How do bagpipes work?!

[@RoadWarrior77]

I was born in 1977 and I had no idea how bagpipes worked until now. Thank you for explaining it in laymen's terms.

[@Scottchmorsco]

i was born in 1960, and just learned

[@queenie8733]

@@Scottchmorsco I was born in 1492 And I didn’t know

[@jmdenison]

Isn't that now layperson?

[@LiamPorter2005]

I was born in 2005 and I had thought bagpipes is pretty good

[@monkemaster7208]

My dad was born in 1977 lol

[@irishdefense77]

Being a 4th generation State Trooper of Irish descent,this speaks to my soul.There is nothing I’d rather have played at my funeral or anytime before that day.It calms me to hear Scotland The Brave or Danny Boy.

[@godetonter4764]

Maybe you can book her to perform at your funeral

[@hyperrat12]

As a half Irish firefighter, I want nothing less than for the used to be played in my funeral. They are Scottish, yes there are Irish variants, but these are very much a Scottish instrument. You will almost never see these at Irish funerals ever. It's an unfortunate stereotype of being born in the US 🤷🏽

[@joelspaulding5964]

This was a phenomenal explanation of the pipes...My French teacher in HS was wife of Michael Mac Harg. Always fascinated by the sound; never tried Pipes but have found joy in playing some trad tunes on mandolin.

[@GeneralBulldog54]

I have a soft spot for the bagpipe sound, my late pops who along with being an Illinois Trooper was also a piper (feather cap and kilt but minus being regimental). Hearing this just gets me reminiscent of him.

[@bobh3394]

What you do for the pipes is wonderful. You share your love for the instrument & you teach us it has so much more to offer in music! And you make it fun. Hope you really enjoy it as much as you make it look!

[@edwardgill1882]

This is one of the most clear explanations on how a bagpipe works that I've ever seen. Add a fingering guide for the notes and you have a perfect video.

[@onbe4736]

I honestly was questioning how bagpipes worked, so this helped a lot

[@PhantomControlGaming]

Awesome video, I honestly never knew the pipes were so popular they are used quite alot in my home country of Ireland and specially in Scotland I hear them almost every week in some form or another and it truly is a unique sound. I love what you are doing and thank you for keeping these historical instruments relevant in the modern era.

[@deancorlett7288]

Thanks for that, first time I have seen the pipes like that. Cheers

[@davekeanie7508]

Very good explanation of the workings. You taught me a new way of blowing the drone reeds with the drone attached . That’s a much easier way to test the intonation thanks Ally

[@simonthomas5367]

Love your clips Ally. It's great to see these fabulous instruments kept alive by people such as yourself.

[@cruisinthefifties]

You are an excellent Piper. This for the video. I am an 83 yr old Piper from Pennsylvania.

[@ashiihideeshchiinii6158]

I was born in 1983 never knew how bagpipe work. 😮 Interesting video. Thx Ally the Piper.

[@Doodlefisher]

That’s worth bringing to the table. I’ve always wandered how they work and now i kind of see. Thanks!

[@LKerrTxn]

You just answered so many questions!! Thank you!!💙🤍💙🤍

[@nikolaiastrov1099]

By itself it sounds like a duck call.. but together it’s like getting hit by a battalion of beautiful semi trucks in unison. Thank you for the lesson Master Piper 😌

[@jamesboston7457]

Very intelligent young lady I had no idea how they worked thank you so much I’m 55 and a musician you just taught me something

[@EmperorKingBishop]

This was a great video. Great explanation

[@margarethunt5441]

My husband was the Bass Drummer of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Pipe Band. My Mum loved the Pipe Music Would have loved to had played them but instead learnt the B flat Flute for our Blue Drums of Croydon Junior Marching Band and taught the youngsters. The youngest one was 7 she now lives in America and I am in regular contact with her and her brother who still lives in England. Memories of our Fairfield Hall appearance in the Guards Spectacular ❤❤

[@seamusmcguire372]

The beautiful sounds of the highland pipes

[@gilbertgranby9339]

Growing Up in Dunedin FL; Sister City to Sterling Scotland, I learned to appreciate the Glorious Sound of the 'Pipes. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@lolzorz007]

I love your Tik Tok and KZbin performances. It has rekindled my love for the sound of bagpipes. ❤ P.S. would love to see more collabs with the bucket drummer. 😂👏

[@davidbradford38]

How amazing I always wondered how they made sound thank you for this lesson

[@792slayer]

I've always wondered how these things work. Thanks for a detailed explanation.

