some folks have independently managed to achieve. And I think your tape method falls in the “unique” catagory.
Odd, RondaldD. I just tried it (covering L1, L2 and L3) and it worked fine on my flute. I wonder if your flute is a little oily and the tape is not quite sticking down? Might also depend on the type of tape - I just used office cellotape.
Hmmm, I wonder if cello players use cellotape?
I also wonder how many flute players have tried the taborpipe trick on their flutes?
Tape up the top three holes.
Cover the remaining three holes with usual fingers.
Blow tightly to get middle D, the second harmonic of low D
Start lifting fingers, still blowing firmly to remain in the middle octave, to get the first 4 notes of the D scale, D, E, F#, G
Cover all three holes again.
Blow even more tightly to get 2nd octave A, the third harmonic of low D
Start lifting fingers, still blowing firmly to remain in the third register, to get the remaining 4 notes of the D scale, A, B, C# D
There, a full octave using just three fingers! Works on whistle to, which is how tabor pipers have a free hand to beat the drum. It’s also essentially how brass instruments can work with just three valves.
Easiest tune I know using this fingering is the old marching tune of Garryowen. Start on the top note.
RonaldD, this isn’t for you right now - you need to work up to silly stuff like this!
Terry
We probably all do…
Best wishes.
Steve
careful with the “all” 
While in the “truly horrid pep band” I’d trade my tenor for a trumpet during basketball games.
It’s also essentially how brass instruments can work with just three valves.
Terry
Oh, Terry - I get it about the overtones, but that’s really not how brass instrument valves work at all. Better stick to flute making… 
what, 'cause the middle one flattens a 1/2 step and the first one a full step, and the third a step and a half?
Criminy, this reminds me of nothing so much as the old vaudeville routine, to wit:
{patient} “Doctor, it hurts when I do this.”
{Doctor} “Well, stop doing that!”
Rob
I’m thinking more that they operate on the harmonics of the full length of tubing, rather than at the fundamental pitch. This, as in the tabor pipe, enables them to play all the notes with few fingers (but some tricky mouthwork).
Was it Barrie Tuckwell who exhibited the party trick of playing an upward scale on the French Horn while fingering the same scale downward?
Terry
Sounds like a Tuckwell trick, but haven’t seen him do it
it’s not? 
dang 
Have you tried this?
they get rather violent don’t they?
Only if you play next to them in bed. Or on top of them in bed. 
Yes, I am learning without the tape.
After all, you need to get used to all the fingering.
Thanks to all the serious responses
Ronald
Hey now.
That’s not fair.
I WAS serious.
