The flute is tuned in the same way that a whistle is tuned, but may have metal keys mounted to it, often on wooden blocks. This makes it possible to play pitches that would otherwise require difficult fingerings or simply be impossible to produce in a certain key. Four keys are necessary for a fully chromatic flute. They are short F, G#, Bb and Eb. Four more keys may be added to extend the instrument's range and further facilitate fingering.

George Rudall (1781-1871) was one of the most important makers of Irish flutes, forming partnerships with John Mitchell Rose and Richard Carte. Rudall's legacy of flute making ranged from 1820-1955 under several company names with Rose and Carte, and was finally bought out by Boosey & Hawkes Ltd. in 1955.

The fife, also a simple system flute instrument, became associated with military music in the 16th century in Switzerland. It was used along with drums to give commands during battle. Its popularity spread throughout Europe and later to America. It became a historical symbol in America on December 16, 1773 with the Boston Tea Party as the sound of the fife was heard while participants marched home.

Early American fifes were made with burned, rather than drilled, holes. The length of the fife varied between about 15 and 17 inches. There was no standard of quality of craftsmanship, and no standard of key and pitch. George Washington had them sorted according to pitch so they could be played together in tune.

Whistles, flutes and fifes can be found tuned to a variety of keys and made from wood, metal or plastic, or a combination of these, and with either a conical or cylindrical shaft. This makes them popular instruments in traditional music because of the different tones they can produce, giving players a broad capacity of expression.