[@KingdaToro]

2:16 Pipe organs work that way too. The entire air supply system is engineered to deliver constant pressure to the pipes, they will go out of tune if the pressure changes.

[@mohanankanniparamba6592]

Thanks Mam for giving clear anatomy of this enchanting instrument ..... Thanks a lot ..

[@illz09]

I've been wanting to know this FOREVER and always been too lazy to search it. Today years old. Thank you for this lol.

[@markhanna3028]

This was very informative, thank you. I'm a new piper from South Carolina and I looked up the science behind bagpipes and your video popped up first. So I'm glad I viewed it.

[@Buddygold9509]

Just watched a video of Glen Campbell on bagpipes. Really good. He can play just about any instrument. Your video explains answers to my question of how they work. Good job. 👏

[@PyroBear1776]

They’re honestly one of my favorite more unknown instruments, they make a beautiful sound. 😂❤

[@cliffordphillips1733]

AWESOME!!!!THANK YOU..love the bagpipes ...you make them sound AWESOME 👍👍👍👍

[@DonutLord32]

I've always wondered how bagpipes worked. Nice and simple explanation

[@christalma1791]

They say you learn something new everyday, very interesting & thanks for sharing.

[@seanpierce7673]

Wow! Being of both Irish and Scottish desent I actually love the sound of thee old pipes lassy! AND I MUST SAY YOUNPLAY THEM.WELL

[@dan_demonium]

Oof, I wish KZbin had recommended this vid for me BEFORE I asked you about “that recorder-like thing”, but I’m very grateful for this informative video. I’ve learned more about bagpipes from you in the last week than in my entire life beforehand, but I still have a lot to learn

[@frankboyd.]

Love range of tones you produce. Never heard anyone play the gentler quieter notes you're capable of. I also enjoy your experiments with wild rock music and electric violin collaborations. Would like some Pink Floyd.

[@Mayshowers4]

Thank you! My 4 yr old and I just read the book "Wee Gillis" by Munro Leaf about a boy who plays the biggest bag pipes in all Scotland! And we wanted to see what real bagpipes look and sound like. Thanks for the demonstration, we loved checking out your other videos as well! 👍🏻

[@heavensmopars]

Thankyou for explaining. 👍 I have always been intrigued by this instrument… keep up the great work! 😉

[@bruce-z9p]

Applauds for you❤❤

[@telefigaro]

We are an italian IGCSE class and we really enjoyed watching your beautifulo video! Thank's a lot!😻😻😻😻😻😻😻

[@mitchellmorgan92]

Love the videos. I have always enjoyed the sound of this instrument. Could you do a video explaining how to pick out bagpipes for someone wanting to learn.

[@zoespilias619]

This is your first video ive seen and i always thought bagpipes were kinda weird only because i never knew how they worked. Watching this video i think its so cool and cleverly designed that you can breathe whenever you need to because it isnt your mouth pushing the air like other woodwind/brass instruments

[@justinnaramor6050]

Yeah, and this means that, theoretically, you could actually sing and play the bagpipes at the same time, for the precise reason that your mouth blowing does not make the music at all (the bag takes care of that for you). You don't use circular breathing when playing bagpipes either, like some people mistakenly think. If that was the case, you may as well ditch the bag, because then it has no real use! and Then you don't have a bagpipe anymore!

[@mikeostrander2627]

Wow learned something new. thank you for being the instructor. you play very well.

[@mikeyaw7531]

Thanks I love to hear bagpipes never knew how the worked. Only took 73 years.

[@lancemidnight1080]

Just wanted to take the time to thank you for that amazing explanation, and to let you know you're doing great work musically! If at all possible I'd love to see some collabs (if you're interested) with some other musicians such as The Phantom Piper- Jane Espie, Matt Willis, The Snake Charmer, Natty Dread, Celtica, the dame of drones Chelsea, and the red hot chili pipers, I think most of y'all would work pretty well together! I also enjoy the bagpipe twist on guns n roses and Metallica! Keep up the great work!

[@IanZuczuski]

the expansion is good and I always linked these with funerals but now that hear this and your videos they are awesome

[@glowfishin1]

My kitty heard this and started meowing like she was calling kittens. I think she thought the pipes were her babies!

[@monstahz]

Confirmed your cat is scottish

[@heywoodjablome619]

Unreal. I’m trying so hard not to perv on you, but it’s easy because you are so articulate and so damn talented. Just subscribed. Keep up the good work holy hell

[@heywoodjablome619]

Forgot to add, are you a Dropkick Murphy’s fan? Flogging Molly?

[@finnmcool2]

Playing an instrument designed to put troops into a murderous mood requires a level of confidence I can only stand in awe of.

Thank you ! I didn't know how that curious instrument work.

[@general5104]

I'm in my seventies and I had no idea how the bagpipes worked. You know your instrument and I'll tell you why you have over six hundred thousand subs... you're CUTE and YOU CARE ! I'm fixing to sub, myself. God speed.

[@robnorrisradio]

Thank you for that lesson. My father learned the bagpipes at the age of 42, so he could impress my mother on her 40th birthday. For the rest of his life, he would step out on his bedroom balcony at midnight on New Year's Eve, and play the bagpipes. Badly. But it was so much fun! I do have one question. When you store the pipes after playing them, you just simply squeeze all of the air out of the bag, or is there another method? I know, sounds like a stupid question, but I am curious. On the same token, what is the proper way to store bagpipes long-term?

[@benjohnston9654]

Ally, nice job, love!!! I am a bagpiper in San Diego..."Bonnie Ann" is a challenging tune...

[@gabribotha2403]

Amazing!

[@svenphilipp8303]

Wow, sehr gut erklärt. Von einer bezaubernden, jungen Frau und wundervollen Dudelsack Spielerin ❤❤

[@sdgdc]

So... no cat inside? Just kiddin... love the sound... love your work. Greatly appreciated🙏🙂

[@DavidAMystery]

Great job! I always wondered how the pipes worked, and now I know. Now if we could just get those haters on board we would be all set.

[@juliacornejo7802]

Wow, I've actually wondered for a long time how bagpipes work Thanks for this videooo!!!

[@markthomas9769]

Thanks. I've always wondered why the bag was "punched" before playing.

[@KoSPEAKS]

Very good video thank for the perfect explanation of bagpipes!

[@ryandpierce]

Thanks so much for making these videos! I love your music! In your videos, I think I’m seeing two different pipe chanters in use. Could you please clarify which ones you’re using? Are you using a concert Bb chanter to play along with modern music? Or are you autotuning or doing something else digitally to match the pipe pitch with concert pitch?

[@timmmahhhh]

Thank you for this, I had no idea it has so many reeds.

[@mikshmt91]

You are awesome and i appreciate the videos you make

[@juliodefreitas157]

Such a beautiful sounding instrument. .thank you for sharing your video. 🐇🔥💙💙❤❤

[@matt79de]

Hi Ally, pretty cool explaination. Rather than a single question, i have more of a video request for You: I would love to see a video having you fully nerding out at the instrument(s), maybe together with another piper? That'd be really great...

[@cheesy-p1j]

I hope you are good with your neighbors

[@marcux88]

In Italian that instrument is called "cornamusa" you are really good on that... And beautiful! 😍

[@sachbut]

Thank you Ally! I'm on my way now!!

[@gusgone4527]

Beautifully done.

[@frodeskibrek]

Thanks, Ally. Great video as usual there.🙂

[@jysurferman]

Hello Great explaination about the « bag and the pipes « 😊 what a masterpiece of musical technology . Thx J-Yves

[@justintouhey4063]

"It's only 9 notes... how hard could it be?" Wait, I need to keep 4 reeds in tune and learn on an entirely different instrument? 9 notes, that's how they get us lol

[@bobmarlowe3390]

Are you related to Katelyn Touhey, the great runner at NC State University?

