How Bagpipes Work

[@gordonstewart8258]

I always tell people who ask that it's like playing two clarinets, a saxophone and an oboe on steroids all at the same time. Excellent presentation, very clear and concise. I would recommend it to any beginning piper.

[@PiperAlly]

Thank you! That’s a good comparison as well 😂

[@glennarnold3970]

hi gordon what country are you from ?

[@gordonstewart8258]

@@glennarnold3970 United States.

[@glennarnold3970]

@@gordonstewart8258 i know a gordon stewart in adelaide australia he is a panel beater teacher cheers from down under

[@garymcatear822]

@@glennarnold3970 Well his name would suggest Scottish.

[@markcarlin4096]

I'm Scottish born and bred. 41yrs old in April and I found you through another shanty video I was watching tonight. And I can honestly say I've never untill this video understood the bagpipes so well. It just never came up. Never questioned it. I mean I knew it was a bag filled with air that produced the sounds but never tried to understand it jn great detail. Grew up hearing them and seeing them played at various events, just accepted it, mainly weddings and funerals. But never questioned it. Just loved the sound. And this now makes me respect them and the player even more. Love a bagpipe. It makes ma hair stand up on end when I hear it.

[@Arbiter7778]

When I was a kid, my dad decided we were all going to learn to play the bagpipes. He bought us all a set of pipes. We learned to play and joined a highland drum and pipe band. It was a weird thing to do in the midwest U.S. but was a unique experience I can look back on.

[@Irish-jp7ut]

Being Irish I've always want to learn Uilleann pipes. You've got amazing talent and It's great to see people keeping their heritage alive through music, especially outside of Scotland and Ireland.

[@christopherthewreckerthats2295]

And Cornwall and Brittany and Wales.

[@Dabergyt]

10 out of 10 video! Thank you for explaining "striking the bag." I've always wondered what exactly that initial squeeze was. Love the blooper at the end and dogs barking. 😂

[@TheSuzberry]

Dogs add character.

[@prek78]

This was a fantastic explanation. I love the enthusiasm and motivation just bursting out of her.

[@clearstream67]

One of my favorite parts of attending the NH Highland Games in the fall is the constant bagpiping. I knew sort of how they worked but not in depth. Showed the great differences and some similarities with my saxophones. Thanks, Ally!

[@myke49]

A long time ago my father was in the Australian Army during WW II. He loved marching to the sound of the pipes. He liked brass bands too but he found the sound and rhythm of the pipes much better to march too. His family originated in Scotland but many generations before he was born. Perhaps that's where his love of the pipes came from? Mike in Oz

[@Quansvideos]

The dogs barking always gets me! 😂 wonderful demonstration!

[@hangonn]

Thanks Ally. I am an aerospace engineer that is learning the tenor sax. You explained the operation perfectly! I understood the operation of the reservoir and the check valve but was always curious about where the sound was actually produced. Thanks again, you make it look so easy!

[@stevejones6013]

I just can't stop watching you. It's nice to hear you just talking.

[@brucegibbins3792]

I'm of Anglo-Celtic heritage born and raised in Polynesia. For as long as I can remember, Sunday afternoons we spent in the city's botanical gardens listening to the Pipe bands playing in the wood Band Rotunda built in the 1910s. Crowds of people gathered with kids sitting on the grass and family's on the sturdy wood benches painted dark green. All that changed when the Rotunda was replaced by a Sound Shell made of concrete and electric instruments replaced the pipe and brass bands that played there before.

[@leonwilkinson8124]

Excellent explanation of a complex instrument. Thanks! It's so cool that a young person is playing the bagpipe!

[@naterisawesome1]

There is just something real lovely about a great bagpipe player. It really is super soothing to me. I love listening to covers on bagpipe

[@kevincraftOH]

As someone that’s never really been around bag pipes other then watching this video, 95% of how I thought worked was right Only thing I didn’t know was the flapper valve and it made sense instantly to me Keep up the good work

[@danielferguson8304]

Aren’t you clever

[@marshmangunnar9150]

Lol

[@vf12497439]

I’ve never embraced my Scottish heritage…. And I find myself interested in learning the bagpipes so then I find your channel. Thank you for this great video.

