Flute fingering chart
Concert flute C5 uses the left index finger and the right little-finger E♭ key; it sounds C5. The flute is in C, so these written note labels also name the concert pitches.
Fingering chart
Concert flute written C5 uses the left index finger and right little-finger E♭ key; it sounds C5.
| Written note | Finger position |
|---|---|
| C4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, C♯, C |
| C♯4/D♭4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, C♯ |
| D4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| D♯4/E♭4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, E♭ |
| E4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, E♭ |
| F4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, E♭ |
| F♯4/G♭4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 6, E♭ |
| G4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, E♭ |
| G♯4/A♭4 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, G♯, E♭ |
| A4 | Press: T, 1, 2, E♭ |
| A♯4/B♭4 | Press: T, 1, 4, E♭ |
| B4 | Press: T, 1, E♭ |
| C5 | Press: 1, E♭ |
| C♯5/D♭5 | Press: E♭ |
| D5 | Press: T, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| D♯5/E♭5 | Press: T, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, E♭ |
| E5 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, E♭ |
| F5 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 4, E♭ |
| F♯5/G♭5 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, 6, E♭ |
| G5 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, E♭ |
| G♯5/A♭5 | Press: T, 1, 2, 3, G♯, E♭ |
| A5 | Press: T, 1, 2, E♭ |
| A♯5/B♭5 | Press: T, 1, 4, E♭ |
| B5 | Press: T, 1, E♭ |
| C6 | Press: 1, E♭ |
| C♯6/D♭6 | Press: E♭ |
| D6 | Press: T, 2, 3, E♭ |
How to use it
- Check the selected instrument and fingering system; this page opens with the combination named in the title.
- Choose a staff note, list entry or keyboard key. Filled circles show covered holes or pressed keys.
- Use Hear the note to compare pitches; the microphone switches off before playback to avoid feedback.
- Enable the microphone, allow access and play a single note without accompaniment. Let the reading settle.
- Match the A reference to your lesson or ensemble, then use Print / PDF to save the selected chart.
Help and explanations
This chart covers C4–D6 on a standard concert flute. It does not contain every third-octave note: E♭6–C7 are not yet included. Use it for the listed basic notes rather than treating a missing entry as a limit of the flute itself.
Compare D4 and D5 before relying on stronger air
Low D4 uses the left index finger; D5 releases it. Trying to obtain every upper note by blowing harder with an unchanged low fingering can hide the correct pattern. Select both notes in turn and observe the difference. The C5-to-D5 change moves several fingers together, so practise the motion slowly while keeping the flute balanced without a tight grip.
T refers to the left thumb key, while named keys such as G♯ and E♭ show additional finger actions. On an open-hole flute, the finger must also seal the hole in the key; pressing the mechanism is not enough if that opening leaks. Some pitches have alternative fingerings used for particular passages. The displayed basic pattern is a starting reference, and your teacher or the maker’s chart can explain when an alternative helps.
Tips
- Keep the right little finger on E♭ for C5, as shown in the diagram.
- For unstable low notes, inspect hole seals before changing your air angle.
- Do not assume the missing high notes share the fingering of a lower octave.
Frequently asked questions
How do I finger C on a flute?
C5 uses the left index and right E♭ key. Low C4 has a substantially different pattern, so choose the octave first.
Are D4 and D5 fingered the same way?
No. D5 releases the left index finger; compare the diagrams for the complete pattern.
Does the chart include the flute’s entire third octave?
It reaches D6, but E♭6 through C7 are not included yet. Those notes require another reference.
Are there alternative B♭ fingerings?
Yes. This page gives the basic pattern, rather than every choice for a specific passage.
Should I transpose the tuner for concert flute?
No, leave it in C. The standard concert flute sounds the notes written in its part.