End-blown Flute with Pyrography
I’ve been working on end-blown flutes for a couple of years now, in addition to the NA style flutes I have made and played for decades. End-blown flutes are sonically very complex and flexible with endless tonal qualities. The other side of this is of course, that it takes some time to master. It’s been a challenge for me, and that is probably why I have been learning to play Shakuhachi.
The tuning of this flute is:
D (Root)
E (Major 2nd)
Gb (Major 3rd)
A (Perfect 5th)
Bb (Minor 6th)
While a standard 5-note major pentatonic scale consists of D, E, Gb, A, and B, the inclusion of the Bb (minor 6th) introduces a distinct modal flavor—giving it an expressive, modal, or slightly melancholic twist rather than a pure major pentatonic sound. In various musical traditions, scales with this mix of major and minor coloring are often associated with meditative, folk, or eastern-
inspired modal playing (similar to certain Japanese or Gypsy/Malkawi modes depending on how the half-steps are emphasized).
The embouchure of this flute is based on the Japanese Utaguchi.
I used a sigil I saw in the recent movie Avatar that was carved on the pillars of Ang’s apartment. I reasoned that it was based on the sigil for the Air Nomads, and it was decidedly appropriate for a flute Decoration. I feel the pyrography is especially suitable on this very old reclaimed bamboo.
Here is where you may find it in my store:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4603650587/small-end-blown-flute-dmajor-pentatonic
Here is a sound sample:
