How the Native American flute makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the Native American flute belongs to the flutes (edge-blown): an air jet is split on a sharp edge, setting the air column vibrating – flutes, recorders, whistles and panpipes.
More broadly it is one of the aerophones (wind instruments), where sound comes from vibrating air.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
The Native American flute is a musical instrument and flute that is held in front of the player, has open finger holes,
and has two chambers: one for collecting the breath of the player and a second chamber which creates sound.
Other flutes
Frequently asked questions
What does the Native American flute sound like?
As one of the flutes, its sound comes from the way an air jet is split on a sharp edge, setting the air column vibrating.
What type of instrument is the Native American flute?
It is classified as flutes (edge-blown) (Hornbostel–Sachs 421.23).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q279879 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Native American flute – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Jossi Fresco – CC BY 2.5