Which keys are really necessary to play Irish traditional music?
Most traditional Irish flute playing is confined to the keys of D and G, which are possible on a keyless instrument with the 6 simple finger holes, as on a pennywhistle. There are a number of older players of antique flutes who went so far as to seal up or even permanently remove the keys from their flutes, rather than maintain them against leaking, etc.! When considering a flute with keywork, one must consider the purpose and usefulness of these keys. Will they ever be used? Are they worth the extra cost? On the other hand, keys make it possible to play in that exclusive odd key, or in the preferred fiddle key of A. Or to play a tune in D or G that has the occasional F natural or Bb in it. On the other hand, by learning a few cross fingerings and how to blow to play these well, one can almost play a simple 6 hole flute chromatically – all except for the Eb. A single Eb key then becomes all that is required. This key also facilitates performing in the 3rd octave, as several notes such
