How to learn the Bagpipes Lesson 2, The Bagpipe Scale - Falkirk Piping

[@christostheocharidis2787]

Greetings from West Sussex, A total newbie here. I've been thinking about learning the pipes for a long time. I finally decided to take the plunge and do it. No musical experience at all. Got the chanter and the Highland bagpipe tutor book 1 and will start the practice. Your videos are very informative and will study them closely. Thank you for uploading and the effort put in creating your videos. Regards, Christos

[@charleystruthers2050]

Love your vids, I,ve only just started. From falkirk myself.

[@NeilClark-FalkirkPiping]

Thanks!

[@munsterlanderman]

Appreciate this video! I've only been playing a few months but have found your video's very helpful! Any tips on how to better tune my chanter? I've seen shaving and pushing in the (Fraser) reed more. I feel like I started sharp and then have found a reed that gives me more ( - ) tuning. Whenever I hear your chanter I feel like I'm way off! Lol. Appreciate any tips. Thank you again for the videos!

[@NeilClark-FalkirkPiping]

Thanks. In fairness, my chanter can be a little sharp. I'm just about to change the reed, not because of that, but because it's worn out, so the pitch may change. I'd lay off shaving a plastic reed tbh, try using a rubber band on the blades. This will make the reed easier, but also (up) sharpen or (down) flatten the pitch. If I was playing with a group I MAY think about raising the reed in the reed seat to flatten it off a bit, but tbh, I still view it as a practice chanter. Not too concerned about achieving any set pitch. But then I'm not playing with anyone else. I have used it as a performance instrument, with other instruments, and it does hold a fixed pitch if adjusted.

[@fatheroblivion45]

How does the practice chanter differ from the pipe chanter? Is it only in the size or are the spacing between the holes also different?

[@NeilClark-FalkirkPiping]

Both Jim. Spacing should replicate in scale. Other two main differences... volume and ease of blowing

[@fatheroblivion45]

Neil Clark cheers Neil.

[@runtsmeadow6797]

When I play a C, I get a C# unless I blow quite gently. Given that the pipe is tuned to D major, C# is the note I'd expect anyway. Have I misunderstood?

[@NeilClark-FalkirkPiping]

Aye thats right. It's an approximation really. It's up to you, but I'd stick with that C sharp and call it a C.... you'll confuse most other pipers otherwise. Also... Are you actually playing in Bb? Otherwise we're knee deep in approximations. Can of worms, and one I'd love to see addressed, but it will take years, if ever for us to come back and play in pitch. We won't I think, ever play a C natural as a matter of course. It can be done, but only by altering the fingering. Many do, usually just to fit in with a particular tune. Flower of Scotland is an example. Personally, I stick to the scale on pipes. If you do want the C, alter your fingering, not your blowing. Good luck.

[@runtsmeadow6797]

@@NeilClark-FalkirkPiping Thanks for the quick reply! I am reassured.

[@evereststevens7034]

Should I tighten my lips to play the high noted

[@Glennovan]

The tightness of your lips should not change for any note you play, you should play with your lips being comfortable while maintaining an airtight seal around the blow piece, this will come with time and practice. I'm sure Neil would agree with this advice.

[@evereststevens7034]

Desmond Guy appreciate the advice. Duly noted.

[@karinblakey98]

Why does my chanter sound completely different to yours, its like its a different pitch?

[@NeilClark-FalkirkPiping]

Karin, it could easily be a different pitch. I havent listened to this vid again, but my PC did used to be quite sharp. The Practice chanter pitch isn't really anything to worry about unless you are in a band or practicing together with someone. I've heard differences as much as thinking someone was a note higher/lower, when they were actually on the same note as me. If you want to match, try raising/lowering your reed in the reed seat. A little will make a big difference

[@tomsouter247]

can u do a clip showing hi A Gracenote pls

[@NeilClark-FalkirkPiping]

On the cards Tom, should be done within the week.