How to Play Dizi
A Brief Introduction to the Chinese Transverse Cross-blown Flute
The Chinese Dizi flute is famous for its brilliant clear sound,
variety of tone colors and extensive dynamic range. These flutes are
usually pitched higher than their relatives the vertical or end-blown
flutes, also known as xiao. A traditional six-hole dizi plays a major
scale, usually in the western key of C or D Major, with the fifth pitch (sol) as its
lowest tone. So the scale of the low octave on a flute in D is:
A flexible membrane covers the hole between the blowing hole and the
sound holes. This membrane gives the dizi its unique tone colors and
dynamic range. The membrane must be prepared before playing the
flute. Make sure the flute is clean and dry. Cut or select a piece
of membrane big enough to cover the hole. Membranes are often
provided in a long flattened tube that can be cut to size and
separated. Slice a fresh garlic clove in half and gently wipe the
exposed garlic surface on the body of the flute around the membrane
hole, leaving a thin film of sticky moisture. Carefully place the
membrane squarely over the hole, smoothing it at the sides. No ridges
or wrinkles should be visible in the membrane where it covers the
hole. If the membrane is not firmly secured or does not have correct
tension across the hole, the flute will make an unpleasant buzzing
sound.
To play the dizi, stand or sit upright. Hold the flute parallel to
the floor, in a relaxed posture with elbows out from the sides. Three
fingers of each hand cover the six sound holes, index fingers toward
the mouth. The thumbs support the flute, which should feel
comfortable to hold.
Touch the body of the flute near the blowing hole below the lower lip.
Form a small circular opening with your lips and inhale deeply.
Relax. Blow gently, aiming a thin stream of air directly at the far
edge of the blowing hole. Make sure the lowest three sound holes are
unobstructed. The top three sound holes should be securely covered,
but don't pinch or apply pressure.
To produce the first note, you may need to experiment with the
direction of blowing. Try moving the air stream down deeper into the
flute, or out away from it. Move slowly, small changes make a big
difference. With a little experimentation, you'll find a spot where
the flute makes a clear pretty tone. Listen carefully to the sound
you are making, and try to focus it. When the note sounds pure, play
louder by blowing slightly harder.
Opening and closing sound holes in sequence produces different
pitches. Concentrate on producing neighbor pitches with similar
loudness and clarity. To get higher pitches, the air stream must be
more focused and aimed slightly higher toward the top of the blowing
hole. Do not try to get the higher notes by just blowing harder.
Dizi Fingering Chart
The fingering chart shows standard fingerings for the major scale
tones over the flute's two lower octaves. Please note the altissimo
register should not be attempted until the lower and upper octaves can
be sounded with consistent volume and tone color.
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Upper Octave |
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Altissimo Octave |
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