Low C Flute Question?

Question:I play the flute and I need help to get the low C. Sometimes, I can get it (like today) but other times (like yesterday and the day before yesterday), I could't get it.
How can I be able to play that note consistently.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I play the flute and I need help to get the low C. Sometimes, I can get it (like today) but other times (like yesterday and the day before yesterday), I could't get it.
How can I be able to play that note consistently.

NEVER draw paper out of a closed key - you will abrade the thin skin on the pads, and make more leaks. And you should NOT have to press hard to make a good seal! Whoever would give that advice must be playing on a flute of their own that is out of adjustment! Low C is notorious for not working because of a leak - especially on the footjoint - so have a good repair teach look over your flute first, before you get yourself all frustrated. Besides working down chromatically, you can also try dropping down in octaves - F2 to F1 - E2 to E1, etc. This will train your embouchure to work quickly to find the correct spot. Also, playing harmonics will help train your embouchure to have the flexibility to find the correct placement for all the notes in the entire range of the flute.

Make sure that there is a decent enough seal on the keys. You can clean them by drawing a cigarette paper (like a Rizla) over them. Pop the Rizla in then close key and slowly draw it out.

Make sure that you take a deep breath and breathe through your diaphragm and not just the top of your chest. Don't overblow, but make sure you give it enough air. You'll have to push the keys down quite hard in order to form a good enough seal as well.

At the end of the day it's just down to practise really and getting to know your own instrument. They all have their own little difficulties.

Try this warm-up: F, Eb, D, Db, C

Each note should be an eighth note, except the C, which you should hold. Do this every day while you're warming up, and you should be able to play it consistently.

you're doing the right thing, just keep practicing and taking breaths from your diaphragm. breathe through your nose like you smell something good, you should feel your stomach fill with air and expand out, but your shoulder's shouldn't rise with the breath...then just keep trying the note. i had a hard time too with it at first because it takes more air and you have to concentrate the air flow more. just keep trying!