Is It Hard To Learn The Bagpipes? NO! 4 Reasons Why It’s Easier Than You Think.

In this video, I'm going to bust the myth that bagpipes are the hardest instrument to learn!!! Whenever people say to me, "wow, it must be so hard to learn to play the bagpipes," I always say, "Nonsense! Out of half a dozen or more instruments, bagpipes have been by far the easiest to learn!"
Here are 4 reasons why I found it easier to learn the bagpipes, (not including the fact that I learned the bagpipes when I was 9 years old, whereas most of my other instruments I have struggled to learn as an adult).
1. There are only 9 holes, and no extra keys, buttons, or frets.
2. There is only one active (plus 1 note).
3. For the most part, playing the melody focuses on one hand or the other, not both.
3. There is lots of repetition.
What are you waiting for? Go out and buy a bagpipe practice chanter! Find that one your wife and kids gave you as a present. Yes, I'm talking about the chanter that came with that stupid book that was both boring AND hard. (I have never managed to learn an instrument from a "step-by-step" book!!)
I learn best (and have the most fun) learning instruments by starting to play songs. Real tunes ASAP Please!!! That's why in this video I teach you the simple tune "Hot Cross Buns". You'll be able to play C, B, and low A notes. On top of that, you'll have triplets, B strikes, and low A strikes nailed down too!
LINKS & RESOURCES:
Here's the link for my free 3 step method to Get Bagpipe Ready!
bit.ly/3steps2g...
Join my free Facebook group to get more support!
/ getbagpipeready
Skip the boring chanter exercises and start learning fun tunes in my bagpipe learning portal!
bit.ly/get-bagp...

[@Joe-yy5ck]

It might be 11pm. And i might be stoned as fuck. But goddamn, now i really want to learn how to play the bagpipes.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

A Great time to start! As long as you don’t wake up your neighborhood!

[@chieftain3588]

Yeah dude, you're completely right about wanting to get to playing a song than to learning the scale. Took me a week to learn this Hot Cross Buns... Also a fellow trumpet player... Thanks for not having a boring video that makes me fall asleep.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

haha totally! glad you didn’t fall asleep and good on ya for getting a chanter! I see you like all the quiet instruments like me 😂

[@ARG-e4y]

@@GetBagpipeReady do u tutor ? And do u recommend a tutor

[@GetBagpipeReady]

@@ARG-e4y I do virtual lessons 👍 the details are at my site: getbagpipeready.com

[@lostmymindinbooks]

This is one of those videos I watch at 3am 😂 I keep hearing the pipes are super difficult and as I was kind of kicked out of music school for a lack of any musical skill at all I never learned anything beyond the recorder 😅 you are the first more motivational person I've seen on this topic in regards to the bagpipes so really considering it now

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You've got this!! Happy piping! More videos and inspiration at my site. Happy piping! www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@Time_Lord_Council]

I feel like a pirate captain would be disappointed with the bagpipes because he loves the high C.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

🤣

[@Steeve4557]

Hey, been thinking about trying out the pipes because they're cool. I used to play Clarinet and Bass Clarinet however I later switched to French Horn and the Mellophone. Just wanted to thank you for giving me a little look into the Piper's life.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

My pleasure Steeve! And very cool you play the clarinets too! you'll already have nimble fingers for the pipes. A $60-100 practice chanter from a bagpipe supply store (not amazon), is all you need to get started. If you haven't purchased a practice chanter yet, take a look at this video so you know you are buying a good one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5icgqNrhbN6i9k

[@owendrake9455]

As someone who is more accustomed to stringed instruments I found this video very helpful in making a different medium of instrument less intimidating especially with something as cool as the bagpipes

[@GetBagpipeReady]

I'm glad this was helpful! So often our own intimidation is our biggest barrier!

[@bobraasch8699]

I'm a piper, I really like your approach to teaching. So true, practice, put some simple tunes in the pot, practice more, perfect practice makes perfect execution of embellishments & tunes. Thank you.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

So Glad you found my video helpful Bob! Thanks for your great comment! For more videos, feel free to go to my website and click on "Workshops". Happy piping! www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@genevievegauthier7834]

Thanks for your encouragements ! I've got a practice few weeks ago and learn alone. You're right, it's easy, except finding those low *!$ù*$* holes, and blow strong enough to avoid ducks..... ! Making only scales is boring (even if useful !) so, now I'm working "Highland Cathedral", and curiously, my finger find more easily the holes. But I'll test grace notes later, when the main ones will be ok. ;)

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Very Exciting! Eventually those ducks will be left behind. Glad you are doing Highland Cathedral! I hope you found my videos on that tune?

[@tedgarvin587]

When I practice, I don't think of it as playing a tune, but more like a gracenote exercise.

[@genevievegauthier7834]

@@tedgarvin587 hello, 8 months later, I can slowly play Highland cathedral with almost all the grace notes ,🤟. Very perfectible but encouraging.

[@stacyferguson4077]

I recently found a tutor in my area and i am so excited. Thank you for these videos. Got my practice chanter and since i got more money than brains i also picked up the glencoe electric chanter so i can practice at work :).

