Bagpipe Lesson 47: Transitioning to Highland Bagpipes (4K)

[@Arod11Bravo]

Matt Willis, what an amazing thing to do! You are a tremendous asset to this community of ours. Thank you Kindly for everything you do, the time you dedicate to share what you know with all of us. You are the MVP brother!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That means a lot, man. Love sharing what I know with as many folks as I can. The universe has a way of giving back tenfold. 🧡

[@lesliethomson2441]

And, may I add, to the description, it also takes experienced pipers down memory lane which helps to be a bit more patient with greener pipers.. And reminds us of those who were patient with us in the past. (Thank you Alfie, my teacher of two score and 10 years ago)

[@alphar5807]

Another great video Matt. Some good viewing during the night time feed with my newborn! Managed to get the loan of a full set of pipes from a friend and look forward to getting cracking on it once I have about 10 tunes memorized on the chanter (currently on six, many from your "basics" series). Also, for anyone else interested, the national piping centre in Glasgow offer 10 week online courses at only £10 per week with 9 different skill levels offered - I plan on taking this course when their next term starts in about four weeks' time!

[@gregoryalee2457]

Well done, the key part, to me, was moving off the "E" and go up and down the scale. It confirms what I was doing. Reinforcement is very important to me.

[@paulbill1078]

Thanks for the online lesson yesterday to help me transition to the highland pipes, Matt! Worth every penny. You sir are a true mensch!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Great meeting you! Hope to be working with you again soon. Cheers!

[@michaeldinges7956]

Very well done Matt. I love the way you teach. You make it very easy to follow and understand.

[@jmdavis45]

This video really helped me with a used set of pipes. In my case the leak issue was a telescopic blow pipe with no Teflon tape.

[@johninnes7214]

Hi Matt, regarding holding the chanter by the bulb, this was a very expensive lesson I learned with an Inveran blackwood pipe chanter. After I stopped weeping and gnashing my teeth at my own stoooopidity, I thought about how to prevent it from happening again and I came up with what I think is an elegant solution. I now grasp the bulb as recommended by everyone everywhere, but to help, when my hand is dry and chanter is dry, I cut a length of bike inner tube, about six inches and slit it lengthways. It sits in my pipe box and when I need to put the chanter in or take it out, I hold the bit of rubber in the web of my hand between thumb and forefinger, and it gives extra grip. Thought I'd 'share this with the group'. Probably not necessary but it helps me and makes sure I grip it where I should, not where it's easy (and dangerous). It's the mistake you only make once but it's expensive and if this stops just one chanter from breaking my work here is done!!😉

[@ttbo12]

I've looked at several practice chanter to full pipes transitioning videos and yours is by the most detailed and informative. You also have the best production quality.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lonepiper4645]

Great tutorial. I find it is good to go back to basics occasionally for experienced pipers. And for pipers like myself who have been away from the band scene for a few years, I find lessons such this one is refreshing. Once again, thankyou for for the lesson. Well done.

[@piawester9245]

Omg its the perfect timeing. I just started with my ghb 2 weeks ago. I could play the beginning of amazing grace without the sound stopping for the first time today. Yey

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You got this!

[@mulattoraver]

Thank you! I’ve been struggling to get a stable sound on my chanter. I went from playing all three drones with the chanter corked to playing with the chanter and reed in place. Starting tomorrow, I’m going to cork my drones and work on just using the goose.

[@nobbiestyles]

Thanks Matt. You're an idol.

[@briansamosky5536]

As always, wise words from one of the best! Thank you as always Matt!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

My pleasure!

[@Ndropazin]

As a non piper random guy, I find your video really interesting ; the amount of effort well made to show what is usually invisible (in the bagpipe art) add to your great work. Well done !

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thanks! What makes a non-piper want to watch a video on learning to play bagpipes? Just curious. Cheers!

[@Ndropazin]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Many, many reasons. Some with deep roots related to my way of thinking, some related to the people I meet. I will give you two that may make you and other laugh (I hope so), the first one is simple, I make no difference between anyone on Earth, culture is interesting (how was it build ? how did people achieve X result from where they start centuries ago ? why ? why not ?). So when I meet someone from a different place, eager to share a bit of his/her knowledge, I start my inner process of thinking/analysing. Sometimes you can find marvelous facts/objects/creations at the corner of the street. The second one came from a glorious unknown woman who asked me if my bagpipe was inside my backpack (I'm a traditional kilt wearer), well this was a tad different from the usual questions I'm used to receive. I like Scottish culture (even if I don't share a single drop of blood/DNA with Scotland) and I found timely to try to learn something different in my life, so I set a goal, one day I will play bagpipes over the wall of the town castle (we have a true castle in the center of the town). Yeah I'm ambitious ;).