[@williamroberts4372]

That was great explanation, I was definitely curious about that after starting to follow you on other social media!

[@spaddriver1957]

Until I heard you play the pipes a couple of weeks ago. I always thought that bagpipes sounded like I should make a call to the ASPCA and report someone is skinning a cat!. At least now I know it was a Scottish cat!.... Kidding!. Like your sound, lady!👍

[@southernlady5085]

Why do you "punch" the bag prior to playing? I've seen a number of bagpipe musicians do this. Is it to force the air into the pipes or are you placing the bagpipes in a comfortable position for your arm? how long does the air stay in the bag of the bagpipe? Does it slowly leak out if you aren't blowing into the pipes themselves? I really appreciate your showing us the workings of the bagpipe. It's such a fascinating instrument, and I love the sound as it is so unique. How did you start playing it? Not many schools, if any in the US, would offer bagpipe instruction. Did you have a teacher in your community? I've also seen you play the tin whistle. What's your favorite maker of the tin whistle? Likewise, who makes the bagpipes? Do they come from Scotland? Does the finger work resemble that of a recorder or flute? is the finger work the same on the tin whistle and on the bagpipe? How did you learn to play the tin whistle? I understand the tin whistle is designed to play in the key of D mostly. Is it the same for the bagpipes? Do they play in a particular key ? I'm trying to learn on tin whistle on my own but it still sounds like a cat thrown into a tub of cold water. Not going to give up, though. My ancestors were Scottish, and I'm determined to learn it. Any helpful hints on the tin whistle? If one lives in an area where such instruments aren't taught, what is your opinion of online classes? Have you ever watched Celtica? I find it amazing that the bagpipes can be used with most any genre of music. Do you have a particular genre of music that you use while practicing with the bagpipe? (Celtic, Rock, folk, etc?) Thank you for explaining the workings of bagpipes. I've never seen one up close, so your presentation was quite interesting. You're so incredibly talented! Have you ever thought of teaching bagpipes online? (I don't know if you are still in school or not.) Thank you for your patience and your time in answering our questions. I think it's wonderful that you are sharing your talent online. The tradition and history of the Highland bagpipes should be passed on as these instruments are so tied into Scottish history. Thank you so much for being a part of that.

[@southernlady5085]

Just found your statement about the valve not allowing air out of the bag if you aren't actively blowing the reed. Thanks! You explain everything so well, so a novice like me can understand. Thank you ever so much for your postings and your explanations. Very helpful!

[@Calum_S]

My dad used natural drone reeds and they were terrible for needing retuned while he played.

[@dalehall64]

Awesome.. This just answered a question I asked on one of your other videos.. Thank you..

[@krismikewill]

Very nice. I now know a little about this.

[@josevicentegutierrezdiaz5348]

Yo soy de Asturias, Norte de España y aquí la gaita es un símbolo cultural de nuestra historia y folklore. Yo mismu di clases y ser las partes de una gaite.

[@jesset061084]

My older brother played the bagpipes when he was younger

[@CandC_Farms]

Just getting started (self teaching the pipes with a musical background in woodwinds), practice chanter is going well (notes, fingering, basic scale, still working out grace notes). My question is when should I actually pick up a set of pipes and start getting familiar with them?

[@Raginglaswegian2008]

Well get yourself a good instructor one who has won 1st place in high competitions,then usually you get the pipes like a year and a half later after you've learned a good few things on the practice chanter first although the chanter gets kept through ones piping career to practice new tunes etc

[@CandC_Farms]

@@Raginglaswegian2008 I live approximately 2 1/2-4 hours from any place civilized that has reputable instructors. I’m looking into Skype and distance lessons (and a whole lot of reading and videos, I’ve been playing along with Matt Willis’ beginning bagpipe series on KZbin as an example). The drive and determination is there for certain, this is a decision 20 years in the making. Thank you for your advice.

