At times, it seems like flutes almost need to come with their own mini encyclopaedia. Many times, even an intermediate flautist will struggle with understanding all the technical aspects that are involved, what they mean and how they affect their playing let alone a parent looking to purchase their child’s first flute. But hopefully, this article (and blog) will help you along your way.
Flutes will either come with an inline G or offset G. Acoustically there is absolutely no difference between them. The offset G was first developed by Theobald Boehm who is attributed as the inventor of the modern flute. The reasoning behind the offset G was twofold.
Firstly, it better accommodates for our natural hand shape, instead of stretching our fingers to the keys it brought the furthest away keys for our left-hand closer. This is especially popular among flautists today because it helps prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Once a musician gets RSI it is very challenging to maintain the practice required to stay at a professional level.
Secondly, the offset G makes for a stronger more study flute that is easier to construct and maintain. In order to bring the G forward an extra rod is used. This makes simple flute maintenance like levelling pads and refitting keys a lot easier and more straight forward. It also leaves room for a split E mechanism to be built into the flute.
Some people with larger and longer fingers will find the inline G more comfortable to play but it really is just a matter of personal preference. For example, I have long, narrow fingers and I find the offset G to be more comfortable. I also recommend all students, especially children start off on an offset G as it is less likely to cause pain and discomfort while playing.
Today marks a significant milestone in Emusiv’s journey as they release a double track, “The Other Side” and “Lost Virges Town,” recorded live at their
Date: August 20th, 2023 Time: 2:00 PM Location: Upwey High School Venue: DRMC Building F Parking: Off Marchant Ave The sweet sounds of music are
Thanks for watching the video :) There is a bit of a story behind this piece. I have made it for Rae the mum of
Composer, Flautist, Educator, Christian, Thinker.
8 Comments
I have played on an inline G flute on a Sankyo for over 30+ years since high school, but I switched to off G flute last year with a brand new flute. A year later, I am now coping with RSI on shoulder and tendonitis. I am only 5’4″ and my hands are relatively small compared to other players. Part of my feel that the off G encourage my fingers to be flat when playing, whereas the inline G encourages my fingers to be curved. I am not sure if it is all flute playing, but my left shoulder sure does experience a lot after an hour of playing. :-(
Oh no! RSI and tendonitis is awful for anyone but especially musicians I’m so sorry you have had this experience.
I have a friend who has struggled with RSI she plays piano and flute and something she has found really helpful was working with an Alexander Technique teacher. They are able to look at your body and how you’re using it and work with you to find ways of moving that work for you. I’m just taking a wild guess here but it is possible that when you switched flutes in trying to compensate for the differently placed G your arms are wrists became tense and worked a lot harder than they needed to.
I really hope that find the support you need and wish you all the best with your recovery.
I think your photos are both offset Gs. You can see the extra rod in both.
Oh… I can’t believe I completely missed that. Thank you for letting me know its all fixed now :)
My ‘step up’ flute for years was an open-hole Armstrong that had an inline G. But I love the split-E feature, and even though adding the offset G and extra split-E mechanism makes the aesthetics of the flute look a but more ‘busy’ and less streamlined….I think that it is well worth it in the end.
I totally agree. My first ever flute did not have a split-E mechanism and it was sooo nice when I finally got one.
I have relatively small hands and am only 5’6″ tall. I have been playing an inline G since 9th grade. I went to college on a full flute college and was 1st of the 108th Army Band of the Arizona National Guard for 37 years. I am 75 years old and love my gold and silver Haynes flute. I have never had any problems with pain or RSI. I still play 1st flute in the New Horizons Community Band and teach privately. And I don’t have a split E mechanism and my High E when practicing the flute solo in Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony are crystal clear. My teacher was in the Dallas Symphony and HER teacher was William Kinkaid at Curtiss Music Institute.
Hi Shona
You sound like a very accomplished flautist. There are people like yourself who are very fortunate and have managed to develop your technique in such a way as to compensate without causing any injuries. Sounds like you’ve had some amazing teachers who have helped you achieve this. Not everyone is as lucky as you. Haynes loves are lovely.
Good Luck with all your flute..ing :)