[@lesliethomson2441]

Very good, again thanks for this huge contribution to the world of piping

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danielspencer1827]

Well done! I like how you handled the lesson. I can only offer words of encouragement for the beginning pipers here to be patient with your own progress and don't give up. It's not an easy instrument to learn.

[@timharrigan6005]

Excellant Discription on the blowing and squeezing cycle, thanks Matt!

[@CurlyBill12]

Excellent video! This is exactly where I'm at on my bagpipe journey. This is very helpful! I've been very guilty of disengaging the arm and relying to heavily on blowing.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chancehowes]

Thanks Matt, you're videos are very thoughtful and your approach to learning is first class! Chance.

[@neilspurgeon0]

As ever highly useful and practical instruction

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful!

[@timeastwoodbagpiper]

25:20 this could be the ground to something like 'Lament to the poor Texan' or 'Farewell to the beginner' or some other typically classical ceol mor. I've just received my McCallum Ab0 with wooden chanter, mopane mounts, hybrid bag, and a medium (impossible) and easy reed. It's definitely a step up from small pipes in terms of strength, but I've got some tunes. Thanks for the advice, these pipes are definitely more fussy than the already quite fussy folk pipes.

[@colinbenfield326]

Wish I had this instruction when I started . Great video.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Me too! I tried to make videos that would’ve been useful to me when I was learning. There’s just so many things going on with this crazy instrument of ours.

[@colinbenfield326]

@@MattWillisBagpiper sad that many people just give up when transitioning from PC to the pipes or get freaked out at the hard reed the teacher gives to the student . Happens a lot. This will be so helpful.

[@owenwolfco.8344]

So in a way it’s like driving stick, the arm-breath part

[@seanwennihan6191]

Great Video Matt I Use The Airstream Blowpipe For My Bagpipes I Feel I Have Better Control Of My Bagpipes Especially With The Built-in Lil Mac Valve 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀 Thanks For The Great Videos Matt

[@alicerobinson5273]

Brilliant, thanks Matt!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you liked it!

[@timeastwoodbagpiper]

So I managed to accidentally order a full set of great highland pipes, I thought I was confirming how much I'd have to put aside for a certain spec from a large Scottish manufacturer, however the return email said 'Thanks for your order!' Oops. Still, I definitely want them. So I have a set of pipes heading my way, this video will be very useful 😆 I've not told my teacher yet, but I have confessed to the family.

[@ralphhunter118]

Just some video ideas - you could do one on tuning and maybe those leather drone cords

[@Tin-Tin1411]

Amazing video and series Keep up the amazing work!!😊

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thank you! Will do!

[@BruceKort]

Bedankt

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thank you sir!

[@BruceKort]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Hey Matt, when is the next one? :)

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

@@BruceKort Later this summer or early fall. The next step is the drones and it's taking me some time to get everything sorted out and ready to script.

[@williamlavallee8916]

Great compilation of tips, thx.

[@sweetscience7817]

Hi Matt! Eagerly looking forward for “How to tune a bagpipes” video. Are you considering making it?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I have one for the chanter here: Tuning Your Pipe Chanter Using the Braw Bagpipe Tuner! - Get Your Chanter Reeds Under Control Part 3 kzbin.info/www/bejne/emG3m52ngLdripY

[@sweetscience7817]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you. You are the best!

[@Crazylaowai]

Good stuff I’m just starting the transition. Need more lung and lip strength!

[@WootTootZoot]

Hey Matt, do you have any ideas on how to teach a beginner, or newer Piper how to not slurr the notes while playing ?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Are they having problems with hole coverage? Or are they sliding their fingers off the holes rather than lifting?

[@timeastwoodbagpiper]

Coming from ten years of border pipes i still find this useful. I'm still wondering if there's a way you can tell me how much harder to blow the highland chanter is than say your folk pipes or the small pipes?

[@TheTipsyRooster]

My "Go-To" KZbin bagpiper when I can't practice, but want to hear the best advice without the inflated ego... just a properly inflated bag!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Ha! Happy you found the channel here.

[@dannyblack4532]

He doesn't have a ego, he does a great job and is super informative.

[@aguywhodoesstuff]

Great video. I'm new into the journey... how the heck do you remember the music without the sheet in front of you?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It's kinda like singing along with your favorite song. First you get the basic melody in your head and kind of mumble the lyrics, and then once you know the words, you can just sing along with looking at anything. Similar process here. I tell my students if they can't sing the pipe tune, they don't have it memorized.

[@fedoragamer1382]

Hey Matt Willis, after I have watched this video I tried just playing the chanter in the bag but for some reason no sound comes out of the chanter. I have softened my reed quite a bit.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Can you get the chanter to sound when you play it by mouth?

[@fedoragamer1382]

@@MattWillisBagpiper I can get it to play by mouth

[@BillieMcdowell]

I just got my chanter two days ago! I'm having such a tough time keeping the holes covered...so discouraging as it sounds awful lol

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Coverage can take some time to sort out. As for the terrible sound, make sure you are blowing enough air through it. They get quite growly when under blown... If you want info on lessons, feel free to send an email to [e-mail]

[@croatian_jayden9956]

So I have a question. My base drone joint is moving to easy and it's near my reed so can u use hemp to make it more tight and if yes what should I use

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Yes, you can tighten with a bit of hemp. I'd likely use pre-waxed (either black or yellow) hemp.

[@croatian_jayden9956]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you alot I'm glad I found your channel all the things I know about piping I learned from your videos.

[@Daval3891]

My band lent to me the bagpipes and when I was cleaning them I found the white valve of the blow pipe inside the bag. Does it makes more difficult play the instrument without it?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It’ll be nearly impossible to play without the valve. You’ll have to train yourself to cover the blowpipe with your tongue when breathing in and very few have even tried that, let alone mastered it. You’ll need a new valve.

[@JBrooksNYS]

How do I make the last sounds?

[@markjackson6502]

Hi Matt Are there any exercises that can be done to help engage the squeezing arm more readily. During my practice I will suddenly be aware that my squeezing has dropped off.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Try these: Build Your Squeezing Strength with the CRUSH OUT METHOD kzbin.infojJJutaLJZiQ?feature=share And Use a football to help train your bagpipe arm! #shorts kzbin.info3k4x-Qx4Q1E?feature=share

[@markjackson6502]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you for your advice.

[@larixdecidua8099]

Hi Matt, thank you so much for your helpful videos. I started transitioning to bagpipes from practice chanter about one and a half month ago. I've managed to tune the drones and blow steadly two drones for many minutes. Some days ago I stuck the chanter in, and started to play single notes with all the drones corked off. I can play slow scales up and down blowing steadly (I use a water manometer, and keep the level within an inch from the chanter reed's sweet spot). But when I try to play some simple slow tune, like "Amazing Grace", I struggle to keep a steady pressure and I find it hard to synchronize my blowing/squeezing/playing. I wonder if there is any excercise or step-by-step method I can use that helps me to learn how to play and blow mantaining a steady pressure in the bag. Thank you very much.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It's a common struggle... I would recommend playing Amazing Grace, but on the long notes, really stretch them out so you can take a moment to make sure your properly engaging your arm and getting enough air into the bag. It may turn Amazing Grace into a 3 minute long piece, but hopefully can help you start sorting out the blowing and squeezing. You will get this!

[@larixdecidua8099]

Thanks a lot Matt for your support, I'll keep on insisting with that then!

[@happycamper23]

Great video Matt. Very helpful that I had a few "ahh" moments for things I was doing wrong. Quick question though, I often find that I can get enough air in the bag to keep playing; it often feels deflated after a time. I've check airtightness, set the drone reeds to take only as much air as they need, and my chanter reed whilst not great i can get through the first line mouth blown of Scotland the brave. Do you have any advice on how to overcome this?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Difficult to answer without seeing your process... Sounds like your possibly not blowing with enough force to adequately refill the bag. If say you're inflating the bag on a 3 count (and then taking say 1 to 2 counts to breath in), I would want the bag to be fully inflated by the end of count two, and having the third count of inflation being blowing through a "full" system, if that makes any sense. And make sure you're taking a deep enough breath during your inhale phase so there is enough air to refill the bag. Hope this helps!

[@happycamper23]

@@MattWillisBagpiper ahh right, for sure! Thanks I'll try that out

[@sonic-0023]

Well, how about that! I figured out part of my problem with playing harder strength reeds (I'm not a beginner, but I'm still struggling), but how can I stop from spitting all over the place? Also, I find it much more difficult to play in colder weather, so am I doing something wrong with the reed before I play, or is it actually more difficult for everyone?

[@sweetscience7817]

Hi Matt! Yesterday I transitioned from RGH practice pipes to RGH real pipes and trying to make first sounds with goose set as you showed in this video. I faced the following: on my practice pipes I had to keep it ~80% inflated with the pressure power I got used to, because more inflation caused practice reed to cut off, but on real pipes it seems that I have to keep it >95% inflated (with the pressure power I got used to) otherwise the sound stops. Is it OK or am I doing something wrong? Do I have to increase my pressure power or ~95% of inflation is reasonable for real pipes? It seems that real pipes is a way more demanding instrument than practice pipes in this regard.