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Wonderful! For more Beginner Bagpiping videos, feel free to check out my website. Happy piping! bit.ly/get-bagpipe-ready-learning-portal

[@28harrison]

So glad I found this video! Got my first practice chanter today, went for a long one with twist trap in the hope it'll be beneficial in the long run. To begin with I could barely get a note. Within 55 minutes, thanks to this video (and plenty of pausing and rewinding) I could play the tune with the embellishments (sort of). Not particularly smooth and still plenty of mistakes and the embellishments are slow but a massive step for 55 minutes work! Lobe your teaching smile. Signed up to your 3 steps before my chanter had even arrived and will definitely be going through more of your tutorials. Will try this one again tomorrow and hopefully have it playing more smoothly. Clearly 30 isn't too old to start! Thanks! 😊

[@GetBagpipeReady]

awesome Luke!!! excel item for your Bagpipe journey 😀 glad this was helpful!

[@dahVEEDBBone]

Which practice chanter did you get and from where? Thanks.

[@stuartscott2636]

Thank you for explaining something that is intimidating and making it sound more approachable 👏👏

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad it was helpful, Stuart! For more Beginner Bagpiping videos, feel free to check out my website. Happy piping! www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@user-yh4zm4td8z]

Looking at this guy and hearing an American accent is like looking at a dog and hearing it meow

[@GetBagpipeReady]

😂

[@user-yh4zm4td8z]

@@GetBagpipeReady I was expecting a deep guttural Scottish accent 😂

[@markandoyo2204]

I have 8 key Chanters and a Bagpipe set as though I've never seen before about chanters with 9 holes👍

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Yes you are right, Mark! 9 notes, but just 8 holes! sorry for the confusion :)

[@dougiepalmer]

@@GetBagpipeReady Thanks , I was wondering about that myself

[@ttbo12]

You teach bagpipes the way I used to teach German. You want learners to have success early. So in my first lesson I would make sure that students could have a simple conversation. You are right that a practical application (even at the most elementary level) can and should happen even in the first lesson. This is also how Suzuki violin lessons are structured. I have a granddaughter who started Suzuki this year and another who's been doing it for 7 years. That approach works. I play guitar, piano, harmonica, and I've played around with a tenor recorder. I've always wanted to learn to play the bagpipes. I just ordered an R.G. Hardie extended practice chanter and will be making good use of KZbin for lessons. Thank you for putting this video together.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Wow, thanks so much for complementing my teaching Thomas!! That's very interesting you have used a similar approach with other instruments and in languages too, cool! I am so excited you ordered a chanter (good pick by the way). Your past experience with music will help you out for sure. Here is the link to my KZbin Channel for when you need more lessons. Happy piping :) kzbin.info/door/PG89uN_o4oQGjL8sUBBgPw

[@metubecm]

Easy? ... I'm with you that tuned and played properly, bagpipes are an iconic instrument that evokes emotion like no other but it took me months to build up the lung power ( I was young at the time) just to play. Worth it though!!!!! Gordon Duncan has some really fun tunes. 'high drive' and another that starts with low g. good times!!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts 😀

[@gregkurtz1677]

Aaarrrgh 😂

[@thevermillionjacket7225]

Wow, just wow thank you, I’ve been self practicing for so long and this practice song you showed help so much with getting more proficient.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Great to hear👍👍 and thanks so much for your comment 😀 happy piping!

[@hoangdang9619]

Enjoying your more practical-minded videos. I purchased a longer practice chanter to start (supposedly easier to transition to actual bagpipes?) but I'm finding hand placement difficult, especially the bottom hand. Should I invest in a shorter one instead? Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

So glad you found my channel and thanks for the comment Hoang Dang!!! A longer chanter is a great idea as YES, it will make the transition easier. Long or short, either way it takes some time for your fingers to find those holes. Stick with it, and bit by bit you'll get there!! 😎

[@rayray..3349]

My NEW YR, Resolution, learn to Play (My Grandfather, Was An Army Piper),,Oh plus I HATE My Girlfrinds Neighbours On the Mainland.,,..! West Coast Of EIRE.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Wonderful to hear!! 😀 More Beginner Bagpiping resources at my site: www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@nmrenaissancecelticfestiva4443]

enjoy your teaching process.. I've been working on the chanter for about 3 months or so and really have not had to much instruction and time to play. I will check out your links. thankyou

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Awesome! Thanks for the comments and I'm so excited you are getting onto the chanter! Let me know if you have any questions 😀

[@TomDantzig]

Hey quick question, I had a set of Dunbars pipes that I played for a while, but I had to stop because my lower back was hurting while playing. Would a set of smaller pipes be better for me considering that I don’t have to put as much air in them? I was thinking a set of naills which have smaller bores

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Good question! If the Naills that you are looking at are still a set of highland pipes I don't think the bore size would make any difference for playing effort. You'd need to look into a different kind of pipes altogether to decrease the air demand. Scottish smallpipes or Folkpipes or shuttle pipes would all be good options. They are quieter, smaller, require less air / effort and they have the same fingering as the highland pipes.

