Don’t Let Breathing Stop You From Learning The Bagpipes!

Here I share the beginner bagpipers' secret to overcome learning how to coordinate breathing when playing the Bagpipes. This simple solution will help you automate your breathing so you have more brain space to focus on your fingering!
LINKS & RESOURCES
Here's the link for my free 3 step method to Get Bagpipe Ready!
bit.ly/3steps2getbagpipeready
Join my free Facebook group to get more support!
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Skip the boring chanter exercises and start learning fun tunes in my bagpipe learning portal!
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[@sweetsanity100]

I find it so hard, iv nailed the chanter but the pipes are so difficult, thank you for your great instruction

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Keep at it Sweetsanity100!!! The first mountain was finding the holes on the chanter... the next mountain is getting the breathing on the pipes. Remember to look back and enjoy the view! You've come a long way already, You've got this! 😀 If you are interested, there are other folks in my free FB group, who are working on transitioning to the pipes too! Here is the link to join: facebook.com/groups/getba...

[@justinnaramor6050]

I like how you said "the arm does most of the work", and this is definitely true. Really, we don't actually 'play' the bagpipes with our breath. We play them with our arm which is squeezing the bag. In other words: when we play on a more "conventional" wind instrument (saxophone, trumpet, flute, or whatever), the air from our lungs is immediately delivered to the sound-making part of the instrument. However, bagpipes differ entirely from any other wind instrument, because the air coming from the lungs (or any other source of air) is delivered to a bag first; you then squeeze or press on the bag to push that air out of it, and that air is then finally delivered to the sound-making part of the instrument which is connected to the bag. In fact, this is why I was actually able to hear you talking even while you were playing the drones, and yet the sound of the drones was completely uninterrupted! If you had blown into the drone pipes directly with your mouth (I.E played them more like a "conventional" wind instrument), that would not have been the case. I had not realized any of this for a long time, probably because I really wasn't educated on how bagpipes work earlier in my life. I new how they sounded, but not how they worked. I've had to explain this stuff to other people who mistakenly think bagpipes are played directly with your breath like every other wind instrument.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

thanks for your thoughts on this, Justin :)

[@price-singspuccini6124]

Pays to have good teachers. Something I didn’t have. Was kept on practice chanter and never had one lesson on actual pipes. Teachers seem to want Grade 1 student before graduating to pipes. I was happy to play marches and slow airs. Lost interest. Picking it up again after DECADES without teachers! Hoping your videos will be suffice. Thanks!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Yes, our brain needs to feel like we are progressing in order to keep it fun! Glad you are getting back into the pipes! For more supports check out my free FB group. facebook.com/groups/get.embellishments.bagpipe.ready

[@johnfox2300]

Ditto!

[@Saint_Dismas]

I have just started transitioning from the practice chanter to the pipes. This is not easy. But I will get there. Going from the practice chanter to the pipes is like having learned to ride a bike then being given the keys for a tank. I am sure your videos will help.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

haha! love the analogy! Good luck with the transition! I''ve got some free Bagpipe Coaching videos here that may help ya out: bit.ly/Start-Bagpipe-Coaching

[@Saint_Dismas]

@@GetBagpipeReady, thank you. I have been watching your videos, and they have been very helpful.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Wonderful!!! Also, If you'd like to leave a quick google review for my site that would be awesome! I've made it super easy for ya - just follow this link: bit.ly/Get-Bagpipe-Ready-Google-Review

[@berniebober7883]

Just picked up a practice chanter hoping I’ll be able to catch on quickly. Been playing pennywhistles for many years and hope this will be somewhat similar. Thanks for your videos 👍🏼.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Wonderful Bernie! I'm excited for your piping journey! You'll have some finger dexterity already from the whistle. More video tutorials at my site! Happy piping 😀 www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@leetaylor6999]

Thanks buddy this is something thats deffo got me flummoxed - away to try this just now Cheers

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You can do it, Lee! More video tutorials at my site! Happy piping 😀www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@bshearer5413]

Thankyou Alec. Easy explanation to follow.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

My pleasure!! Keep on piping on 😀 and feel free to check out my site for more Beginner Resources, and video tutorials. workshops.getbagpipeready.com/

[@bradfrazier1837]

