Size Matters - A Flute Buying Guide

When choosing a Native American flute, many people dream of that deep, resonant low tone — but they may not realize the physical demands that come with larger flutes. It’s common for beginners to feel discouraged when a larger flute seems too difficult to hold or play. However, the key is not to give up too quickly.

Recently, a customer reached out to me after purchasing a beautiful low-tone flute. The customer loved the look and sound, but found the length and finger spacing challenging due to their shorter arms and smaller hands. She asked about exchanging it for a smaller flute. This is a situation I hear about often, and it’s an opportunity to encourage perseverance.

One of the first things I explained to this customer is that flute size doesn’t always dictate whether someone can learn to play it. There are alternative holding positions that can make a big difference. Many people assume they must hold the flute straight out, parallel to the ground. While that works for some, a more relaxed, natural position — often called the 'Kokopelli position' — involves angling the flute downward toward the waist. This position mimics the hand placement when your fingers are interlocked and resting on your stomach, which tends to be a comfortable and familiar posture.

Another point to remember: larger flutes create lower tones, and smaller flutes create higher ones — a standard across all flute makers. What sets my flutes apart is that I designed the finger spacings to be more manageable, inspired by historic flute designs. This gives new players a better chance to adjust and succeed. Plus, my five-hole flutes can play all of the same notes as any other flute maker's six-hole versions, making them even more accessible.

For those feeling intimidated by the size of a low-tone flute, I often share a video of my then-10-year-old son demonstrating several of my flutes — including a Low D. Seeing him play such a large flute helps many people realize that with practice, they can do it too. If his smaller hands could manage it, chances are yours can as well.

The moral of the story? If the sound of a low-tone flute calls to you, don’t give up. Adjusting your playing position and giving yourself time to adapt are crucial steps. The journey to mastering your ideal flute is worth it — and I’m here to help you along the way.