[@nathanunck7134]

It’s awesome to learn about things from other cultures like your bagpiping. I am on a semi pro curling team in Utah, and not very many people give things this a try or even learn about. I love your stuff. Keep it up!

[@815donalduck]

I kno curling!!! You need broom sticks to move that round thingy 😂 😂

[@89CrazyAl]

My introduction to rockin bagpipes was AC/DC. "It's a Long Way to the Top if You Wanna Rock n Roll"!! Love, prosperity, and continuous adventure to you!

[@morrielewin1554]

Excellent. I have been wondering but not to the point of Googling it. Having a KZbinr I am subscribed to make this explanation means it falls into my lap (yes I am as lazy as I can get away with) and I know I already enjoy the prior content. This was simple and well explained (which means even I understood it!) and deserves many views. Looking forward as always to more takes on contemporary music on the bagpipe as well as the traditional tunes. Thank you for your music and playful videos. Long may you pipe!

[@arnoutvanwijk4916]

I don't really like bagpipe music and thus never listen to it (on purpose), but I stumbled onto this video and watch from beginning to end with mild fascination, surprisingly. You explained it really well and I actually learned something. Thank you, I enjoyed it a lot. You did great. 👍

[@mvl8209]

The only question I ever had, was why you have to smack the bag, and that got answered now :) (and you're right that I didn't *know* about that valve, but I guessed/assumed something is there to keep the air in) My girlfriend thought that it's fake when bagpipers take breaths but the instrument keeps making sound. I then explained to her: imagine blowing up a balloon and then hold it open ever so slightly so that it squeeks. That's similar to a bagpipe.... You can take breaths while blowing up the balloon because you close the end off. When you open it a bit, the air escapes and makes sound, without you having to blow at all at that moment. And then she said sorry for being wrong, and that she understood ;)

[@saippuakullipillukau]

but why she was sorry about understanding? harharhar

[@apveening]

@@saippuakullipillukau She was sorry about misunderstanding.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

I TOTES believe that last line about her apologizing for being wrong. That's one of the cornerstones of being female... admitting that they are wrong and that men's greatness should be respected at all times... I almost got struck by lightning just typing that! :)

[@JasonAPoeticHeart]

Wonderful detailed explanation of how to play the bagpipes Ally. I love the bagpipes, they make such beautiful music and you are amazing at them!

[@metalhedatmedotcom]

I'd love to see a video about what all those synthetic parts were made out of hundreds of years ago, I think that would be interesting.

[@Metal_Life333]

Yes that was my curiosity as well and how long it would take someone back then to make?

[@vincentvega9863]

I would imagine wood or bone for the pipes. As for the bag, knowing the Scots, most likely the stomach of some kind of animal.

[@dougaltolan3017]

​@@vincentvega9863the bag was a whole sheep, probably a lamb. Drones and blowpipe attached where the legs were, and chanter to the neck.

[@johnphelps7519]

Would imagine gut or carcass; horn & bone; leather; reeds. Worth looking up.

[@Badassery666]

I once saw an Australian Piper who had flames coming out of his pipes! Dead ass! You should start a band with that guy.

[@gyst53]

Outstanding explanation of the fundamental technical aspects of the bagpipes! Thank You Ally!

[@tmc28]

The pipes have fascinated me since childhood. Never knew how they worked, until now. Thanks for posting this! Something about the sound really gets me. Probably has to do with my bloodlines, I'm a Mc. That's my theory and I'm sticking with it.

[@vicmiller7191]

Very well presented and thanks. I do love your work and you are a very good teacher, keep at it Girl. your passion for the pipes and music in general is very obvious.

[@kenc9236]

I am ex Canadian Army and whenever I hear the pipes I stop what I am doing and pay attention. I can hear them at seems like miles away. Very powerful.