I've only been on the chanter for 2 months, fortunately with a very good instructor. I just recently stumbled across your videos and have enjoyed watching them. Thank you for the time you put in to these.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

I'm so glad! For more beginner bagpipe resources check out my site! Happy piping :) www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@davidmillar7594]

thanks so much. I have been struggling with the transition from practice chanter to pipes for a year now! Really helpful.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad it helped David! Good luck with the transition! For more Bagpipe help check out my website! www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@Adrian-ct7nc]

Hi just wanted to say a big thanks for these instructional videos there well helpful u have encouraged myself confidence to start learning the pipes 👍

[@GetBagpipeReady]

My pleasure Adrian! Thanks for tuning in and for the wonderful comment :)

[@annmuor]

My 5 cents here as I was learning how to blow less than a year ago ( and still mastering it of course ). I could't get drones in tune when I weren't steady therefore I couldn't control my steadiness by drones because they were out of tune and I had no 'reference sound' to rely on. And I do know 2 options here. First one is to have a local experienced bagpiper nearby who can tune your drones for you and let you hear how it should sound. Second one is a manometer. During this covid situation it's a really good option. Once I got the idea of steadiness using manomeneter I just made a giant leap to playing in tune. So consider using tools if you have no one to tune your pipes for you.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Great advice Ivan 👍👍👍 thanks for sharing 🙏🙏🙏

[@andrewvare3173]

Love your videos. Picking up the pipes for the first time, I have a practice chanter coming shortly.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Awesome, Andrew! You can do it! Excited for you to start your piping journey :)

[@arniewingco3561]

Thanks Alec. I've been watching some of your beginner videos, and have been finding them very helpful and encouraging. I'm planning to graduate from the practice chanter to a set of pipes in the near future. Fortunately, I have some good teachers, as I have joined a Highland band. I want to get some ideas lined up in my noggin now though, to ease the transition. So, for now, I'll walk around the house doing my one-armed Chicken Tonight impersonation, coordinated with huffing and puffing at the right time 😄

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Wonderful to hear!!! Keep on piping on Arnie! For more Beginner Bagpiping videos, feel free to check out my website. Happy piping! www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@juliodefreitas157]

Awesome video and thank you for sharing. .

[@GetBagpipeReady]

My pleasure! Thanks for your comments!

[@ian7583]

Thanks once again such a great tip just new to the bagpipes funding it tough

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad it helped! I always enjoy your comments :)

[@tomrobertson1444]

Thanks for this video,, I am transitioning now and I find it hard,, but these videos are a GREAT help.. So thanks Alec..

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You are so welcome Tom and You've got this!

[@Subtobeast]

That you so much this was very helpful for me as a young piper

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks for watching! So glad this was helpful!!

[@neelujaka1264]

So nice explain in bag pipe striks

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad you found this video helpful! More video tutorials at my site! Happy piping 😀 www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@williambisset7952]

Thanks for the info

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Any time!

[@angelacowan928]

Thanks for the video just transitioning to the pipes thanks again from Bonnie Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@GetBagpipeReady]

No problem, Angela 👍. Thanks for your comments and good luck with the transition! Warm wishes to you and to Bonnie Scotland :)

[@EJohnston69]

I have tried this, but not consistently. It's a helpful tool for sure. Thank you for explaining it.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for the comment :)

[@jgturpin]

Yesss this is exactly the issue!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

hope this helped ya out, John. thanks for watching!

[@davidgodzik7093]

The best solution is to get a full set of bagpipes to begin with, learn it all at once! Like you said in the beginning of the video you can master the practice chanter and become so used to playing a thin stick that when you move up to bagpipes with the whole shabang it just becomes like learning it all over again! Probably a controversial statement but there must be others who agree? I play many instruments, including the didgeridoo of which I have 5 (currently) but have owned and played many for many years! So there's knowledge & similarities behind what I'm saying!? Right? 😂

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts David! I had the pleasure to room with a didgeridoo player for a year and I played my scottish smallpipes with him quite a lot! so FUN! Anyways, for beginner pipers I'd recommend starting with the practice chanter for a minimum of 2 months, but no more than 6 months before getting your hands on a set of pipes. Hope that helps!