[@danielspencer1827]

@@CandC_Farms , that is tough on learning to be so remote like that. Are there no pipe bands in your area? I do know a Skype instructor.

[@CandC_Farms]

@@danielspencer1827 yeah the closest band is about 1 1/2 hours away. They don’t meet regularly and it’s kind of show up and play along with the tunes you know. Sounds like there may be someone coming into the area this summer with a lot of experience (about 45 minutes from where we live). I will just hold out until then, keep practicing and Skyping when I hit a wall. I’m just trying not to form any bad habits in the meantime.

[@danielspencer1827]

@@CandC_Farms , You hit the nail right square on the head there, not forming bad habits- That is the tough part. It's just as easy to learn it wrong as it is learning it right. Unlearning them is tough. Do you have a copy of Rhythmic Finger work? It's an excellent resource for learning.

[@austinosburn2081]

Me when she starts playing: "Huh, those notes sound off." Video: *Instantly explains why they're dissonant at the start*

[@EduardoGonzalez-fb3jv]

Who ever invented this had a crazy concept of a clarinet. Amazing how people kept it and adopted it, what we now see as an instrument… Im amazed by its shitty annoying tones it makes and by its physics, its design. Humanity are a stunning specie and quite rare at times.

[@eastindiaV]

It's made of a sheep stomach, the reeds, it's voice box

[@YukiSatagawa]

This looked nd sounded amazing :D!

[@bubbie3533]

And this is why I enjoy KZbin - you get a quick tutorial on something you're curious about.

[@alm5851]

great explanation! appreciate it

[@Paruthi.618]

Awesome explanation

[@stephenprice3816]

Awesome! I am learning bags also! Need better reeds!

[@jorymills652]

Thanks for this! I was wondering how they worked. Why do you pat the bag before you start playing?

[@RobertNewstrand]

Please do a video on what to look for when purchasing a bagpipe and approximately how much it would cost. Also, what brand would be a good recommendation if you are buying from Amazon?

[@carguy_rz]

Really one of the weirdest instruments that exists 😂 But I really like it when it's used in rock music.

[@elskeletor3566]

I'm of Scottish descent and I have friends I know who play bagpipes. I attend Scottish festivals and I am the president of my Clans Midwestern Branch.

[@ukrainehamradio]

Thank you! This is magic!

[@sailingkelpie66]

Hola, te escribo desde España, soy un amante de Escocía y sus tradiciones y sobre todo de la música con la gaita Escocesa, puedes recomendarme que tipo de gaita comprar? Características, etc…ya he tocado hace años la gaita Asturiana y ahora me gustaría aprender a tocar la gaita Escocesa. Algún lugar de segunda mano o fabricante que me recomiendes? Gracias.

[@adamhorowitz4829]

That was a really great explanation thank you I had no idea. I do have a question though how can you practice the bagpipes without making your neighbors hate you?

[@markhorton3994]

Discretion as to when you play might help.

[@MrGaborseres]

Keep talking 😍.... We're listening 😊you've got Shakira beat in the eye department 🤩 Wow 👏👏👏

[@jensunbekannt7151]

Only one Thing to say, wow!

[@stephenmuir461]

Hi Ally, just wanting to know what kind of pipes you have and what your set up is (reeds, type of bag etc…). Love the content you produce, keep up the great work!

[@bobmarlowe3390]

In another of her videos, it looked like she was using Balance Tone Hi-Res drone reeds. Sorry I can't help with the rest of her setup. I'm not sure about the maker of the reeds she's using in this video. I have the Balance Tone Hi-Res reeds in all 3 of my sets and I really like them.

[@georgep2112]

Nice. That was a good first look. I didn't even now that much. ... Now, the scale. Is it a single fixed octave (maybe tunable)? Or are there multiple octaves based on a 'range' hole or do you play a different octave with a different force of air? Are the pipes tuned to a chord? They look like two of equal length and one longer. Are they a chord or the same note but since there are three, extra full? Or are they a few steps apart? Are the pipes chords with different notes played on the cantor? And finally, you said the pipes are tunable. Must all of them be tuned with respect to each other and also with respect to the cantor?

[@dennisstratton8239]

Fascinating