Bagpipe Lessons: How to Find the Right Birl for You! Helping you choose what style birl is best!

In today's video, Matt Willis Bagpiper shows you a quick and easy test you can use to help determine which style of birl you should play, along with a brief explanation of several popular birl methods! The birl is one of the most popular and common embellishments on the pipes, so having the proper technique can really help make them pop!
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[@user-dz6sh8md9j]

I was doing double tap burls at age 11because I hadn't been taught the proper technique for it. My instructor told me it was a beginner burl. Due to my tenacity I started playing double tap burns making use of them so they sounded like the birds other pipers in the band: fast and clean. Then a random woman showed me how to curl my finger and kind of shoot it out and back and that was that. I learned wrong. For a few months now, I have not been able to perform a burl and I have lost all the muscle memory in that finger overnight and cannot feel the hole very well. Overnight I was unable to play burns. I'm going to try the backward 7 and hope I can get it back. ELF waves and tinnitus might be a reason I'm guessing.

[@waynestewart9380]

In my younger days my pinky finger was cut pretty much cut off so tendons were damaged. Burl by curling finger was never executed even close, so seeing the burl you use will make it possible. Again thanks.

[@Quantumanticz]

Hey same, your not alone in this regard I guess! Its good to know im not the only one with this problem.

[@ryankirkmusic755]

This video was game changing for me. I've only been piping for a year but the birl just would not work for me and everything I read and heard elsewhere had me believing the '7' was the only true way to do it. I just tried the your sliding up and down method and I can instantly play birls much cleaner than my '7's even after practicing them for months.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it helped!

[@SamuraiFingers]

I piped for years in Canada with Cadets then Reserves and competition bands. I did the Double tap birl - worked just fine for me! =) Sadly, I haven't played pipes now in about 18 years...and in fact, don't even have my pipes anymore.( I think they are at my mother's house)

[@hankyu9000kei]

great video thanks matt !

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you liked it!

[@jmatt56]

Thanks! From a previous hand injury, can't do any curling (wait a minute I'm a skip). I've been doing a down up slide-sounds mushed, I'll try the up down slide. See how it goes.

[@ricks1502]

OR ... last year as a beginning piper, after watching your previous video about 'Fixing your birl', I found your technique to be easier for me than the '7' or 'tap/drag' and adopted it somewhat. But without realizing it until my instructor was watching me, playing your technique where you start below the G and drag up and then back when playing low hand notes but I was/am placing my pinkie above the G and striking down and back when playing high hand notes. My instructor was impressed with the sound of my birls and so decided to leave it alone. She said it is unorthodox and could mean points off if I ever competed in piping competition but I'm making it work well.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

In the end, judges tend to care more about the sound of the birl than how it looks. They may comment, but in my experience, it hasn't deducted any points (assuming the "alternative" birl still sounds like a birl!)

[@andywebb6640]

Thanks Matt, I get some pain in my finger doing the 7 birl so will have a practice with your up/down style.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Be patient in bringing in your new birl! I got so frustrated in the first few months that I couldn't birl quickly, but it does develop into a nice and crisp birl with time.

[@matthewhoffman9601]

Cool 😎

[@Jordenweiss]

Hi Matt! I just restarted playing my pipes after a 20 yr hiatus and you have been a big source of inspiration! I remember struggling with my girls 40 years ago and discovering your slide method. I’m a physician and am very aware of what a tendinitis can do to knock you out if the game for a while. Also I was wondering what type of practice chanter your playing and if it’s a longer model. I have a Blackwood Gibson and am considering purchasing a longer model to get me ready for my practice and full size Hardie pipes… I’m getting interested in some Skype lessons soon! Best, Jorden Weiss

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hello! Both of my practice chanters are long models (one is a 2001 MacLellan cocobolo and the other a 2018 blackwood RG Hardie). That said, I think a standard model is just fine to learn on, as the hand position is different on the pipes in any case (so even using the same chanter for both your practice chanter and smallpipes end up feeling different). Hope to be working with you soon!

[@Quantumanticz]

My tendon between the end of my pinky and the middle joint has been destroyed for years. I just started playing myself about 2 -3 weeks ago. This was the lesson Im on now and had a miny break down as I realized Id never be able to make that motion. You sir are a life saver, thank you.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I hope this new birl works out for you!

[@lesliethomson2441]

Great vídeo and sound advice. My only claim to fame. I can completely curl both pinkies Without having to “hold“ the other fingers down.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That is impressive!

[@dr.claudiosaludfemenina3785]

Hi Matt. Great Video. Do you have something on the Taorluadh and specially on the Strike on D?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I do! Taorluath: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp7Pd4OLYqaYhLs D strike: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5bQkoqjlrCkqbM

[@mohandabubaker5344]

Hey mr matt i have a question Its neccesary to wet the reed?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Necessary? Not really, but wet reeds sound better...

[@cassier9482]

Matt. How do i book a lesson with you?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hello and sorry I'm just seeing this now! You can send me an email at [e-mail] and I'll get you the info.

[@dane5896]

I learned a different one from my instructor. It's a slight tap and push straight across.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Interesting. I'm having a tough time imagining that one (the push straight across part)... Video?

[@dane5896]

@@MattWillisBagpiper kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2Kuda2kltyZb68

[@SalviMithrin]

@@dane5896 Never seen before... amazing!

[@dane5896]

@@SalviMithrin He's a Grade 1 piper.

[@SalviMithrin]

@@dane5896 How is that done? Tap and push?

[@Dexify_911]

We Miss The Unboxing Vids!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

No worries, there will definitely be more! In the meantime, Ii do have 41 (!!!) unboxing and review videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PLc21D3cFD-pi1QrJZbKcVZ_U5aNIQ78sJ