“I got started making flutes when I had a few weeks away from work and was looking for something to fill the time, and I haven’t been able to stop since (except when I’m making magic wands). I hope you enjoy playing your NAF (Native American Flute) as much as I enjoy making them!  Even when they don't work out, my dogs are always looking for something to chew on…”

Native American flutes were part of the culture and ceremonies of many North American tribes, including the Apache, Navajo, Ute, Lakota, Hopi and Anasazi. Flutes of this type have been discovered dating from as far back as 600 AD, and are usually made of wood or bone.

These flutes have a special dual-chamber design – when you blow into the mouthpiece the air actually comes out of a hole in the top, goes through the block (the bird-like wooden thing on the top), and over a second hole where the sound is created. This gives Native American flutes their unique “breathy” sound.

Native American flutes can have anywhere from 2 to 8 holes, but I prefer the 6-hole flute that gives an excellent range of notes. The first three fingers of each hand are used to cover the six holes, leaving the thumb and little finger to “chill out.” My flutes are pitched in a variety of keys, with F# being the most common.

It is not fully clear how all these flutes were used within their native cultures, but I encourage you to experiment with your flute to see how it fits into your life. It can be played alone or with other instruments, and has a very meditative quality that makes it great for de-stressing or setting a mood.

I would like to give a special thanks to all on the Native Flute Woodworking - Native Flute user group for all the help and information on the construction of Native American Flutes.