[@yoksnod]

being Scottish and hearing the bagpipes always makes me feel patriotic. it kinda goes hand in hand with kilts, castles and haggis. 😆 randomly recommended to your channel by KZbin a few months ago and been addicted ever since. ✊

[@jazzman1626]

When I started, it was common to use the leather from the tongue off an old pair of shoes for the flapper valve. It had to be chewed for a while to make it soft and pliable enough to work. For a while, I used my tongue to stop the return of air up the blowpipe. I’m so glad someone invented the lil Mac and moose type valves!

[@jcshaves]

Interesting. I played trumpet in high school so it was cool to learn about the bag pipes. I never realized you can’t tongue to separate notes. Now that I think back of all the music I’ve heard on pipes I’m like yeah duh. Just never realized. Thanks

[@abugden]

Sounds like the pipes I played in Cadets way bag in the 90’s needed some modern improvements and repair. Kept my practice chanter. I suppose “You’re the Voice” John Farnham, “Run Run Away” Slade , or “Big Country” Big Country are too low hanging fruit? Btw your “Flowers of the forest” brought a tear. 🫡 Respect.

[@NovaSunfire]

She even deletes negative comments and probably spends all her patron $$ on all the toys in her dorm too. Rich Girl.

[@markaitkenguitar]

I’ve never had so much appreciation for the intricacies of the bagpipes, nor have I ever been so enamored with a bagpipe player. Super cool stuff young rockstar!

[@schulze25]

Okay now I get out the bagpipes work but the million-dollar question for me is how does one like you decide that you're going to play the bagpipes and who taught you?

[@williamknight9188]

My grandfather who was Irish decent use listen to the Blackwatch on old albums. I kept a copy on cassette while living in the barracks. When other would play their "music" too loud for too long I would through the cassette in and let it do it's thing. "Modern warfare" in a sense. I do not listen to the bagpipes as much as I used to except here. Very entertaining and informational. Keep up the great work.

[@PiperAlly]

DID YOU KNOW I'M GOING ON TOUR?? TICKETS HERE: miaxally.com 10.25 - Albany, NY - The Egg 10.26 - NYC, NY - Gramercy Theatre VIP 10.29 - Hopewell, VA - Beacon Theatre 10.30 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle Tavern 10.31 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm 11.2 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits 11.5 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues 11.7 - San Antonio, TX - Sam’s Burger Joint 11.8 - Dallas, TX - Deep Ellum Art Co. 11.9 - Oklahoma City, OK - Beer City Music Hall 11.10 - Kansas City, MO - Voodoo Lounge 11.12 - St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall 11.13 - Louisville, KY - Headliner’s Music Hall 11.15 - Knoxville, TN - Bijou Theatre 11.16 - Cincinnati, OH - Ludlow Garage 11.17 - Nashville, TN - Eastside Bowl 11.18 - Atlanta, GA - City Winery 11.20 - Washington, DC - Union Stage 11.21 - Philadelphia, PA - Ardmore Music Ha 11.22 - Amherst, MA - The Drake

[@Allen2]

Thanks for demystifying this unusual instrument! If Scotsmen hundreds of years ago could have seen these videos, they would have encouraged female pipers.

[@therealuncleroadkill]

I wish I could attend a show, but I'm nowhere near any of those venues. If you're accepting ideas for videos, I would love to hear Pachelbel's Canon in D on the pipes. I love looking for videos of it played on instruments one wouldn't expect, but I don't think I've seen it on the bagpipes yet.

[@leftygroseclose7642]

let us know more locations, come on down to GA.

[@thomasowen8652]

Aye, Lassie, But when will you leave the NE and come to the west? March 24-26 this year for the NM Celtic Festival. Maybe you could consider 2024.

[@colinxsd2208]

When are you touring the UK?, I would love to travel over the Border to see you showing the Scottish how to play the Bagpipes.

