Research on the Reform of the Flute Design with Additional Holes in China

Since modern times, the solo art of the Chinese bamboo flute has seen tremendous development, and a large number of works in a 'modern style' have emerged. Against this backdrop, the shortcomings of the traditional six-hole bamboo flute have become increasingly apparent. The six-hole bamboo flute has a slightly narrow range, difficulties in playing chromatic notes, and is inconvenient for transposition, which cannot meet current demands. The semi-tone relationships of the traditional six-hole bamboo flute only exist between the third and fourth finger holes; apart from this, one can only play semi-tones by covering half holes or using cross-fingering techniques. The most straightforward solution is to add another finger hole to assist in the performance of semi-tones. This is a basic idea for the reform of the flute design with additional holes. The reform of the shape of bamboo flutes by numerous musicians has a positive significance for the development of bamboo flute art.