[@thomasbrighton6159]

I'm Struggling with a death grip on my chanter- Especially the right hand thumb. How tight do you need to hold the chanter? Any tips for strengthening the fingers?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Certainly! This is very common Thomas. It's less about strengthening and more about relaxing the fingers while playing and making sure you have proper hand and wrist positioning which I go over in the free lessons of my Beginner Bagpiping 101 Workshop. Here's the link, happy piping 😀 bit.ly/Beginner-Bagpiping-Workshop

[@coasterbrookie]

Hi. Just found your channel. Can you recommend a good source for chanters and eventually the whole set of pipes? Thanks

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Yes I can! Unfortunately if you purchase a $20 practice chanter, made in Pakistan, from Amazon, it's not any good! Any Bagpipe supply store online with customer service can sell you a Sheppard, Mcallum, RG Hardie, or Walsh practice chanter for $100 to $120. Another option is you can get a $50 chanter from my friend Davey, made in the USA! Use the coupon code GETBAGPIPE5 to get 5% off and another 5% will go to the African Blackwood conservation Project! His chanters sound great and are a lot cheaper which helps if you are on a budget or saving up for a set of pipes! He makes great sounding pipes too. Don't for get the coupon! www.3dprintedbagpipes.com/product-page/long-practice-chanter

[@russellwaite5874]

I came across you by accident and you inspired me to get back into practicing ( been a beginner for 20 odd years ) . I've got a full set as well but had reed problems mainly drone reeds, so got some inexpensive synthetic reeds . still messing about trying to get a nice sound from drones. Anyway, thanks for your encouragement. Take care.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

thanks for your wonderful comment Russel! Glad to hear you’re piping again 👍

[@russellwaite5874]

@@GetBagpipeReady One day ago I managed to get all three drone reeds (a new set of budget synthetic reeds ) to sound properly. Now for the practice.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Congratulations Russell!! That's great when you get a day where it all comes together!!! :)

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Russell, Feel free to join my FREE FB group if you'd like to connect with other pipers. Here's the link: facebook.com/groups/getbagpipeready

[@roberthunter5119]

Hey, thanks for posting these great vids. I'm stuck with myself as a teacher, and I'm a guitar player, so I've definitely got my work cut out for me haha I think your videos may help me a lot, however. Thanks again!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Keep on piping on!! For more Beginner Bagpiping videos, feel free to check out my website. Happy piping! bit.ly/get-bagpipe-ready-learning-portal

[@johnscott9347]

The only way to players be there with the instructor one on one, not a video or nothing have the instructor typical doing it on own or put your fingers here you have to help you have to be with instructor

[@GetBagpipeReady]

There's more than one way to play a cat! 😅

[@nathanverzinskie9582]

I asked my aunt hit me some highland bagpipes for my birthday. I have Scottish on my mom's side and my dad's side the Peterson's and Knox I'm related to John Knox

[@GetBagpipeReady]

right on!!! cool Nathan 👍

[@ayandasperanza530]

Wow this works so much better for my brain... My fingers are happy.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Wonderful to hear! For more beginner videos check out my site. Happy piping 😀 www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@Skoopyghost]

I drum, play string instruments where you use chords, and the piano. Why not the bag pipe.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Awesome! Your musical background will be a great asset! For more Beginner Bagpiping videos, feel free to check out my website. Happy piping! www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@lwpweb]

excellent!!! Leart now for me new: your D fingering. Great!!! Much easier as show in many other lessons doing it with the pinky and others up.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Happy to help! Way to stick with it! Keep on piping on :)

[@bikingdog]

Would Scotch make the bagpipes work better? Asking for a friend.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

haha maybe only to the listener :)

[@gailstewart2859]

What chanter are you playing.. Where do you get 9 holes. There’s only 8 holes

[@GetBagpipeReady]

right you are Gail. 9 notes with 8 holes. 😅

[@johnbolt665]

Ya it only takes about 10,000 hours of your spare time !

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Yes John... or does it only take buying a chanter and choosing to commit to practicing for the next 2 minutes??? No marathon is completed without taking thi first single step which so happens to be enormously easy 😉

[@adamwiggins9865]

Your doing a good job👌🏻

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks Andrew! You had some great thoughts that I hope will be helpful for others. 🙏

[@randalmoroski1184]

Positive Encouraging Energy!Uniform added a great visual .Thank you!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad you enjoyed it! I decided to Dress for success!😁

[@AWal31994]

Hi Alec, I just picked up the bagpipes. It’s pretty fun. I wanted to know why it is important to close the lower holes when you open up the higher holes. Why can’t you just open all the holes when you play high G or high A? Does it affect the sound?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad you got a chanter and great question! It may not affect the pitch on the practice chanter but it will affect the pitch on the pipe chanter so its a good habit to get into now.