[@davidfannin7187]

At one time you had a leather bag sealed by Glen's recipe. A well fitted cover kept it warm and prevented the leather from stretching too far. You had to learn to be a dry blower. Blow the bag up with a couple of full breaths. Maintain the bag with a short frequent breath in the mouth so that the throat dried out. Keeping the pipes at room temperature prevented the moisture from being thrown on the cane reeds. Short breaths helped maintain a steady pressure. A wet blower would play with a long moisture laden breath. Wet blowing taxes modern drying systems and prevents steady playing.

[@RandyOliverVlogs2]

Wow thanks Ally for the lesson on how bagpipes work would love to to see more videos like this from you keep up the great work 👍

[@itstheterranaut]

Nice one. I was at a Burns Supper last night here in Scotland, and despite the many years I've been listening to the pipes, I realised that I know very little about them. Thanks for this.

[@zg2964]

Ok i wan to see a video where you try and wear all your medals and walk around now. See if you can handle being weighed down by your own greatness.

[@PiperAlly]

Omg 😂

[@jeffforbess6802]

How did she die? She was OM. OM? Over Medaled. So sad. -an allusion to I’m Gonna Get You Sucka, the best Wyan Brothers movie.

[@timallen6035]

While I'm sure that would be funny to see her try and do, I don't think anyone would want to see or hear of Ally hurting her neck.

[@LaLaObeRoT]

Simp

[@jeffreygreen1254]

You wouldn't see her face. A walking body with a stack of medals on the shoulders 🤣

[@transmitterguy478]

I'm 64 and never knew how a bagpipe functioned, thanks dear, that was very informative. You play beautifully.

[@matthewcarey7323]

Fantastic tutorial, thank you Ally!

[@DeadlyRivfader]

Was watching the Shipping up to Boston cover and was thinking "I wonder how bagpipes work". When the song was over I looked at the videos on the right and here I am.

[@NovaSunfire]

I play bagpipes too....she did NOT re-invent this.....its been around a LONG TIME ....and I am MUCH better than she is. She even ignores her patrons too....unlike Snake Charmer.

[@BillRedifer]

We Love you Ally, all the losers who would question your craft should try, actually try to do something half as difficult. Keep up the good work Lady!

[@Hoha778]

Иногда волынка мне кажется каким-то инопланетным организмом, которому приятно, когда его гладят и легко стучат по брюшку :)) тогда он начинает издавать необычные, но приятные музыкальные звуки :)

[@gilbertgranby9339]

I Enjoy when a Musician takes the Time to Explain their Craft. Especially when it's One of the Most Interesting and Misunderstood Instruments. I Never Tire of the Sound of the Pipes 💚 🔥🤘

[@paveloleynikov4715]

That crash course made me appreciate guys, who could tackle full Eightsome Reel on bagpipes so much more

[@mnlivestreaming6713]

Thank you - loved the pipes for years - a simple explanation of how they work.

[@giin97]

Nice, the embellishments at the end was the only part I hadn't figured out from watching one played.

[@Windle_Poons]

Thanks, that all made sense. I had wondered if a Piper developed bigger muscles on their 'squeeze' arm but from your description of how you keep the pressure constant I'm guessing it's not going to need much extra muscle.

[@jorub9718]

I start to learn and play higland bagpipe alone 1 month ago. I love it, this is à very spécial and so beautifull instrument.

[@ronnievera8216]

So glad I got to your channel! Great explanation, the tone of your voice made it even better, thanks for the overview

[@NovaSunfire]

www.youtube.com/@TheSnakeCharmer

[@justinm1150]

absolutely LOVE the sound of bagpipes

[@SomeGuyFromOK]

I have been wondering this for SO long! I had no idea that it was a continuous flow thing. I thought it was a friggin workout to play these!

[@sfbops]

I’ve spent 48 years on this planet and never knew any of this. Learning is fun.

[@jimlinn]

Just discovered your channel Ally, and love it as a Scottish native. Obviously in Scotland we’re exposed to the absolute best pipers and you’re up there with them. Loved the Crazy Train and Pirates of the Caribbean! You explain the bagpipes very well, very clearly without talking too much (yup, saw the last idiot’s comment; ignore folks like that). Well done!

