Article: A flute that is out of tune might be flat or sharp. Knowing if your flute is flat or sharp will determine how you get it back into tune.  "Flat" refers to a pitch that is slightly lower than it is supposed to be. While a note can be flatted (B versus B-flat), in this case it's much less of a difference: simply a slight lowering of pitch. "Sharp" means that your pitch is slightly higher than it is supposed to be.While a note can be sharped (B versus B-flat), in this case it's much less of a difference: simply a slight heightening of pitch. When it comes to flutes, the length of the body of the instrument is one factor in determining whether it plays a particular pitch in tune. The longer your flute, the lower its pitch tendency will be. As you adjust a flute's length through headjoint adjustments, you change its overall pitch. A flute is a complex instrument, and tuning it differs significantly from the process required for other instruments. The only modification a player should generally make it with the headjoint position itself. If the scale is out of tune with itself throughout the instrument, a replacing or replacement of the headcork/crown could be necessary. If possible, do not do this on your own (as described in step 3), and take it to a certified repair person.  The flute's crown is the cap located on the end of the flute nearest the lip plate and embouchure hole. The crown looks like a small metal cap, but it is actually attached to a headcork assembly that is inside the headjoint. Once you adjust it once, leave it in place. Don't tighten or loosen it again. The headjoint is the first of three joints that holds the flute's body together. It includes the lip plate.    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Tune-a-Flute-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Tune-a-Flute-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Tune-a-Flute-Step-4.jpg\/aid4782951-v4-728px-Tune-a-Flute-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}  Generally, ensembles will perform at A4=440; most flutes are designed to play at this (and a small range of other) pitch levels. After tuning your A, using a chromatic tuner, play a mid-range note (such as G) without looking at the tuner. Once you have the note established, glance at the tuner to be sure it is not playing flat or sharp. If it is playing flat or sharp, the headcork could require adjustment or replacement.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Know the terms. Know how your flute's size affects its tune. Understand the two ways to change a flute's tuning.