1. Construction:
- A regular flute, also known as a transverse flute, is typically made of a metal such as silver, gold, or platinum, and has a cylindrical bore.
- A harmony flute, on the other hand, is usually made of wood or a combination of wood and metal, and has a conical bore.
2. Sound:
- Regular flutes are pitched in the key of C and have a characteristic bright, clear tone.
- Harmony flutes are pitched in a higher key, typically in the key of G or Bb, and produce a warmer and mellower sound compared to regular flutes.
3. Fingering System:
- Regular flutes have a traditional key system, often referred to as the Boehm system, which includes several open keys and holes that are covered by the player's fingers.
- Harmony flutes may use different key systems, such as the simple system, which often has fewer keys and may be easier for beginners to learn.
4. Uses:
- Regular flutes are widely used in classical music, orchestras, jazz, and other musical genres.
- Harmony flutes, due to their warmer tone, are often employed in folk, traditional, and Celtic music, where their mellow sound complements other instruments.
5. Playing Technique:
- Regular flutes are played by blowing air across a hole called the embouchure hole.
- Harmony flutes may have a similar embouchure hole, but the player often uses a special technique called "overblowing" to produce harmonics and overtones.
Overall, while both instruments share similarities as flutes, they differ in terms of construction, sound, fingering system, common uses, and playing technique, making them distinct instruments in the world of woodwinds.