Practice chanter

[mkmound]

Try planting your little finger first and then hold your hand at an angle so that your other fingers are covering the holes with the second section of the digit, instead of the fingertip. By changing the angle, you diminish the distance between the holes.

In the brief stint of BP lessons that I took, that was the hardest thing for me to get used to, as I had always been chided for not using my fingertips on the flute.

I have wondered about this difference for a while -- all the other woodwind instruments (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon) use the pad on the first joint of the finger, but bagpipers use the second joint of the finger.

Mark

[Kilted Taper]

Everything about the bagpipes is different than what we are taught in eastern music. I think my short stint of playing the sax in school probably hurt more than it helped. Have to learn it all over again.

Also, with the practice chanter, don't be affraid to take those breaths, but take them. Remember, with the pipes, the bag will supply a constant flow of air. Take the breath with the chanter, if you miss a note, that's ok, just keep your timing and pick up on the note you should be at.

I'll also recommend getting a goose. Though my teacher swears the pipes are easier to play than the goose...you'll still be able to start getting the feel for the bag.