Native American flutes, sometimes referred to by English-speakers as love flutes or courting flutes, are a type of musical instrument with a rich history and cultural significance in indigenous communities across North America.
These flutes are typically made from wood, including cedar, walnut, and redwood (although some made from bamboo or cane exist) and feature six holes, a block to control the air flow, and a unique design that creates a hauntingly beautiful sound.
Native American Flute Music
When was the Native American flute created?
The origins of the Native American flute has been traced back to the pre-Columbian era, when indigenous communities in North America used the flute for religious rituals or for courtship.
The flute was viewed as a symbol of love and fertility, and it was believed to have the power to bring people together – which is still the purpose of music generally, even today.
In many Native American cultures, the flute was also used as a storytelling device, and different notes or melodies could express different emotions, moods, and stories.
How does one play a Native American flute?
Many people today are familiar only with the orchestral flute, which is typically made of metal and is played by blowing across the tone hole.
In contrast, the traditional Native American flute is played vertically and has a cylindrical bore with six finger holes, a blowing hole, and a notched end that creates a distinct sound.
The flute is usually made from a single piece of wood that is carefully crafted to ensure the proper sound and tuning. The sound of the Native American flute is characterized by its smooth, alluring tone and its ability to evoke a sense of peace and calm.
Like all wind instruments, the flute is played by blowing air through the mouthpiece and opening and closing the different holes to correspond with pitches.
One of the most unique and important aspects of the Native American flute is its use of scales and tuning. The traditional six-hole flute is usually tuned to a pentatonic scale, which is a five-note scale that is widely used in indigenous music.
This scale is characterized by its relaxed, meditative quality, though many people who are used to western music tend to believe it sounds “exotic.” To produce pitches that are not included in the pentatonic scale, the player must half-hole or cross-finger the tone holes.
Another important aspect of the Native American flute is the use of embellishments, such as trills and bends, which are used to add expressiveness and nuance to the sound of the flute.
These embellishments are an important part of the Native American flute tradition, and they are often used to convey specific emotions or stories.
Where can I hear a Native American flute?
The Native American flute is an important part of Native American culture, and it is often still used in traditional rituals and ceremonies. The flute is seen as a spiritual tool, and it is sometimes believed to have the power to connect people with the spiritual realm.
Many Native American communities also use the flute in healing ceremonies, and it is often played to bring peace and comfort to those in need.
In recent years, the Native American flute has become increasingly popular among musicians and music enthusiasts all over the world, far beyond the Native American community.
This popularity can be attributed to the unique and beautiful sound of the flute as well as its cultural significance. The flute has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, and many modern musicians have incorporated the flute into their own music.
Are all Native American flutes the same?
Definitely not! There are several different styles of Native American flutes, each with its own distinct sound and significance. The most common type of flute is the six-hole flute, but there are also flutes with different numbers of holes, such as the four-hole flute and the five-hole flute.
There are also flutes with different shapes, sizes, and designs, such as the octagonal flute and the double chamber flute. Additionally, different flutes are made of different woods, which will have different tone colors.
Below, please enjoy some videos of Native American flute playing! These will help you get a sense of the different possibilities on these beautiful instruments.
To ease you in, here is a rendition of the popular Disney song “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas.
This is not traditional Native American music in any sense, but as you are likely familiar with the song, it will give you the chance to really hear the differences in sound between an orchestral flute and a Native American flute.
As you can hear from the video, the Native American flute clearly embraces its wood sound. As a result, the sound quality is a bit more hollow than an orchestral flute, and has a smooth and gentle flow to it. You can also hear that it is common to add in little ornamentations to the basic melody.
In the next video, you’ll hear a meditation in the key of G major on a Native American flute. This is more in the vein of what Native American flute music is used for – to ease stress and provide calm.
You’ll also hear some of the techniques that can be used on the Native American flute, such as pitch bends, grace notes, trills, varied vibrato, glissandi, flutter tongue, and various other ornamentations.
In this last video, you can hear a different type of Native American flute – the bass flute. As you can hear, the pitch of this instrument is much lower, yet still produces the same haunting, peaceful sound.
In this particular video, the instrumentalist is playing a whale song, demonstrating how closely the flute is connected with the sounds of nature.
There are numerous more videos on YouTube and beyond if you are interested in tutorials or just listening to some calming music. Many people enjoy listening to this music while studying, getting a massage, or practicing meditation.
Whether you’re already a musician and want to add another instrument to your collection, you want to pick up a new hobby, or you just want to hear and learn more, the Native American flute will add nothing but beauty and peace to your life.