Like the horn, the flute blends extremely well with all instrument groups. Particularly good blends are achieved with the woodwinds and the strings.

Flute + flute

Two flutes in unison sound absolutely homogeneous, as do two flutes doubling an octave apart (whether concert flutes or piccolos).

In order to compensate for the lack of volume in the low register, several flutes are used playing in unison.

Flute + oboe, clarinet

The combination of flutes with oboes and clarinets sounds warm and mellow whether played in unison or in octaves.

Flute + bassoon

The flutes are combined with the bassoon either one or even two octaves apart, which produces an exotic effect.

Flute + trumpet

The flute’s lowest notes are very similar to the trumpet’s low register when played piano. They are therefore used in unison with the trumpets with lends the latter a certain lightness and mellowness.

Flute + horn

In octave combinations the flute blends with the powerful overtones of the trumpets and horns, producing a bright and mellow overall sound.

Flute + violin

Flutes and violins (or woodwinds and violins) sound very mellow and rich and represent the standard orchestral combination.

The flute also plays an octave above the violins which results in a good tonal blend between the flute and the overtones of the strings.