Hey there, melody makers!
Welcome to the next blog of our musical journey through the heart of Indian music and the flute.
Today, I’m super excited to get hands-on and share a beginner’s guide to playing the Bansuri, inspired by none other than Lord Krishna’s divine flute.
When I first picked up my Bansuri, it felt like holding a piece of Lord Krishna’s magic, and I want you to feel that too!
With wisdom from ancient scriptures like the Bhagavata Purana and practical tips rooted in Indian tradition, let’s start your flute-playing adventure. Ready to make some music?
Learning The Flute: A Beginner's Guide To The Bansuri
Ever dreamed of playing a melody that feels like it’s straight coming out from Vrindavan? That’s what picking up a Bansuri did for me—it’s like channeling Lord Krishna’s venu-nada, the divine flute sound that enchanted the cosmos.
The Bhagavata Purana’s Venu Gita (Canto 10, Chapter 21) describes how Lord Krishna’s flute made hearts dance, and today, I’m here to help you take your first steps toward creating your own magic with the Bansuri.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or just curious, this guide, rooted in Indian tradition, will get you started. Let’s dive in and let Lord Krishna’s flute inspire us!
Choosing Your Bansuri
The bansuri is a simple bamboo flute, but choosing the right one feels like picking a friend.
In the Sangeet Ratnakara (13th century CE) by Sarangadeva, flutes are described as crafted from bamboo with precise hole placements to suit ragas.
For beginners, I recommend a medium-sized natural side flute of C scale (about 19 inches long). Why? It’s easier to hold and produces a warm, clear tone, perfect for learning basic notes (swaras).
When I bought my first bansuri, I checked for smooth bamboo with no cracks and adequately spaced holes. Expect to spend $30- $50 for a good beginner professional Bansuri. Hold it, feel its weight, and imagine Lord Krishna playing it under a moonlit tree—it’s a connection to the divine!
Guide To Mastering The Side Flute: From Grip To Sargam
Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your basics, I’m here to guide you through the magic of playing the side flute.
Let’s dive into how to position the flute, blow that perfect note, hold it for both right- and left-handed players, and play the sargam (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni). Plus, I’ll emphasize why a proper grip is your flute’s best friend. Ready? Let’s make some music!
Positioning The Blowing Hole: Finding Your Sweet Spot
The blowing hole, or embouchure hole, is where your breath transforms into melody. Here’s how to get it right:
Align the Flute: Hold the flute horizontally, with the blowing hole facing you. Imagine it’s an extension of your breath. The blowing hole should sit just below your lower lip, with the edge of the hole touching the soft part where your lips meet. This is your sweet spot.
Lip Position: Purse your lips gently, like you’re about to blow out a candle, but keep them relaxed. The blowing hole should be centered under your lips, with about half of it covered by your lower lip. Your upper lip directs the airstream across the hole’s edge.
Think of it like blowing across the top of a bottle to make it hum—that’s the vibe!
Angle and Breath: Tilt the flute slightly downward (about 20–30 degrees) to direct your breath across the blowing hole’s edge. Start with a gentle, focused stream of air. Too hard, and you’ll get a screech; too soft, and it’ll be a whisper. Experiment until you hear a clear, resonant tone. I remember practicing in front of a mirror to perfect this—it’s like flirting with the flute until it sings back!
Personal Tip: When I started, I’d spend a few minutes each day just blowing long, steady notes to get comfortable. Try humming softly to yourself first to relax your lips, then blow. It’s like giving your flute a warm hug with your breath.
Holding The Side Flute: Right- and Left-Handed Grips
A proper grip is essential for control, comfort, and stamina. Without it, your fingers will fumble, and your sound will suffer.
The side flute is typically designed with a standard orientation, but both right- and left-handed players can adapt. Here’s how to hold it securely and comfortably:
For Right-Handed Players::-
Orientation: Hold the flute with the blowing hole near your mouth and the finger holes stretching to your right. The end of the flute (opposite the blowing hole) points to your right side.
Left Hand: Your left hand is closer to the blowing hole. Use your left thumb to support the flute from underneath, near the blowing hole. Your left index, middle, and ring fingers cover the first three holes (closer to the blowing hole), while your pinky rests on the flute’s body for stability.
Right Hand: Your right hand grips the flute further down. The right thumb supports the flute from below, balancing it. Your right index, middle, and ring fingers cover the next three holes, with your pinky either resting or hovering near the flute’s end.
Posture: Keep your elbows relaxed and slightly bent. The flute should feel like it’s floating between your hands and lips, not clamped tightly. I used to imagine I was holding a delicate bird—firm enough to keep it safe, loose enough to let it breathe.
For Left-Handed Players::-
Orientation: Flip the flute so the finger holes stretch to your left, and the end of the flute points to your left side. This might feel unconventional, but it’s all about what feels natural for you. Some left-handed players prefer the standard right-handed orientation, so experiment to see what clicks.
Right Hand: Your right hand takes the upper position (closer to the blowing hole). Use your right thumb to support the flute from underneath. Your right index, middle, and ring fingers cover the first three holes, with your pinky resting for balance.
Left Hand: Your left hand covers the lower three holes. The left thumb supports the flute from below, and your left index, middle, and ring fingers handle the holes, with your pinky free or resting.
As a right-handed player, I once tried the left-handed grip to understand my lefty students’ perspective. It was awkward at first, but it taught me how crucial a relaxed grip is. If you’re left-handed, don’t be afraid to adapt the flute to you—it’s your instrument, your voice.