[@peterford9369]

My biggest question was the striking. I've seen u and others pipers do it, but wasn't sure why. I had mentioned once with no response so I looked it up. I originally thought it was a valve in the bag to start the flow of air in the bag. I hadn't thought about the blip of note action so glad you mentioned it. It is an interesting instrument. And u do it justice. Good luck in your future musical endeavors.

[@ricktheexplorer]

I played bagpipes for 8 years but not very often and I never did it right. I couldn't do circular beathing. I lost the pipes during a flood in 2010. OMG that flapper piece! That's what I didn't have! Subbed!

[@mikenixon2401]

Thank you. I'm amazed to see young people interest in bagpipes. I would like to hear them used more in music. So enjoyable. I'll subscribe. Sorry, I'm one of those old people unable to contribute to your (or the many other channels I enjoy) Patreon pages. Best wishes and blessings.

[@steveschappell8374]

Ally. Thank you for the crash course and overview. I have been playing saxophone since 4th grade. I understand a different reed instrument than the oboe or bassoon. Understanding the air pressure helps to see why you can play while not continuously blowing air in. Thank you for your amazing videos that you take the time to create.

[@darthtau2002]

You forgot to mention the fae that live inside the bag which give the pipes their haunting tones.

[@ricardopetrere]

I think it's the first time I watch a full-length video of yours (I see the shorts kkkk), and I must say: You're so adorable!! And the video is very explanatory, you are a very good teacher :)

[@BruceWeiman]

I enjoyed learning about "modern" bagpipes. I played in college some 40 years ago, and things have changed! We didn't worry about moisture control because the condensation helped keep the (hide) bag airtight, along with the seasoning. Also, the drone reeds were really reeds, which needed to be warmed up before playing, and required constant care, including cutting, sanding, banding, etc. Although modern piping has great advantages, with synthetic bags and reeds, etc., it's unfortunate some of the old craftsmanship is being lost. But, with the new stuff, you certainly can get to playing a lot quicker!

[@bobbrand7912]

Fascinating! Thank you for explaining why you strike the bag. I had wondered why you did it.

[@DJDocStudio]

There is so much science to this instrument; much more than meets the eye. You are awesome and so happy that you connected with Mia!

[@WalterGreenIII]

My grandmother always said if you stick out your tongue you better use it, but never did I see anyone using to hang a mouth piece of a bap pipe before! However when I keep returning to see what other said after my comments, I find that freeze frame of you hanging the mouth piece from you tongue worth a chuckle each time.

[@fresnokidsr]

Thank you Ally for this little instruction video I feel smarter now. I do Love the sound of the Bag pipe. May you have a good one. Have fun take care

[@andikage9765]

Thank you much for your explanation. I like the german Band Saltatio Mortis a lot. Sometimes I saw them playing the bagpipe and singing at the same time on stage. I knew it was a live gig and I always wondred nie they do that. Now I know thanks to you. And sorry for my poor english

[@ailenepace8262]

You are delightful and a good teacher in the process. I descend from the MacCutchen clan and I do love to hear the pipes. Thank you for this interesting teaching. Bruce Howard, MG

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

Ally thank you for adding to my knowledge of the way the pipes work. Still trying to decide if I want to learn them.

[@pauledwinhendee3340]

Absolutely incredible as I watch. My uncle left me his pipes. I pick them up tomorrow. I have played many instruments just always had some fear of the pipes. But, I love the sound

[@3catmom]

Love the sound of bag pipes.

[@Kr0N05]

It's funny how tastes change over the years; as a kid the only time I would hear bagpipes is during a parade, and I was not fond of them. But now I find them to be the best part of a parade. And yes you are amazing, and the first time I saw you play I had to do a double take when your mouth left the .... that input thingy (Gotta rewatch the video to hear what it is called again. :) I did not know they had a one way check valve in it, and so no air was lost from your mouth piece.

