| Acoustics of baroque, classical and modern flutes | 
 
      modern flute
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      D4 | 
      
    
 
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       Fingering  Acoustic schematic  Non-specialist introduction 
  to acoustic impedance  | 
  
With two holes open, the filtering effect of the downstream holes is clear at frequencies above 2 kHz. The first six minima can be played, but usually flute players only play the first, for which the higher minima aid the production of harmonics.

  Sound spectrum 
  of a modern flute with a C foot played using fingering for D4.
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  You can hear D4 
  played by Geoffrey Collins. 
| Acoustic measurements are available for these flutes - modern B, modern C, classical C, classical D, classical flared, baroque Sound clips are available for modern B, classical flared and baroque  | 
    To compare flutes, it is easiest to open a separate browser window for each instrument. |