[@vacuumlover1]

*ONE A PENNY TWO A PENNY HOOOTTT CROSSS BUNNNs*

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Exactly!! More fun videos for beginner bagpipers at my site, feel free to check it out 😀 www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@michaelkenney6515]

Thanks for the help. The chanter is going great after 1.5 years. Getting the pipes up and going is a huge challenge for me - but I just found your video of squeezing, i.e., not blowing. Thanks!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful :) Good work sticking with the pipes! Here's the link for my Free FB group if you are interested: facebook.com/groups/getbagpipeready

[@ghostcat08]

Hello Alec, I have been wanting to learn the pipes for a long time. You have inspired me to take the leap. Looking to get my first chanter and get started on "Hot Cross Buns". Any suggestions on practice chanter size? I am a big man with fat fingers. Again thank you.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

That's great Alan! I'm excited for you to start your piping journey. If you are a taller gentleman with bigger hands you will likely find a long chanter feels most comfortable. The hole spacing is the same on short or long chanters so it doesn't really matter... of course there are always personal preferences... you can see other pipers thoughts on this in my free FB group! facebook.com/groups/getbagpipeready

[@glennmacdonald5475]

Those boring exercises make a Piper a Good Piper

[@GetBagpipeReady]

I agree with you there! but at the same time, but if it's not fun, the practice consistency is lost. Even though I started piping as young as 9, I've had to change how I approach learning new instruments as an adult. Keeping it fun leads to consistency... which builds the tolerance level for those necessary repetitive exercises.

[@sgte629]

I play recorder and bagpipes and bagpipes is harder

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Stick with it! You will get it :)

[@nathanverzinskie9582]

I mean I can sing the Scottish and Irish music language

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Amazing!

[@udkline]

Any recommendations on which practice chanter to pick up? Or, what to look for when shopping for one?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Unfortunately if you purchase a $20 practice chanter, made in Pakistan, from Amazon, it's not any good! Any Bagpipe supply store online can sell you a Sheppard, Mcallum, RG Hardie, Piper’s Choice or Walsh practice chanter for $100 to $120. All good brands.

[@udkline]

@@GetBagpipeReady Thanks! I ended up getting a McCallum, which I'm mostly happy with. (Definitely gets the job done for the amount of skill I currently have haha).

[@jonahcarter]

I love this. I want to learn how to start playing so i can play amazing grace for my dad, he is a firefighter

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Perfect, Jonah!! You can get all the lessons for Amazing Grace at my site, Happy piping :) bit.ly/get-bagpipe-ready-learning-portal

[@francisjscalleyiii7808]

I am super happy i found this series of videos for a beginner thinking of learning to play the bagpipes!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad to hear it! Can't wait for you to get started :)

[@jandunn169]

I am learning the tin whistle, native flute and Gaidhlig. I still think I could do it at 73. Where do you get a chanter? Can you get one separate from the rest of the instrument?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

absolutely you can!! Unfortunately if you purchase a $20 practice chanter, made in Pakistan, from Amazon, it's not any good! Any Bagpipe supply store online can sell you a Sheppard, Mcallum, RG Hardie, Dunbar, Piper’s Choice or Walsh practice chanter for $100 to $120. All good brands.

[@jandunn169]

@@GetBagpipeReady Yes Amazon instruments are pretty awful, Thank you so much. I want to play a victory song after Trump gets defeated. Ha Ha

[@jandunn169]

@@GetBagpipeReady Is yours a Gibson? if I get a decent chanter is it only for practice or does it fit on a bagpipe?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

I have an RG Hardie practice chanter. Most practice chanters do not inset onto the highland pipes.

[@SVAFnemesis]

A lot of articles that say it's bagpipes are very hard to learn, says that it takes On average, a year for someone to learn to play a song on bagpipes. Well, guess what it takes, on average four years for a violin To sound properly. I don't think that bagpipes deserve to be called out as hard to learn.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

for sure!! any instrument takes time and repetition :)

[@petermccarthy4525]

Thanks so much. I can now do this. Actually feeling a bit emotional, because I didn’t want this to just fall. I can now play cock o’ the north. This journey is more challenging and exciting than playing jazz on the saxophone, for me. I won’t keep writing but just wanted to express thanks as I am now playing Peter

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Wow, so wonderful to hear Peter!!! I'm very excited for you my friend! Keep on piping on! 😀 Also, I'd love for you to leave a review on my website! Here's the link to do so: bit.ly/Get-Bagpipe-Ready-Google-Review

[@precious7things]

Funny guy, still difficult for me after just 4 lessons.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You've got this!! Keep on piping on 😀

[@precious7things]

@@GetBagpipeReady I have to breathe deeper, and I feel a bit dizzy at times.

[@DancingDragonGirl9]

Would being left handed affect one's ability to learn to play this instrument?(like having to mentally reverse where things are located from right handed lessons or having to buy a specifically left handed version of the instrument like one has to for violin ect.)

[@GetBagpipeReady]

not at all! I know more than one piper who plays the reverse - left hand bottom and right hand on top with the bag under the right shoulder! You'd use the same chanter and the same set of pipes - it only takes a quick second to switch the bass and tenor drone around, then you'd be set :)

[@braddavidson7058]

I’m lefty but play pipes righty . Took a little longer to get my birls sounding nice. Which ever you choose, cheers and all the best. If I may add , if you’re playing in a pipeband it looks better when all pipes are on the left shoulder. Just sayin 😉

[@imbradtaylor]

So if you plug all the holes a chanter becomes a drone right? I am wondering if 4 practice chanters, a bladder, and a wooden straw would make a decent diy bagpipe.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

can't say I've ever tried haha! 😂

[@CandC_Farms]

