The Dizi is a traditional Chinese transverse flute usually made of bamboo. It has six finger-holes, one blowing hole and one membrane hole. The membrane has a great influence on the sound produced by the flute. Qudi and Bangdi are the most predominant among the many varieties of Chinese flute. To satisfy the needs of different music, professional players usually have a set of dizi, each in a different key and size, where the Bangdi in G-key and the Qudi in D-key are most commonly used. A low octave approach in treble staff is applied to Dizi music notation.

The Xindi is a flute without the membrane hole featuring a lower sound which is similar to Dizi but heavier and louder in general listening. The G-key Xindi is often used, which shares the same pitched-range with Xiao. The treble clef is applied based on the actual pitch. In practice, the xindi can be replaced by other instruments in a similar range, such as Dadi.

The Xiao is a Chinese vertical end-blown flute generally made of bamboo. Most of the traditional xiao have six finger holes without the membrane hole, featuring a relatively low volume. Today, Xiao is often pitched in G-key, using treble clef in its music notation based on the actual pitch.