Andean-style Overtone Flute - Key of C

Single tone. Expanding harmonics.

The overtone flute offers a simple and direct way to explore sound through breath. With no finger holes, the pitch is shaped entirely by how you breathe into the instrument, softer and stronger airflow revealing different tones within a single note.

This style of flute is also known as a harmonic flute or “grandfather flute,” traditionally associated with Andean elders. It is one of the oldest forms of flute, rooted in a direct relationship between breath, tone, and listening.

As you play, the flute produces a fundamental note, and with increased breath, additional harmonic tones begin to emerge. These overtones are naturally occurring patterns within sound, each one related to the original tone in a simple and proportional way.

In practice, this creates a unique experience. Rather than moving across different notes with the fingers, you remain with one central tone and explore its depth. The sound can feel steady and continuous, while still offering variation and movement through the harmonics.

This flute typically produces around five distinct overtone notes. The key of C offers a clear and grounded base tone that is easy to work with and settle into.

Working with this instrument often becomes less about “playing” and more about listening, allowing the breath to guide the sound, and the sound to guide attention. It can support stillness, sustained focus, and a deeper awareness of tone.

Additional Details

Size: ~24” Weight: ~1 lb