Guide of Quena Flute Positions for Beginners

Hi dear flutelovers, have you ever wondered how to get the best sound with the Quena? The key is in the correct positions.
In this manual, I'll guide you step by step to get that clean sound of this beautiful Peruvian wind instrument from the beginning.

1.- The Position of the Lips and the Mouthpiece:

A good sound starts here. The mouthpiece of the Quena should be right in the middle of your lips. If you put it sideways, the sound will not be clean. Look at the image to see how it is done.

2.- The Embouchure and its Location : 

Make sure the embouchure is well attached to the chin. This helps to create good air pressure and therefore a cleaner sound. Look at the image to understand this position.

3.- Holding the Quena Correctly:

Maintaining a good grip is key to controlling the instrument.

Use your thumb to cover the back hole and the other thumb to hold the quena from behind at the height of the fourth hole. See the image to see how to do it correctly.

Use your pinky fingers to hold the Quena as pictured.

4.- Plugging the Holes:

When plugging the holes, use the entire distal phalanx of your fingers. This ensures that air does not escape, helping to produce a clear sound. If you have any doubts, watch this video.

5.- Covering the Holes well.-

Make sure to cover the holes of your flute well to have a clean sound, if the holes are not well covered it will sound bad. Take a lokk at this picture.

6.- Arms Position:

Your elbows should be separated from your body. This will give you more freedom of movement and help you play better. Look at the image.

7.- The straight line of your Hands:

Always keep a straight line from the elbow to the hand. This will help you have better control over the instrument

8.- The inclination of the Quena.-

Incline your Quena neither too low nor too high, as shown in the photo and find that perfect position that allows you to obtain the clean sound you want.

9.- Handedness on the Quena:

If you play with the Right hand below you are Right-handed

If you use the Left hand below you are Left-handed.

Whatever is more comfortable for each person will be correct.

10.- Keep your neck straight.-

Maintaining a good "straight" body posture and your neck raised helps to have more air flow available to blow our flute. Look at the example in the photo.

With these helpful Tips you will be learning from the start the correct positions to get that clean and beautiful sound from your Quena Flute, plus you will be creating the right muscle memory that will help you later on.

Share your progress with us and if you have any questions, Please write to us.

Hope this manual is very useful and inspires you to keep practicing.

Much Love from Perú