[@davidgodzik7093]

Cheers buddy

[@markmckaytnt]

Superb video

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thank you so much 😀 I hope it was helpful, Mark!

[@curts_uniquecomposites]

my drones never sound that beautiful lol! Love your videos! Building the lip muscles is the hardest for me.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Oh you did find this video Curt! haha I have a new bagpipe coaching service that could be perfect for you as it has helped other pipers transition from the chanter to the pipes. Let me know if you'd like the link for more info!

[@marffvmarffv5438]

Super great advice, simple, cheap and efficient. I like it and I will try next time I pick up my bagpipe, usually only week end as I need to go out due to the big sound we all like :-)

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Awesome Marvff! Good luck this weekend and thanks for turning in 😀

[@marffvmarffv5438]

Hey all Pipers. This technique is simply great and efficient. At least for me. I can feel that I'm doing breathing And press with my arm in a kind of repetitive all in one motion. I cannot yet count or sing in parallel but I think whith more practice it will come one day. And finally I'm able now to play full scale, OK descending not fully under control but far better. Thanks and keep making the Big Noise ! Cheers

[@GetBagpipeReady]

@@marffvmarffv5438 Thanks for sharing and well done!!!

[@josephmarrow5598]

This is my biggest challenge right now, thank you

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You are very welcome!! Thanks for commenting! You are never alone in the struggle :)

[@josephmarrow5598]

@@GetBagpipeReady just made the transition from chanter to pipes, so this will take a bit, but I'm excited

[@jean-lucmillecamps4097]

I'll test it thanks from France

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Great! Good Luck Jean-Luc :)

[@procall28remedy]

Good advice. I still have good days and off days. One day I feel on top of it and the next could be all... what the heck am I even doing. Enjoy the journey.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

it’s a journey that’s for sure! good on ya sticking with the pipes 👍😀

[@Aroundthehouse.]

Even tuned drones sound cool!!!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks 🙏 there is something mystical about the pipes for sure Pat!

[@LloydAkers-wv7yp]

Can you make a chanter tutorial on Wellerman please?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Great Suggestion! I play that one is a couple of different Keys

[@kennyrae]

I have been playing the chanter for a couple of months now. I have purchased a set of pipes and was struggling to blow the bag and squeeze the arm. I have been flowing you for a few weeks and also liked your FB page. I have put a hung on the chanter and done as you have advised on this utube clip. What would you recommend my next step to play the pipes?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Sounds like to are doing lots of good things! When learning something new it's normal to feel like you aren't making progress even though you are. Stay consistent. Video your self play 1 day and then again 2 weeks later, you will be amazed at how far you've come in just 2 weeks!!! 🙂 Feel free to check out my site for more Beginner Resources, and lesson info. www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@kellioswald4662]

Everytime I blow I get a headache! Haha do you have a video that shows more of the Rythm of when to blow and when to squeeze your arm? I suppose the arm always has some amount of pressure on the bag? I want to play soooo bad. It just feels like quite the workout each time

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Stick with is Kelli! Sometimes just blowing one drone (with everything else corked) is a great way to start figuring our your pressure. I don't have any other videos working on arm and breath coordination, but this is something I commonly help people with in my 1 on 1 lessons or bagpipe coaching. You can find more details at my site. email me if you have any questions. I'll have openings for new students in September. www.getbagpipeready.com/bagpipeservices

[@Red80008]

Jeez... I literally just started and find your videos quite helpful (thanks for that here) but already the practice chanter is KILLING me! I need to blow it so hard, that I can't get over the first like ten notes or so of Scotland the Brave before my lips loose pressure and all that precious air bursts left and right around the mouthpiece -.-

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Hey Red! Glad my videos are helpful. Try putting a small elastic band looped around your chanter reed, that way it will not require as much air. It'd normal to take a few weeks before your lip muscles get into shape. Keep on piping on!

[@sweetsanity100]

Sir I commend you, im struggling, im new to the bagpipes after months on the chanter iv finally invested in the real deal, I practice drone pressure but struggle to get that extra pressure for a tune to come out of the chanter, I seem to run out of breath 😅

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks 🙏 Keep at it Sweetsanity100, It’s something every piper goes through. A couple of thoughts for you, have you tried plugging off all your drones with drone corks, and then playing the pipe chanter only? That takes a lot less air. Also, you can buy easier chanter reads which take less air also.

