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Pan Flute Range and Notes Chart (By Size)
The range of a pan flute, meaning its lowest and highest note, depends almost entirely on how many pipes it has. Here’s the exact range for every size we make, from an 8-pipe soprano to a 29-pipe bass.
Pan Flute Range by Size
| Model | Pipes | Tuning | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano | 8 | C major | C2 – C3 |
| Alto | 12 | G major | A1 – E3 |
| Alto | 15 | G major | G1 – G3 |
| Alto | 18 | G major | G1 – C4 |
| Alto | 20 | G major | B1 – G4 |
| Alto | 22 | G major | G1 – G4 |
| Tenor | 25 | G major | D1 – G4 |
| Bass | 29 | G major | G – G4 |
How to Read the Range
Each note is written with its octave number, so a higher number means a higher pitch. For example, the 22-pipe alto’s range of G1-G4 spans three full octaves, from a low G up to a G three octaves higher. The more pipes a model has, the wider this range gets, almost always by adding lower notes rather than higher ones.
Why Most Models Are in G Major
All our pan flutes except the smallest soprano are tuned to a G major scale, which only uses the natural notes of that scale (no sharps or flats) across every pipe. The 8-pipe soprano is the exception, tuned to C major instead, simply because of its smaller size and the specific notes that fit comfortably across 8 pipes.
Choosing by Range
If you already know which notes you need to play, that can help you pick your pan flute’s size directly. For general guidance on choosing by size rather than by notes, see our pan flute buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notes does a pan flute play?
It depends on the size. Our models range from C2-C3 on the smallest soprano to G-G4 on the largest bass, all within a major scale.
Why are most pan flutes tuned in G major?
G major is the traditional tuning for most pan flute sizes. Only our smallest model, the 8-pipe soprano, is tuned in C major instead.
Which pan flute has the widest range?
The 29-pipe bass has the widest range, from G up to G4, spanning several octaves.