[@MarkSmith-vk4jh]

Hey Ally! Found a snippet on Google news of you playing Free Bird guitar solo, but didn't recognize you until Marian played the clip. Fantastic! We moved out to Oregon a couple of years ago- would love to hear you in concert so perhaps you'll do a west coast swing sometime in the future. I love what you're doing now- great! Best, Mark

[@tombutler4726]

Firstly, let me just say I do enjoy the pipes. There was a favorite writer of mine who once said, "Bagpipes looks and sounds like someone holding a cat under one arm with its tail in their mouth and biting it!"

[@domfjbrown75]

I usually DETEST bagpipes, but... You (and the Dropkick Murphys!) are the very welcome exceptions!! You're great!

[@sfpincchicago]

"Breathing is good." Yes, most people would agree, although there are some that need reminding of how to do such on occasion.

[@FlyingWithSpurts]

And here I thought it worked by passing proud highland breath over a reservoir of Scotch soaked Haggis to entice the ancestors to produce a haunting tune meant to frighten the English. I jest, Thank you for description and demonstration of the different parts and their function.

[@Lord_Ragnar_VI]

I’ve always wondered how the bagpipes actually worked. Thank you for this in depth explanation and the lovely diagram. It all makes so much more sense now. I love your music. Keep doing what you do! 10/10

[@stevegoff4209]

I’ve always been told that the pipes are very hard to play, now I know why. You make it look easy.

[@joaomiranda9309]

Nice presentation, although I'm originally from Brazil I have a passion for the pipes, just became a subscriber so I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos, you are awesome!!!

[@sarahbaker3342]

Thank you for explaining how the bagpipes work. I never realized it was a red instrument. Love the sound of the pipes!

[@Historyfreak-f7o]

I’ve loved the pipes since I was a boy. Thanks for the fascinating primer❤

[@j2th31]

Fascinating and informative. I guessed a lot, but as a sax player, I hadn’t thought about the tonguing challenge with the bag feeding the chanter rather than your mouth. That would make for a particularly unique challenge. Thanks for sharing your insights.

[@WolfLewis47]

My one dog ( Australian Heeler/Lab mix) consistently barks like that. Awesome explanation of the bagpipes!

[@strat1701]

Thanks for de-mystifying how the pipes work! Heard the term strike the bag before, now I know!

[@alfonsoamorales9285]

Включил субтитры, чтобы больше понимать, но по окончанию ролика понял, что это бессмысленно поскольку взгляд был сосредоточен на милом лице Элли. Похоже Вы в совершенстве владеете сразу несколькими видами искусств, таких как убеждение, язык жестов и конечно же игрой на волынке. Потрясающий материал, спасибо!

[@dirk639]

Fascinating. I never realised just how complex these 'bags of wind' are. (Sorry if that offends, not intentional.) Thank you for this educational video. You explained a lot that I never knew about. Oh, and keep breathing!

[@AnEnchantedLife]

Late to the party, but thank you so much for explaining this! I've always wondered how the whole thing worked, and now I have even more massive respect for your talent & skill. Much admiration from Northern Ontario, Canada!

[@Paynelc666]

Love your music & so does my little boy. There isn’t anything like hearing some pipes to hit those emotions

[@turinturambar1688]

This is awesome, I have a lot of Irish and Scottish heritage but too far to have real ties, really getting into learning more, picked up the tin whistle because I found your channel

[@jamescopeland5358]

Ally dear, thank you for the video on the pipes. I love the sound! Music is something I do most everyday, I've loved music all my 69 years! I love the intro

[@cwez11]

As a Tuba player I found this to be so interesting! Very different from what I'm used to.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

Great explanation of how Highland Pipes work

[@gracewilberforce]

Thank you! I’m sharing this to our band page for the parents of our new pipe students. Keep up all the great content.❤

[@ShinobiDiabolik]

So the drones are the reason for this gentle humm in the backgroung, and resonating with the sound of the chanter make this richer sound, by resonating with each other. As for haters who say you are fake, ignore them. play your bagpipe, play your music, and ignore haters.

[@crazydays4444]

Very cool & understandable to someone completely ignorant of the workings of bag pipes! Keep piping '...