modern flute C foot

E6

No Split-E Mechanism

Impedance

Fingering a key depressed a key not depressed a part of the mechanism that is not normally touched Details in fingering legend. Acoustic schematic a closed tone hole an open tone hole Non-specialist introduction to acoustic impedance Non-specialist introduction to flute acoustics

The standard fingering for E6 produces two different acoustic configurations (see diagram), depending upon whether or not the instrument has a 'split E' fingering mechanism. This is a clutch whereby the RH second finger closes one of the G# holes.

For the flute without a split E, should one think of this fingering as E4 with a double register hole, or a cross-fingering which slightly flattens A4 and A5, and flattens A6 somewhat more? If we compare this graph with that for A4, we see a strong similarity, whereas the similarity with that for E4 is rather less. In the graph for E6, the third large minimum produces E6. The first two produce ~A4 and ~A5. (The very small minimum near 1.2 kHz is unplayable.)

Note that, because of the acoustic similarity between this fingering and that for A5, it is difficult to slur between A5 to E6 on such a flute. With the split E mechanism, there is only a single open hole, which has effects discussed below.

Impedance

Fingering a key depressed a key not depressed a part of the mechanism that is not normally touched Details in fingering legend. Acoustic schematic a closed tone hole an open tone hole Non-specialist introduction to acoustic impedance Non-specialist introduction to flute acoustics

For the flute with a split E, should one think of this fingering as E4 with a single register hole, or a cross-fingering which slightly flattens A4 and substantially flattens A5 and A6? If we compare this graph with that for A4, we see a reasonable similarity at low frequency, but the similarity with that for E4 is rather less. In the graph for E6, the third large minimum produces E6. The first two produce ~A4 and ~Ab5. The higher harmonics of these two low notes have no support from impedance minima (they are diffuse timbres) and so they are not very stable. (The fourth large minimum plays a flat D7. The small minimum near 1.1 kHz is unplayable.)

Note that, because of the substantial acoustic differences between this fingering and that for A5, it is relatively easy to slur between A5 to E6 on such a flute. The single open hole acts somewhat like a register hole. Without the split E mechanism, there are two open holes, which haveeffects discussed above.