Thanks, great idea for practicing grace notes (which I’m currently working on). Practice chanter is going well (I’ve been playing woodwinds most of my life) been on it for about 6 weeks now, finding notes consistently, already read sheet music, scale and fingering is going well from memory. Realizing it’s an investment, when should I start thinking about a set of pipes? I realize I’ve got a long way to go, but when should I start familiarizing myself with the mechanics of breathing/squeezing the bag and perhaps using the pipe chanter for practice?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Sounds like you are doing very well! Awesome stuff! Getting your hands on some pipes within the first 2 to 6 months of starting out is a great idea if you have the pocket book for it. Once you have some pipes in your hands being a piper is no longer a pipe dream! :)

[@CandC_Farms]

@@GetBagpipeReady thanks! I’ve been saving up for this for awhile. I’m really leaning towards a set of Henderson pipes. I figure if I order them next month that will put me well over two months of practice chanter work by the time they get here. This “pipe dream” has been 30 years in the making.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Very exciting! Glad you are getting some pipes :)

[@mathewstafford7943]

I don't even have pipes or a chanter but I'm thinking about it, and you're a huge motivation to do so! You're absolutely right, getting into music you're passionate about right away with an instrument is a great key to success. I learned Andy Mckee level of fingerstyle guitar in a little under a year as a kid because I was super passionate about his music and really wanted to play his tunes. Any techniques, scales, etc came later as I took the instrument itself more seriously. Contrast that with me playing violin around the same time very averagely because I was mostly learning boring scales, simple tunes and things that made the instrument feel like a chore. Now, if I wanted to join a professional group or get to competition level then sure, MAYBE I should think about traditional lessons then. But a lot of people just want to have fun and learn.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad you are thinking of getting into piping Mathew! More great beginner bagpiping videos at my site. Happy piping! www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@JR-bj3uf]

It's not hard to learn to play the pipes. It's hard to learn to do it right. There are many nuances, embellishments and specific skills needed to become proficient. Do not take short cuts.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks for sharing!

[@1966doubleA]

8 holes and 9 notes to play

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Right you are! I can't count to 10 without counting my fingers haha!

[@Wolfythereviewer]

Awesome! Thinking about getting a McCallum, but should you get a long chanter or a standard chanter (my hands are a little small, but like not child sized)?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

For sure not a child's size as the hole spacing is different than the pipes. As for a short or long - doesn't really matter since the hole spacing is the same... but I'm also short and I prefer the short chanter for comfort. There is more thoughts on this in my Free FB group :) facebook.com/groups/getbagpipeready

[@sarahsutton6673]

Thankyou i want to learn how to play. My dad was in our local pipeband but then he moved and hasnt played for a few years. It has been a recent goal of mine to learn. Is it possible?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

For sure! You've got this, Sarah! My free FB group could be a great resource for ya. you can link to it from my site. Happy piping :) www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@mulattoraver]

I just bought a chanter and am hoping to learn enough to start playing the pipes in a year’s time. I used to play the trumpet and I’ve dabbled with the guitar, ukulele, and piano. The fingering is tough, but one thing Ive noticed is that if I relax the fingers on my bottom hand just a little, I can feel the holes vibrating.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

So cool you come from a multi-instrument background! Check out my site for more resources and Keep on piping on! www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@patdeburca7235]

And when you have that first tune off on the practice chanter you try and inflat the bag and you faint hitting your head off the kitchen table the bagpipes are not for the faint hearted excuse the pun

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Haha 😂 oh my!! I hope you had a helmet on Pat!!

[@markjackson6502]

Your videos help clarify what I should be doing when I get lost. After eight months from transitioning from the PC, last week I finally felt like things were falling into place. Using a mirror to watch my breathing has helped. Sometimes I forget to squeeze properly. Still a long journey ahead of me.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

So glad to hear you are sticking with the pipes Mark and thanks for the complements! Good idea with using the mirror, I'm sure that will help out other pipers too! Enjoy the journey! If you are on Facebook, you can join my free Get Bagpipe Ready Group. Here's the link: facebook.com/groups/getbagpipeready

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

Looks like a blast...

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Absolutely Michael! Once you start learning the pipes - the learning is ongoing! That's what keeps it fun :)

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

I have a recorder, which has 7 holes on top, one on bottom. I have had it 54 years.. 6 years old , 1st grade get chanter...

[@lukaskruizinga9272]

I wanted to play the bagpipes since i was 6 years old. Now i've your video, i want to take the big step. My only problem is that i don't know the name of the 'fluty thing' you've showed. So to ask it short, what is the name of that thing?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Awesome Lucas!! It is called a practice chanter. Pipers start on a practice chanter for a few months before progressing to a set of bagpipes. While bagpipes are expensive, practice chanters are quite low in price, anywhere from $50 - 100 or so. Hope that helps!

[@sarahsutton6673]

What do i need to buy to get started? What are the absolute must haves? I have long fingers & hands, use to play piano as a child.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

A practice chanter can be purchased in person or online from a bagpipe supply store for $80-100. Don't buy a $20 one from Amazon! More resources at my site :) www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@danaoconnellhtd4life423]

Love your amazing grace I have been learning the chanter now here in new Zealand for about 2 months and have learnt to play amazing grace watching your videos as learning with the band major have only been doing top and bottom scale but thanks to your veds I have learnt amazing grace witch I played yesterday for my dad as he has stage 4 terminal lung cancer and I wanted to show him that I could play it now before he pass away

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Wow Dana! Amazing job learning this tune and playing it for your Dad. That is so meaningful... words can't capture it. So glad you found my channel and your story is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!

