Scale 5 / G
Children aged 7 to 11
Smaller holes set closer together, so small fingers can cover them. Clear, bright tone.
Length ≈ 41 cm (16 in)
₹2,800
- For absolute beginners
- Right-handed players
- Delivered anywhere in India
HomeCarnatic flutes
Carnatic flutes for beginners
Four scales for South Indian classical music, each tested by me before it is sent. For absolute beginners who play right-handed and live in India.
Which scale should you start on?
For a child of 7 to 9, choose Scale 5 / G. From 10 upwards, Scale 4 / F is where most beginners start. Adults who prefer a deeper tone can begin on Scale 3 / E.
The flutes are drawn to scale against the ruler, so you can compare their sizes.
Scale 4 / F
Most Carnatic beginners start hereAges 10 and up
The breath pressure, hole size and spacing are the easiest to get right, fully closed or half-open.
Length ≈ 45 cm (17.7 in)
₹3,000
Scale 3 / E
Adult beginners
A sweeter, mellower tone than F or G. Geethams and swarajathis sound beautiful on it.
Length ≈ 46 cm (18 in)
₹3,200
Scale 2.5 / D#
Ages 12 and up
The deepest, sweetest tone of the four, and the longest flute.
Length ≈ 49 cm (19.2 in)
₹3,500
Sets of three
Practising on different scales teaches you how much breath each octave needs and trains your fingers to adjust. A set costs less than buying the flutes one by one.
Young beginner set
₹8,500₹9,000Save ₹500
Beginner set
₹9,200₹9,700Save ₹500
Packing and courier: ₹600 per order, for up to three flutes, anywhere in India. Covers are not included.
What to know before you order
- Time to dispatch
- 12–15 working days. Your flute is sourced after you order, then tuned and checked in my studio.
- Packing and courier
- ₹600 per order for up to three flutes, sent by DTDC or a similar courier. Delivery within India only.
- Tracking
- Tracking details are emailed to you as soon as the flute is dispatched.
- Covers
- Flutes are sent without a cover or case. These are easy to find in music shops and online.
- Natural bamboo
- Each flute varies a little in colour and grain. The thread colour can’t be customised.
- If it arrives damaged
- This is rare. Record an unboxing video that shows the damage and send it to me, and I will refund you.
- The makers
- Under my agreement with the flute makers, I don’t share their names.
- How we work together
- You are ordering from a working musician, so replies can take a day. I will always be courteous with you and ask the same in return. If that breaks down, I will cancel and refund the order.
Not sure which one to choose?
Tell me who the flute is for and which style they are learning, and I will point you to the right scale.
Or write to sriharsha.ramkumar@gmail.com