I take it you are playing a wooden "simple system" flute - called a concert flute by the irish.In which case the problem wont be the pads, because you dont have any, nor, in my opinion, is it likely to be about different kinds of tonguing. It's difficult without hearing you play or seeing the flute, of course, but I teach flute for comhaltas,and sometimes the problem is the way the instrument is set up.There is a cork in the end of the flute.If this isnt in the right position,it can make the higher octave hard to get (but the lower notes will be strong) - and the reverse applies too,its a compromise.So look at that - it's easily remedied. The note E is usually a little weak on wooden flutes anyway and any leak from your fingering will stop it sounding.As you probably know, the way you blow has to change as you ascend the scale - gets tighter and more concentrated. Finally, of course most classical music was played on wooden 5 or 6 -keyed flutes - the boehm system(which is what makes the difference,not the material the flute's made of) was only really adopted early in the last century.With five keys you can,at least theoretically, play anything in any key.One reason the Boehm system is superior is that it enables you to play in all octaves easily and in tune.But I still prefer the wooden flute.
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