[@kristinengle4190]

I’ve been playing the chanter for awhile and just got my pipes. I followed your video but my pipes don’t make a sound when all the drones are plugged up. Air comes out through the chanter holes, especially when I squeeze the bag, but no sound. When I put the drones in, it makes a sound but the sound doesn’t change, no matter what note I try to play. Thoughts? I know the pipes play fine because one of the guys from the pipe band I’m joining played them when I got them and they played great. So obviously the issue is on my end but I can’t find any instruction online to what I may be doing wrong.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

This is beyond what I can diagnose through a comment, but feel free to email me at [e-mail] and we can see about setting up a brief consultation to figure out what's going wrong.

[@katec8726]

My teeth are sore from pressing down. It’s hard for my cheeks/lips to seal the mouthpiece

[@fionacompton310]

Hi Matt, I have just bought my first set of pipes, been watching your videos. I am in the market for tutor but I am in the Uk. Can you accommodate? Thanks, fiona

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I do have a student in England, and several in mainland Europe if you were interested in having online lessons with me. Send me an email for more info on lessons! [e-mail]

[@1111amyg]

I have an adaptor that lets me use my practice chanter bottom as a pipe chanter. It's much quieter, but do you think it's a good idea or should I use the regular pipe chanter and reeds? I'm trying to transition. Thanks for all your advice and videos.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I'd start with the practice chanter and when you can reliably keep a note steady for 2-3 minutes, you'll be ready to switch to the pipe chanter. Best of luck!

[@1111amyg]

@@MattWillisBagpiper I switched to the regular chanter several weeks ago, and I'm using a synthetic reed. The drones are removed. Do you know of any players getting very sore upper abdominal muscles from blowing? I don't get winded, but my abs can't do much more than a short song at a time. I have fibromyalgia, but I want to know if any healthy people experience this problem. Also, have you read the book "The Highland Bagpipe, It's History, Literature, and Music, With Some Account of the Tradition Superstitions", by William Laird Manson? It was written in 1901 and it's fascinating.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

@@1111amyg I have heard of folks having slightly sore abs after piping, but nothing that would keep them from being able to play... I'll have to look into that book!

[@loch1352]

I have a quick question, I’ve been looking into getting into Uilleann pipes and I figured I’m gonna start with a half set. would it be possible to add the regulators to the half set to make it a full set when I’m ready, or will I have to purchase a new set of pipes. Thank you and have an amazing day!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

For the most part yes. The mainstock has to be built ready to accept regulators, but most makers already do this (Daye does not).

[@sprowl3299]

You loook very familiar! this is random I know, but any connection with silver thistle pipes and drums in Austin?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Yep, played from 2000-2004 with them. Were you one of the twins that played pipes?

[@sprowl3299]

@@MattWillisBagpiper yea sir! no way that’s amazing! it was killing me! how in the world have you been?!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

@@sprowl3299 I've been busy, but not complaining. Have over 300 videos up on the channel here. You still piping?

[@sprowl3299]

@@MattWillisBagpiper that’s awesome man! Im happy for ya! i am we live in Delaware now competed in grade three for a while got out of it but started a band we are working on now! It’s been a crazy time I’m going to start soloing again are you competing still? we need pipers :)

[@djxtube64]

How can I get bagpipe??

[@paulbill1078]

Is the sequel to this video released yet?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Not yet… perhaps this spring.

[@matthewhoffman9601]

What is this term called when you roll your pinky on the low g on the chanter any one know ? 😂

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The birl. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWLEpGh-jZyCY5o

[@charlespayne2002]

Flapper valve tip. A dab of Vaseline will help it seal.

[@samlipworth2374]

Do you have a follow on video from this one?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Not yet, but it is on the way. Likely mid summer. Thanks for asking!

[@PlooHigh]

Ты какой то дополнительно фильтр добавил? Лицо как на видео по макияжу :))

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Did I add a facial filter? Nope... I've been dieting (down 17 pounds or nearly 8kg), so I'm a bit leaner in the face than some older videos.

[@PlooHigh]

@@MattWillisBagpiper нет, не на лицо :) Фильтр на видео. Мне кажется, что раньше ты по-другому обрабатывал. Какой-то новый плагин или настройки в твоей программе монтажа?

[@dominiclapinta8537]

Matt, you piping fool, you do realize the very first sounds should sound like a goose farting.

[@MrGekko4life]

Wow play an E note I'm almost deaf... Headset users 🤣

[@pemacal57]

Good Lord....I won't remember....

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Did you remember?

[@pemacal57]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Yes, of course!….I remember my hard first steps…..great videos!!