Tonehole

Flute · Second octave register

Flute fingering for E♭5 / D♯5

Left hand 2-3, right hand 1-2-3, B thumb key, E♭ key (right pinky). Basic.

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Flute E♭5 fingering: Left hand 2-3, right hand 1-2-3, B thumb key, E♭ key (right pinky).
Standard fingeringLeft hand 2-3, right hand 1-2-3, B thumb key, E♭ key (right pinky).Basic.
Written noteE flat 5 — Eb5 in scientific pitch notation.

What it sounds like

InstrumentSounding pitchFrequency (A4 = 440 Hz)
FluteE♭5622.25 Hz
PiccoloE♭61,244.51 Hz
Alto flute (G)B♭4466.16 Hz
Bass fluteE♭4311.13 Hz

Tip for the second octave register

The second octave uses mostly the same fingerings as the first; raise the pitch with faster air and a smaller aperture, not by blowing harder. Note the open left index finger on D and E♭.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play E♭5 (D♯5) on the flute?

Standard fingering: Left hand 2-3, right hand 1-2-3, B thumb key, E♭ key (right pinky). Basic.

What does written E♭5 sound like on the flute?

Flute: E♭5 (622.3 Hz); Piccolo: E♭6 (1244.5 Hz); Alto flute (G): B♭4 (466.2 Hz); Bass flute: E♭4 (311.1 Hz).