Why Grip Matters
A proper grip isn’t just about holding the flute; it’s about control and endurance. A tense grip tires your hands and makes your fingers sluggish, which can mess up your sargam.
A relaxed but firm grip lets your fingers dance over the holes, giving you precision and a clear tone. I learned this the hard way during a long practice session when my hands cramped up—trust me, stretch and shake out your hands regularly!
Playing The Sargam:
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni
The sargam (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni) is the heart of Indian classical music, and playing it on the flute is like painting with sound. Each note corresponds to specific finger placements on the flute’s six holes, with slight variations in blowing intensity.
Below, I’ll break down how to produce each note. For clarity, I’ll number the holes from 1 to 6, with hole 1 closest to the blowing hole and hole 6 furthest away.
Sa (First three holes closed): Close holes 1, 2, and 3 with your left index, middle, and ring fingers (for right-handed players) or right index, middle, and ring fingers (for left-handed). Blow gently and steadily, like a soft breeze. This is your home base, the root note. I love starting with Sa—it’s like the flute saying, “Here I am!”
Re (First two holes closed): Lift your ring finger to open hole 3, keeping holes 1 and 2 closed with your index and middle fingers. Maintain the same gentle blowing as Sa. Re feels like a step forward, a little brighter and more curious.
Ga (First hole closed): Lift your middle finger to open hole 2, leaving only hole 1 closed with your index finger. Blow normally. Ga has a warm, expressive quality. I used to practice transitioning from Sa to Ga slowly, feeling the melody unfold.
Ma (First hole 80% closed): This one’s tricky! Keep your index finger on hole 1 but lift it slightly so the hole is about 80% covered (you’re letting a tiny bit of air through). Blow normally. Ma has a soulful, slightly sharp vibe. It took me weeks to nail this half-covered technique—be patient and listen closely to the pitch.
Pa (All six holes closed): Cover all six holes—left index, middle, and ring fingers on holes 1–3, right index, middle, and ring fingers on holes 4–6 (for right-handed players, reverse for left-handed). Blow a bit harder than for Sa, Re, or Ga. Pa is bold and grounding, like the heartbeat of the sargam.
Dha (First five holes closed): Open hole 6 by lifting your right ring finger (or left ring finger for left-handed players), keeping holes 1–5 closed. Blow with the same slightly heavier intensity as Pa. Dha feels like it’s reaching upward, full of longing.
Ni (First four holes closed): Open hole 5 by lifting your right middle finger (or left middle finger), keeping holes 1–4 closed. Blow with the same heavier intensity. Ni is bright and soaring, almost like it’s dancing on the edge of the scale.
Practice Tips for Sargam::-
Start Slow: Play each note separately, holding it for a few seconds to feel its character.
Transitions: Practice moving smoothly between notes (e.g., Sa to Re, Re to Ga). Keep your fingers light and precise, like they’re tapping out a rhythm.
Blowing Control: Notice how Pa, Dha, and Ni need a slightly heavier breath. Experiment with your airstream to keep the notes clear, not shrill. I’d blow into a straw to practice controlling my breath strength.
My Flute Journey
When I first started playing, I was all thumbs—literally! My fingers fumbled, my grip was too tight, and my Sa sounded like a sad whistle. But every practice session brought me closer to the flute’s voice. I’d sit by my window, playing Sa Re Ga Ma in the early morning, letting the notes mingle with the sunrise. The flute became my companion, teaching me patience and persistence.
You’ll have moments of frustration (we all do!), but when you hit that perfect Ni or glide through the sargam effortlessly, it’s pure magic.
Make The Flute Your Own
Whether you’re right- or left-handed, the side flute is a canvas for your breath and soul. Master the blowing hole placement, find a grip that feels like a natural extension of your hands, and let the sargam flow.
A proper grip isn’t just about technique—it’s about giving your flute the stability to sing freely.
Practice with love, listen with your heart, and soon, you’ll be weaving melodies that make listeners stop and smile.
So, grab your flute, take a deep breath, and let’s play some music.
The Sangeet Ratnakara emphasizes slow, deliberate practice to master swaras, much like Lord Krishna’s patient, soulful melodies. Don’t worry if your notes sound airy at first—keep your lips relaxed and adjust your breath.
Playing With Lord Krishna's Inspiration
The Venu Gita describes Lord Krishna’s flute as a call to devotion, and that’s what keeps me going when practice gets tough. Start with short sessions—15 minutes a day—focusing on clear notes. Try a simple pattern: Sa-Re-Ga-Re-Sa. This mirrors the alap (introduction) of a raga, as explained in the Natya Shastra. Imagine you’re playing for Lord Krishna in Vrindavan—it makes every note feel sacred.
For beginners, I suggest practicing Raga Bhupali (notes: Sa, Re, Ga, Pa, Dha), a simple evening raga that feels joyful and calming. Listen to Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s Bhupali to get a sense of its flow. When I played my first Bhupali, it felt like Lord Krishna was smiling down, guiding my breath.
Tips To Keep Going
Learning the Bansuri is a journey of patience. Keep your flute clean with a soft cloth, store it in a dry place, and practice near a mirror to check your posture. And don’t forget to enjoy the process! Every note you play is a step closer to the divine melody.
Let's Make Music Together
I’m so thrilled you’re here, ready to bring Lord Krishna’s flute in your life.
The Bansuri is more than an instrument—it’s a bridge to India’s spiritual heart. In our next blog, we’ll explore legends like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, who carry Lord Krishna’s legacy forward.
If you have not tried playing your Bansuri yet, it’s the best time.
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All Glories To This Divine Instrument, Flute!!