[@burgertube]

9 holes???

[@GetBagpipeReady]

8 holes, haha 9 notes... sorry for the confusion!

[@pemacal57]

GREAT....AND THE TRUTH!!!!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks for tuning in Pedro! Your comments continue to be a great motivation for me to keep posting videos 😉

[@pemacal57]

@@GetBagpipeReady I can tell you same words! Your videos are an important motivation for me and my way on bagpipes. Through my humble channel I reccomend yours continiously!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

@@pemacal57 I am honored Pedro! Keep enjoying your bagpipe journey!

[@pemacal57]

@@GetBagpipeReady The honor and pleasure is for me !,,,

[@brucemason4728]

you are awsome.u make piping a whole lot eaiser to learn.u,make it fun.thats my key to learning r me.i give u,10 out of 10.

[@dontpanic4295]

Is there a good web site to buy a good quality Bagpipe Practice Chanter?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Tonnes of options out there! Here is a good one if you are in the states: www.thepipershut.com/

[@monkmichael-munkmiikael-hy7842]

May I ask how do you record your bagpipes? I got a Blue Yeti for bagpipe lessons through Skype. The mic is very sensitive and so badly distorts the bagpipe sound that it is worse than even laptop mic. Changing settings on mic does not help. Would an audio mixer or interface help to quieten the sounds and make it work really good? Thank you!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

I use my phone or a USB mic into my computor. For lessons I use Zoom (with the noise suppression feature turned off) or a program called Forte. I'm guessing what you are describing is likely more an issue with skype than with the mic.

[@monkmichael-munkmiikael-hy7842]

With the help of a sound technician and after hours of trying, we finally succeeded! At first he thought that the decibel range of Blue Yeti was not enough (ca 120db) and we would need a Sennheiser microphone, that was built for drums and could tolerate up to 140db, + had to buy an external sound card. Tried with that and labored, until finally succeeded in Discord to get a perfect bagpipe sound, so that it did not distort the microphone. But then we tried with Blue Yeti also, tuned all the gain and volume down as much as possible by changing various settings and finally succeeded. Heureka! So now we do not need to return the Blue Yeti microphone, it is a good mic and will do the job. In a way it would have been good when that information had been out in the internet someplace, so that we would not have had to again "invent the bycycle", as the saying goes. But now it is done and we learned a lot! Here is the summary the professional sound technician wrote of the problem, it would be good to publish it somewhere for others who might have a similar problem: "If you're using an external or internal microphone with your bagpipes to stream it through Skype, Discord, Messenger or similar, and the sound abruptedly stops, the reason to this might lay within the computer program itself. I do recommend using Discord for such calls as this program has a lot of sound settings, which often are unavailable on e.g. Skype. What you want to do is to turn of any "automatic" sound settings under "App settings">"Voice & Video". Under "Voice processing" you'll want to turn off Echo Cancellation, "none" on Noise suppression, turn off Advanced Voice Activity, and last, you want to turn off Automatic Gain Control. Now, nothing about the sound should be adjusted automatically, and Discord should not cut the sound. You might need to adjust the gain of your microphone manually, and if there is a physical knob for gain, I would mark where the gain should be while playing, and likewise when you're talking. The gain might need to be higher when speaking than when you're playing."@@GetBagpipeReady

[@cassanthemum]

Awesome! I am just learning the chanter (got it last week!) at 59 yrs old!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Great to Hear! So exciting!!! You can check out more videos at my site. Happy piping :) www.getbagpipeready.com/

[@nathanverzinskie9582]

It's important to learn how to sing in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic language. Wish I can

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Amazing!

[@opalmcmenomy2593]

Thank you You have given me the courage to get a chanter and give this a try I can't wait to be able to learn From you thank you very much Hope to tune in soon

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Amazing Opal!!! I'm excited for you to start your piping journey :)

[@therearenonamesinthevoid5772]

Not on this video, though.... what gives? Am I just tripping out?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

not sure 🤔

[@soyboy_yt7329]

i want to learn the bagpipes but i don't know what to get to get started. is there a list of stuff I should get?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Awesome 😎 all you need is a decent quality mouth blown practice chanter ($50 to $100) to get started, the normally come with a reed. and you are good to go. here is a link to give ya an idea on price: www.hendersongroupltd.com/product-category/chanters/practice-chanters/

[@Tibiansgarage]

Where can I get a good chanter?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

lots of reputable suppliers. if you are in the USA, here is one option for ya www.hendersongroupltd.com/

[@AugsburgPilgrim]

“It only has nine holes…” But I’m used to the Pennywhistle which only has six 😆

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Right!! And the chanter has 9 notes, but only 8 holes, sorry I miss spoke!

