Flute Chromatic Scale Finger Chart
Two octaves of the chromatic scale, E4–C6 · every semitone · standard fingerings · ● = key closed
How to play
- Tap a note to see which keys to close and hear it; Play chromatic scale runs up all twelve semitones. The E♭ key (right pinky) stays down except for D and below.
- The flute is drawn head‑joint (embouchure) on the left to foot on the right: the thumb key, the three left‑hand keys, the three right‑hand keys and the E♭ key. A filled circle means close that key.
- Play note repeats the selection; Play all runs up the range. Vol sets volume.
- Keyboard — Tab to any note or control, Enter/Space to activate.
- Tip — the third octave has its own vent fingerings (they stop mirroring the octave below). Keep the E♭ key down until B♭6, add the G♯ key where shown, use the D♯ trill key for B♭6/B6, and the gizmo (low-B foot) key helps C7 speak. Fast, focused air throughout.
Selecting a note from grid will highlight it and show the fingering, allowing you to navigate around using your computer keyboard (if connected) or by clicking a note with your mouse. Alternatively, simply tap on each note individually to get a sound and see which finger are used, or hit the play button for an automated tour of the whole chromatic scale.
The app is useful if you want to learn this instrument at your own pace. It shows common fingerings for all semitones across a couple of octaves. Each of these notes are represented by a button in the main grid, ranging from C6 to E4.
How to Use the Flute Fingering Chart
When you click on one it will highlight the note and show you fingering chart beneath. On the flute diagram, the empty circle represent an open key and the filled-in ones represents keys that should be closed for that note.
Alternatively, you can tab around page using your keyboard. Press space or enter once highlighted to confirm choice. This makes it simple to navigate up and down scale without needing to reach for your mouse.
Controls for how you want things played is situated above the note grid. The play chromatic scale button plays through each of the twelve semi-tones. If you wish to stop the sequence, click it again. This leaves you free to choose which notes you wish to play.
You also have a volume slider that allows you to set the volume at a suitable level that can be heard without being overpowering. In this way, you can work through the scale at a pace that is better then yours and focus on particular part of the scale as necessary.
As you move through notes, the diagram at the bottom (large flute diagram) will change to show how keys are physically laid out starting from the embouchure hole on the far left and finishing at the foot joint on the far right. It also changes according to the note chosen so it gives you a clear indication which fingers needs to be down. For any sharps or flats that include the pinky key this visual representation help with recalling the finger pattern.
To practise repeating notes, you can also click directly onto flute picture where you are shown what note has been played and then you simply press play again on your keyboard to hear that note. To read more about this feature, hit the ‘how to play’ button. This expands a help panel with info about fingering conventions and tips on advanced playing techniques, such as vent fingerings in the higher registers.
Hit the ‘fullscreen’ button to fill the widget with your browser, providing more room to view the detail of the fingering chart. It is especially helpful when viewing on a smaller device or when you want to focus on seeing the instrument.
The widget also provides an opportunity to test your knowledge of the chromatic scale by hiding the diagram and attempting to remember which fingers is required for each note. Play the scale through carefully, then check your fingering at every point to make sure you have it right.
As far as I know, it is based off standard fingerings from popular flute methods in common use today, so it won’t let you down. It has a volume slider too, so you can listen at a comfortabley level while learning. Don’t rush; learn each stage of the scale thoroughy before moving onto the next.
This is a flute fingerings chart. For those who like some helpful practice on their flute, here is an interactive chart that will provide the visual plus some sound assistance in mastering the chromatic scale. The layout is quite clear and easy to use for anyone from the advanced student needing to check particular notes through to the beginner wanting to gain a clearer understanding of flute fingerings. Try it out!