Extended techniques aren’t just for the concert flute, they also work on piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute. Some techniques are even more effective on other flutes, other techniques don’t work very well. Let’s take a closer look at the techniques.
Harmonics work on all flutes. On piccolo, alto flute and bass it will be a bit more difficult to play the high harmonics.
Ghost harmonics are very useful on the flute and piccolo for working on a relaxed third and fourth octave.
Flutter Tongue is easy on all flutes, maybe a little more tiring on the low flutes.
Wind Sounds can also be played on all flutes and are quite simple on all flutes. Although tone bending works on all flutes. Playing tone bending on the piccolo may be less effective than on the lower flutes.
Key clicks also work on all flutes. Because the keys on the piccolo are very small, the effect will be less impressive.
Singing and playing can be done without any problem on all flutes. Pizzicato and tongue stops are very effective on alto flute and bass flute. These techniques only work in the first octave and especially on the low notes. Therefore, they work well on alto and bass flutes.
Quarter Tones and microtones work on all flutes. You may need to change the fingering slightly.
Whistertones are not only perfect on the concert flute, but also very useful for practicing on the piccolo. They also work on the low flutes.
Not all concert flute multiphonic fingerings will work on the other flutes, especially if the multiphonics are intended for an open-hole concert flute. Always check the fingering.
Due to the large mouthpiece opening, circular breathing on the low flutes is more difficult. On the piccolo it is easier to apply circular breathing.
As you can see, all techniques work on all flutes, with sometimes a slight difference in effectiveness. Just experiment and have fun!