[@juliodefreitas157]

Awesome lesson and thank you for sharing your video. 💙💙👍

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You are so welcome, Julio. Thanks for watching :)

[@jonnozilber4504]

Now, I’m no mathematician but isn’t that 8 holes?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You may not be a mathematician Jonno, But you are a better one than I! Yes indeed there are eight holes. There are nine notes. Sorry for the confusion!

[@jonnozilber4504]

@@GetBagpipeReady Sorry, I only just saw your reply! Phew! Part of me was convinced that I completely misunderstood what you were talking about 🤣

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Haha! You are all good Jonno 😀👍

[@roblewis1139]

Thanks for your encouragement, I am day # 2.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

You got this, Rob! Here's the link to the workshop if you are interested :) bit.ly/Scotland-The-Brave-Workshop

[@denjos2782]

i tried this and i burned my house down out of frustration

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Sorry to hear that Den! Could be an issue with your chanter? The quality of the practice chanter matters. A practice chanter with a reed from a bagpipe supply store will be around $100. Unfortunately, if you have purchased one cheaper off Amazon for cheaper, the quality will be poor. I hope this helps you out!

[@DMAC1966]

Been toying with the idea for quite sometime...years in fact. Keep coming back to it. Just worried about how hard it would be to actually read the music!! Also would you recommend new or second hand Chanter

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Hi Derek! Don’t let that stop you 😉 on piping student of mine was able to learn half a dozen tunes without reading music. A second hand chanter would be just fine so long as it is good quality 👌

[@DMAC1966]

@@GetBagpipeReady Thanks for the reply Alec. Looked into a new Chanter and was surprised at the price so may just get a new one and give it a blast. Would love to at some point be able to play Highland Cathedral, Black Bear or my old regimental march Killaloe. Asking a lot but you have to dream lol

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Awesome Derek!! It all starts with a dream 👍👍 here is my free Highland Cathedral lesson for complete beginners: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fofKkJWBaJ5sirc

[@trevorreese489]

I can't wait to get started lol first instrument and all wish me luck chanter is in the mail hopefully it gets me buy didn't know what to buy lol 😅

[@GetBagpipeReady]

awesome Trevor! Glad you are getting into the pipes as your first instrument! For more Beginner Bagpiping videos, feel free to check out my website. Happy piping! bit.ly/get-bagpipe-ready-learning-portal

[@trevorreese489]

@@GetBagpipeReady alright appreciate your videos I'll have to find. A way to message you all the questions lol

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Great! my email is at my site. Here are some ways to get more bagpipe support: www.getbagpipeready.com/bagpipe-sheet-music

[@liambuck2554]

I cant figure it out and dont know what im doing wrong

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks for reaching out Liam. Where are ya getting stuck? for more help I'd recommend joining my free FB group: facebook.com/groups/get.embellishments.bagpipe.ready

[@harrygill5540]

Holes!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Right!

[@Jackpo25]

What would your advice be on starting to learn? Should I find a instructor or mentor before attempting to learn?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Great Question! I think the most important part is to just get started, and keep at it! Just a few minutes everyday. An instructor can be great for motivation and consistency. But don’t let the challenge of finding an instructor stall you out from getting going 😉

[@Jackpo25]

@@GetBagpipeReady thanks for the quick response. I appreciate it. I’ve always admired the bagpipes and their history. Thanks for the info

[@GetBagpipeReady]

@@Jackpo25 my pleasure!

[@utharkruna1]

Hello Alec, I just stumbled up upon this video, and first what I have to tell you is that you are an amazing teacher. I'm saying it as a fellow teacher. Your method of teaching is really extraordinary, so I could really listen to you and learn from you for hours. 👍 I fell in love with the sound of bagpipes when I was just a child. Back then I told myself that some day I'm going to learn to play that amazing instrument. To be honest with you, I still haven't got any bagpipes, but I'd like to know where can I get a set of bagpipes for the beginners? I really am eager to learn.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thank you very much for the complement! Glad you found my videos! That is neat that you have liked pipes since you were a kid! The first thing you need to start playing the bagpipes is a decent practice chanter $50 to $100. You can buy one online from a bagpipe Supply store I'd recommend staying away from any bagpipes or chanters being sold on amazon. Below is another video where I talk more about getting a practice chanter. Let me know if you have any more questions :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5icgqNrhbN6i9k

[@utharkruna1]

@@GetBagpipeReady Wow, thank you so much for your recommendation. You're the best! So, let's buy a decent practice chanter first and start to practice. Bagpipes will come just on time! I watched several of your videos and I'm absolutely in love with teaching way. I really mean it. It's much easier to learn something new having fun with it.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

That's Great! Yes, having fun is key to sticking with the learning process! You can find all my tune tutorial videos at my website as well: bit.ly/get-bagpipe-ready-learning-portal

[@TerrapinCreations666]

So far for me, the hardest part about learning bagpipes is spending the cash on a decent set, lol

[@GetBagpipeReady]

haha! That's especially hard if you are Scottish :)

[@nathanverzinskie9582]

Get me some highland bagpipe

[@GetBagpipeReady]

for sure!

[@stephenmerrill9890]

Surely there are only eight holes.

[@GetBagpipeReady]

8 holes, haha 9 notes... sorry for the confusion!

