Xiao Keys

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The most basic and standard Xiao flute that will most often be referenced is the G Key flute. This is the one that offers the most basic fingering positions and ease of playing as the sound hole is typically more narrow which allows for blowing strength to be be more reserved. This in turn allows for much longer note sustains and clearer sound once the basics are practiced regularly. The G Key is also most often the associated key that traditional music is played in. Especially in the beginning stages.

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Even so, the unique characteristics of the Xiao allow for quite a lot of versatility. While many songs are originally in G key, it is not too difficult to change key and achieve the same pitch on a F Key flute for example. However, this is a more adept skill. For a beginner, once notation is understood, one can simply play the same music in whatever key your flute is in. You can play most music in a separate key just by dropping or raising to the original key of your own flute. Conversely, you can play a different fingering on your own flute to achieve a similar result. In the beginning, this is ok. Although it should be noted that this will not be as simple once you are orchestrating music with others. This is when a good musical theory comprehension will be handy.

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The origin key of the flute that you have will be inscribed by the fourth note (counting from the bottom). While western winds instruments are typically categorized by the lowest note played (all holes covered/pressed), Chinese flutes are titled by the fourth note. This is the note received when all holes are covered with the left hand only. In this case, a western categorization would deem xiao in G Key as a C Key. Herein, we will maintain the Chinese tradition and call the G Key flutes as this is the common vernacular that you will find if you further your study with other sources.