an end - blown flute comprising a hollow tube open at both ends with an embouchure at the upper end of the tube to provide an end - blown free air - reed . the tube has at least 13 tone holes through the side wall thereof , the holes being particularly spaced from the bottom of the tube so that keys can be mounted in the tube in the same pattern as on a standard transverse flute and so that the end blown flute can be played with the same fingering system used with a standard transverse flute . the embouchure has a u - shaped opening which opening which opens into the upper end of the flute and also exposes the upper forward edge of the flute tube , making it easier for the player to get into the third register .