[@arbor8591]

What are some quality practice chapters you'd recommend for a starter?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

RG Hardie, McCallum, or Shepard are all good options! more details in my free get bagpipe ready FB group :) facebook.com/groups/getbagpipeready

[@arbor8591]

@@GetBagpipeReady thanks, what do you think of the RG Hardie Twist Trap pipes?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

I've heard good things about them :)

[@danielrobertson5211]

Is that a Robertson tie?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks for asking Daniel! It’s actually at Chisholm tartan. But I’m guessing it must be similar to yours!

[@nathanverzinskie9582]

I can already sing in the Scottish and Irish Gaelic language and I have a tattoo that says Scotland forever

[@GetBagpipeReady]

very impressive!!! 👏

[@billaugsburger927]

Easy...well...not sure about that. I have been a piper for 12 years and it is always a challenge...I guess if you play happy birthday or amazing grace for the whole time, it is easy, but if you want to play a 12 minute piobaireachd it takes years

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Good point Bill! I've been piping for over 25 years and I'm still learning. That's what keeps it fun! 😀

[@princearthur4946]

Excellent tutorial!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks Arthur :) Glad you liked it!

[@jean-marclalouette8566]

9 notes - 8 holes 🙂

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Right you are! Sorry for the confusion 😌

[@MJ-ev8tn]

I'd love to get a bagpipe but they're too expensive 😭

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Absolutely a set of pipes is expensive! But to get started MJ, all you need is a practice chanter which is only between $50 - $100.

[@davidgordon702]

I saw brand new, Highland Pipes, for about $ 155.00 on line. You just have to do a little bit of research, and you will find just what you are looking for...

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

@@davidgordon702 They must’ve seen you coming a mile away.

[@eibhlinniccolla]

« … and it is tough to find those holes, especially as a beginner » Things you can only say in piping and sex ed

[@GetBagpipeReady]

It is very funny to me when KZbin removes honest bagpipe questions and comments because it is flagged as "inappropriate content" haha!

[@paulomachado2312]

Tanks, i was learnig a lot with you, but o have some questios... do you helpme?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Glad you are learning Paulo! How can I help you?

[@paulomachado2312]

​@@GetBagpipeReady Tank you for answer me, Im so glad. So, i was buy an old bagpipe of a brasilian friend, and i am working hard to repair that. the first question. wath the corectl note to tune the reed of drones? this bagpipe came with drones of bamboo. and here in Brazil, doesnt parts to buy. and i put the drones to work, i am an old musician of strings, and the bag pipe is an old dream, the second questiom is. wi the bagpipers cover the holes of the chanter? thank you so much, receive a strong brasilian hug.

[@paulomachado2312]

@@GetBagpipeReady when I talk about covering the holes, I didn't express myself well. and about covering part of the holes with tape

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Tape is used, mainly on the top hand to sharpen the pitch. Before resorting to tape, you can try lowering the reed into the chanter bu removing some hemp at the reeds base. This will also sharpen the pitch

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Very cool Paulo! Sounds like quite a project. If you are playing solo, I would just try to tune your drones to the Low A on your chanter. This would typically be between 470 and 480 Hz. However, if don't need to be there exactly if you aren't playing with anyone else. If your chanter scale is balanced and your drones are tuned to your chanter you will be good to go!

[@eamonngallagher4866]

I would like to lraern but cant read music

[@GetBagpipeReady]

don’t let that stop you! I couldn’t read music when I started either. start out by listening and playing, the reading music will come 👍👍

[@davidgordon702]

That is my problem, also... I definitely would like to learn how to play the bagpipes, or the guitar. My only issue is, I can not read music, at all. As far as I am concerned, music is a foreign language...

[@genevievegauthier7834]

@@davidgordon702 Hello David. The chance of bagpipe is to have only 9 notes to learn, and only on G key. It is very easy to learn how to recognize the notes. One can play only with ears, but it's necessary to have plenty of melodies in one's brain... I encourage you to find a music book for beginner. Reading notes help a lot to work an instrument. I'm a totally beginner in pipe, and reading notes helps to memorize my work. Good luck (and my apologize for my english !).

[@RobertKirkpatrick84]

Can you recommend a practice chanter?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Unfortunately if you purchase a $20 practice chanter, made in Pakistan, from Amazon, it's not any good! Any Bagpipe supply store online can sell you a Sheppard, Mcallum, RG Hardie, Dunbar, Piper’s Choice or Walsh practice chanter for $100 to $120. All good brands.

[@RobertKirkpatrick84]

@@GetBagpipeReady thank you, I always wanted to learn but the instrument seemed so intimidating that I never had hope to learn!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

@@RobertKirkpatrick84 You've totally got this!!!

[@stebaz7]

Alex, where are you from?

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Thanks for watching Stebaz7! I live near the Rocky Mountains of Alberta in Western Canada 🇨🇦

[@jhirmane]

@@GetBagpipeReady thanks for the content. I’m thinking about learning the bagpipes and this video has given me a little more confidence to do it. Also I lived in Lethbridge for a good portion of my life. Take care

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Awesome 👏 you can do it!!!

[@leodhasmacleod617]

Thanks . A huge help with my Digital Blair!

[@GetBagpipeReady]

Great to hear! your most welcome Leodhas 😀