The alto flute is a G-instrument, which means the written melody has to be transposed perfect fourth higher (sounds perfect fourth lower than the flute). The alto flute is slightly longer than the flute. The only instrument in the flute family with a lower tonal range is the bass flute. It can be recognised by the U-form mouthpiece.

The higher the alto flute is played, the poorer the tonal quality. Therefore the highest fifth is not used often.

Different fingerings can be used to produce variations of a given tone with all flutes.

Recommended combinations:

Alto flute and a string instrument
Alto flute and clarinet, oboe or bassoon