If you are wondering as to what type of flute to get for yourself - one with open holes or the one with closed holes, this just might be the hub for you. Let me start by saying that a flute with open holes is a benefit. What you can do if you are not comfortable with them is plug the holes until you are ready to give the holes their vent. And you can also keep the holes plugged all the time if you so prefer it. And don't worry! There are silver topped plugs that blend in perfectly with the flutes and do not give it an odd appearance. Now here is the advantage that, if you get yourself a closed holes flute and later on wish that you should have bought a open holes flute then you will have to buy a new one and that would cost you of course. Or will have to get the keys replaced, which is equally costly.

Then comes the tonal advantage with the open holes flute. As you lift your finger off an open hole the key is vented and the note you are playing is created and this happens sooner than it would in a flute with closed holes. So the key is vented not only from the pad lifting off the hole in the body of the flute but also through the hole in the center of the key, too. And this creates a slightly quicker response and clarity in the sound.

Another advantage to open holes is that you can do glissandos and pitch bends by sliding your finger over the holes. You can play microtones by just depressing the rim of the key, as well. A lot of modern flute music requires all of this, and it is much more difficult to do stuff and tricks like this with closed holes flute. Open holes flutes allow you to use more alternate fingerings which helps in both technique and intonation. Open holes flute also forces you to have good hand position. It gives you the possibility of doing note bends and much much more.

A good idea therefore, is to get a open holes flute and use plugs or corks for the holes until you are ready to gradually take the corks out one by one. At first the sound of the open holes flute will certainly appear to be very weird to you. But having a lot of advantage the open holes flute is certainly a better choice. You will surely get accustomed to the open holes flute soon enough.

Starting off with an open holes flute you will have to learn some basic hand positions from some expert or by reading some books. Then with a little bit of help from a friend or a teacher you will be able to do it comfortably. Or you can practice in front of the mirror to get your hand positions correct if you find no one to assist you.