Bagpipe Lesson 1: Starting with the Practice Chanter (4K)

[@alphar5807]

Matt - I wanted to say thank you for these videos. Its been around two years from I started following your beginner series, progressing onto the twist trap practice pipes and then a set of AB McCallums. Since then, I've joined a local competition band and on the first night was able to play in the circle and have had comments on how clean my movements are - all thanks to your instruction. This series is truly a gem, and for anyone starting this journey, you really can learn all of the basics from this great resource that Matt has produced.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That’s great to hear!! I appreciate you sharing and so glad the videos and materials helped.

[@dopapier]

Extremely good quality of teaching.

[@beardedwonder8333]

I’m 33 and it’s always been a goal of mine to learn to play the bagpipes, I finally ordered a practice chanter so I hope I can learn... I plan to watch your videos and use the book I got with my practice chanter to learn.

[@diegocalvorodriguez]

I'm 33 too and I finally get a practice chanter. Good luck in this trip.

[@nickc1754]

I'm 31 and mine came in the mail today. We got this, boys

[@munsterlanderman]

40 yr Old here and same thing. Hoping to take a year to practice and if I can handle it, order a set of pipes. Good luck everyone!

[@GeneralTinMan4]

36 and my brother just gave me a chanter. My uncle is a bagpiper and ive always dreamed of marching in parades like him. Journey starts today

[@diegocalvorodriguez]

@@GeneralTinMan4 lovely dream!

[@TheBelrick]

Couldn't of gotten to the point of buying my first (practice) bagpipes without you.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thank you so much! Best of luck with the practice pipes!

[@TheBelrick]

For anyone considering this course. I've been using it off and on for three years as a total beginner. As well as other means to learn the bagpipes As far as i am concerned this course should be sold on the likes of Udemy, yet here it is for free. A blessing to all. Follow the course, do not rush it. Repetition and patience is the key. If parts become hard, that is to be expected. Do not push past in the hopes future lessons will help past. It won't. Some lessons takes weeks to master and leave you free to move on God bless Matt for this course.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

So glad you are enjoying the lessons! As for not charging, I remember being 6 years old and wanting to learn the pipes, but there was no internet, no pipers nearby, nothing... If a young Matt came to this channel but had to pay to get the materials, well, young Matt wouldn't have been able to learn. With everything being free (I don't even ask for an email!), I hope those that otherwise wouldn't have access to learning can have a real chance at becoming pipers.

[@LauriPlaysOfficial]

@@MattWillisBagpiperwhat a great attitude! I’m 61 and just came home from Scotland with a set of pipes. It’s been a lifelong dream. I am a musician, so some parts come a bit easy for me but it’s of course unlike any instrument I’ve ever played ❤🎉

[@routeddown66]

Bag pipes always got to me, i asked for a chanter for christmas. I have a pet that had to leave a while ago. And the neat think i can do for her, when insoread her ashes to the winds of the rockies. I want to play her away. And i the only instrument i know that is loud enough so she can hear it are the pipes. I also want everyone else to hear it as well. So that they know she was loved deeply. So deeply that i learned how to play the pipes just for her

[@ivanrobb3900]

Okay, first off. I never wanted to learn the bagpipes! But I am here, and must say that the individual teaching this material can actually teach on multiple levels. Which is rewarding in its own. Thank you.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Wow, thanks!

[@philandclarepatch6262]

I've been wanting to play the bagpipes for as long as I can remember. I've just turned 60 and got a practice chanter for my 60th and I'm practising everyday. Your videos are excellent and I'm watching them every day! Thx , phil

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Rock on!

[@MurphysLaw71]

I thought I was crazy at 52 picking these up but your video answered all my questions. Can’t wait to keep watching

[@bethannehertweck1925]

Thank you for your comment with your age, I will be 60 this October and decided learning the chanter and eventually playing bagpipes is something I've always wanted to do so pleased I'm not the only 60 year old goal getter!

[@andydeaves1589]

@@bethannehertweck1925 Hope your practice is going well Bethanne. At 64 I'm now on the same journey to learn the pipes too. Starting off with the Glenco electronic Chanter to get me on the path, and if all goes well I will invest in a proper chanter. Happy playing! Regards, Andy

[@MattieD87]

Matt, I’m glad I came across your videos. I’m slowly diving deeper into it and learning how to play. I’m a seasoned musician and have my own Celtic rock band and I’ve always wanted to have pipes in my band. Unfortunately, my buddy who played them moved before we got a chance to really get things going. Now I have the opportunity to learn myself to add into our music. Thanks! I’ll keep watching and will absolutely help in anyway I can. Keep a look out. Common Run will be playing out soon

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Very familiar with the Celtic rock world. Spent 13 years with The Killdares out of Dallas, Texas, here, and then another five with Rathmore out of Denton. Fun stuff, but it’s always tough making a bagpipe fit in an equal tempered concert pitched world!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/inWVf5yXmpdphdksi=F_RUPd7arAQqGffI

[@johnbrandon5493]

I had to be alone and a BIT drunk to start watching your videos...but despite not being a Scot I love the pipes and I will learn all I can! Thank you!

[@adinahensdell1527]

I’m a kid because I’m using my mom’s phone. I like your videos because I want to learn. You did a good job. I can read music already and I’m really trying. Thank you for making these videos

[@surfinpunk101]

I just ordered my first chanter and on my way to becoming a piper! Your videos are so amazing! Thank you for so much good content and giving me the courage to try! Cant wait to watch all your videos!

[@christophergordon6111]

So, how is the journey one year in?

[@PopsKustojo]

I’m in Matt. Glad I found you. God bless you, sir.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Welcome aboard!

