I learned to make the Anasazidesign from direct measurements of the artifacts. These measurements were provided to me by Dr. Richard Payne (I suggest you read his books). The artifacts varied in length somewhat and not all were complete, but the best examples were around 29.5 inches long and averaged G# on the lowest note. The scale is easily copied from artifacts as the size and placement of finger holes along a tube of specific size determines the tuning. The information and scale is all there even after 1200 years. The difficulty: The Anasazi style flute is a rim-blown flute. That is: one must learn through trial and error to make a sound. The beginner can take an hour to a week to make their first note! The technique for playing is similar to a shakuhachi flute; any skill with true flutes such as our transverse flutes will help with all of the ancient rim-blown flutes, but is not essential. Why the flute is difficult at first is also why the flute sounds so wonderful. The scale: playing and exploring the unusual scales of the Anasazi style flute, with it's many higher octave notes is the reward and being part of the reawakening of a virtually unknown ancient instrument is a rare experience in this life. NOTE: since 2002 I have sold over 500 of these wonderful flutes and am pleased that people are having an easier time learning these flutes than I expected. I guess I'm the slow learner. Here are some things that may help with the Anasazi and Hopi style flute. Hold the flute pointing out from your body at about a 45% angle, (half way between straight out and straight down). Let your lower lip cover most of the open mouthpiece, relax your lips, smile a little and blow a gentle, thin stream stream of air straight forward onto the sharp edge of the flute. Don’t make a round opening with your lips; make a thin slit, smile a little. Experiment a lot. MAKE THAT THING SING! (patience). Above all: be playful. MGA

 

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