[@dingerbelfastboy2004]

Hi can you get a smaller mouth piece for the bagpipe ie like a slit to breath through instead of the bigger mouth piece

[@GetBagpipeReady]

not sure if this may be what you are looking for? www.reedwrangler.net/

[@dingerbelfastboy2004]

@GetBagpipeReady hi thanks for the reply I have a big bore blow stick but I think mouth piece is too long as its keeping my head back when trying to get at chanter thanks I have ordered a new one

[@Kingtrollface259]

Over time you develop circular breathing after about 6 months to a year if you practice at least 4 hours a day

[@GetBagpipeReady]

perhaps some pipers do circular breath! But many, like myself don't because the bag can circular breath for us :)

[@jakecalhoun]

I can get my drones to have a steady note but I find when I start to play melodies on the chanter I have to blow and push extremely hard to get the reeds in the chanter to sound. Am I doing something wrong or just more practice? Thankd

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Alright Jake! The chanter reed does take a LOT more air than the drones. Could help to cork one or two drones till you get practiced up with the chanter. My FB group may be a help for you on this! Here is the link facebook.com/groups/getbagpipeready

[@jakecalhoun]

Hey thanks, I did some breathing exercises and can now sound all drones and the chanter consistently. Your videos really help so for that I thank you! Have a great rest of your day.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

@@jakecalhoun That's Great!!! Thanks for watching :)

[@talscorner3696]

I'm one of those people who has to remember to breathe, every now and then. If I ever studied the pipes, I'd probably die of suffocation xD (even though, many a moons ago, I did study the flute and *didn't* die of suffocation... so maybe?)

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Your not alone!!! Breathing sounds so simple and yet we are often so unaware of what our breath is doing. If you decide to start the piping journey I'll be rooting for ya!!

[@talscorner3696]

Thank you, good sir!

[@1968illini]

fairly new on the pipes - I keep falling back short puffing breaths - with too much arm pressure on the bag - Help!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Keep on piping on, You'll get there! 😀 More Beginner Bagpiping resources at my site: www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@oelschig123]

I'm not getting the drone sound. It sounds terrible. Is my pressure to low? The drone reeds are new.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Duncan, the Pressure could be too low for sure. plugging 1 or 2 of your drones could help until you are able to keep your pressure up. To get an idea of how your drone reeds should sound you can remove the drone from the stock and blow on the reed (while in the drone). Let me know how you make out!

[@chrisf3332]

Whats the name of the tune you played thanks

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Jolly Beggerman :) Thanks for watching Chris! It is a great tune!

[@sandymcrae7326]

Definitiely an ongoing challenge.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You've got this Sandy! For more beginner bagpipe resources check out my site! Happy piping :) www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@karenspeciale9283]

4:31 Hahahahahaha

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@-ChampionOfDeath-]

execute order 66, LOL a little we star wars joke bc the 66th comment. I love the content super good stuff I have at least 13% Scottish and have been studying the heritage I might try bag pipes I have played clarinet for a time so I do have musical instrument experience.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

haha that's awesome! Funny enough, my Grandpa was originally a clarinet player who eventually became a piper too :)

[@-ChampionOfDeath-]

@@GetBagpipeReady aye that's dope i guess I'm on the right track after all

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Nice!

[@dimuthuruwan476]

Hello brother.. im from sri lanka.. i need get to some advice for bag pipe.. can i contact via whatsapp

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Hi Dimithu! I have friends from Sri Lanka, cool! Probably the best way to get a hold of me is to email me at [e-mail] or join my Get Bagpipe Ready Free Facebook group 👍

[@Jimmie16]

I'm recovering from Covid and I'm 72 so it's a challenge.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

That sounds really tough! Look at is as a great way to do therapy for your lungs!

[@fionawelsh]

Born bred te

[@GetBagpipeReady]

😀

[@johnreid5539]

Your talking about the use of a GOOSE

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Yes, John! A great learning tool for beginner's - Although I've never tried one.

[@allaboutmycats454]

I so wished you’d have played a tune.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Haha next time 😉