[@suzthor4578]

I am 66 and have been playing the recorder(s) since I was 13. I play recorder in church. I just ordered a long practice chanter and awaiting it to be delivered. I was surprised at the bottom hand fingering using the middle part of the finger as opposed to the pads which I use for recorder. I hope I can break the pad habit. Have always loved the bagpipes sound and hope I can master it. Once I receive the chanter, I will be back to view more of your videos. Thank you so much!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

One trick that has worked for many with the bottom hand is using bandaids over the last pad of the finger for the index, middle, and ring fingers, you won't want to cover the holes with the bandaid part... You got this!

[@russellcameron7177]

Thanks!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thank you so much!

[@livmckibbin]

16:49 I love that your wee lamp in the background looks like an upside down chanter

[@christostheocharidis2787]

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

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Welcome aboard!

[@ShadowsandCityLights]

Me too! I'd love to volunteer for things if I ever get good at them!

[@nobbiestyles]

all your videos are starry clear, from the first to the last one. Thanks from Italy , Matt.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Awesome, thank you!

[@lightgolgot6282]

The best explanation I saw on the whole internet ! Lots of details and no mistakes possible really great !

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fprintf]

I played for a about a year before I ever disassembled my PC to clean it. After watching this video it is a wonder I didn't get sick or something!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Oh wow! I'm glad you didn't get sick too!

[@guerajj77]

I just received my Twist Trap chanter today. This video was extremely helpful in finger placement. Thank you so much!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Great to hear! Plenty of videos after this one in the Basics Series to keep you learning: bit.ly/BasicsPipes

[@andydeaves1589]

Hey Teacher! I maybe a bit late starting to learn at 60-something like a few more of your 60-something students, but want to express my appreciation to the 6 year old Matt for making this channel happen. I don't have any holes in the Digeridoo I'm playing, so I'm stepping up! cheers brother! Regards, Andy

[@alanglogovsky1401]

Just got my practice chanter last night. Watched this video twice, trying to get my fingers to stay in the right place. Learning to play is a bucket list item for me so I'll be watching a lot.

[@kimberlyzero]

Just received a chanter and pipes for my Birthday! Have wanted to play for years, so am looking forward to watching your videos and learning!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Have fun!

[@richardpaxton5059]

Great first video for a beginner like myself hoping to learn the art of playing the practice chanter for the first time.Thanks for the 101 class,be looking forward to more of your videos.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I've got over 25 videos up now in this Basics Series, and more are on the way! kzbin.info/aero/PLc21D3cFD-pgCpSIsdk4bTK9K_iiHoJ94

[@DiNoWireArt]

I just ordered my first Practice Chanter (Dunbar Plastic Long Size). I am looking forward to start playing.

[@robadkins2304]

You’re a very good teacher. Your explanations are very clear. I’m debating getting a chanter. If I do, I will watch your other videos.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Go for it!

[@bekahb270]

My grandpa gave me his old chanter for my 15th birthday. I never really thought much of it until he told me his stories behind it. Now I'm trying to learn the pipes for him i guess.. And to annoy some certain family members who hate bagpipes. But your video was short concise and educational, so thanks!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you found the channel!

[@akenny1]

Wife got me a practice chanter and I’m excited to start learning. I’ve always had an ambition to play the bagpipes and I’m finally starting that journey. Thanks for posting these videos!

[@johnp5639]

Thanks!

[@yoncher]

Thanks

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Many thanks! I appreciate your generosity!

[@johncronk9082]

Thanks for showing the basic finger set up, very helpful! Looking forward to learning the chanter and more!

[@mattmartin6405]

Just started and the dots on your fingers were extremely helpful. Thank you

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it helped!

[@roblewis1139]

Great instructions. Day#2 for me , I will be here daily thanks Matt

[@papatinpan]

Inherited a Chanter but with the intent of using for Middle Eastern music. I chuckled at 11:10-11:12, said to myself, "Actually that would be cool if I could get that sound" BUT I also want to maximize use of instrument, and learning the core principles is paramount to me. Also you are local to me which is why I subscribed as well a non-condescending approach to your lesson. Thank you!

[@andrea9014]

I just ordered my first practice chanter today and decided to get a head start by watching your video. I am a long time sax player and have decided to get back into music. I've been playing bass, 7 string guitar, and I've been working with a low D whistle...that stretch on the lower holes!! They recommend a piper's grip for that and I'm getting more consistent with my low D tone. This was awesome and a great start - I look forward to your next video. My practice chanter will be here Saturday!

[@stuartmackenzie7465]

Fantastic introduction to the practice chanter. Thanks

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you liked it!

[@fenderjazzgroove]

This was such a fantastic introductory video. Your energy and pacing are excellent. Looking forward to the rest of this series!

[@73JosieWales]

I was just thinking the same thing, very engaging instruction..

[@jamessatterlee]

My practice chanter just came in the mail today. Your video definitely helped me out. Thank you for your channel!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You are so welcome!

[@Call.Sign.Badger]

I cut the lower tendon/knuckle of my left pinky. I can't play any other instruments because of it. Can't play guitar anymore and piano is HARD. I miss playing music. Im gonna order a chanter. I can't bend the top knuckle anymore. This is so perfect

[@christopherwhite3448]

I am learning to play with the FD I work at, and your videos have been a huge help! Thank you and You rock!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad to help!

[@bee5905]

so cool to play for your FD

[@christopherwhite3448]

@@bee5905 Thanks! Hopefully I get to a point that I am able to play without any errors! lol

[@gerrie001]

This is fantastic advice! You're a well seasoned teacher. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thanks! Full playlist of the Basics here: bit.ly/BasicsPipes

[@arniewilenken237]

Wonderful introduction to this fascinating instrument! I'm interested in learning to play 'Pipes' and came across this site. Very helpful!!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Many thanks!

[@tommyzDad]

Matt, I just made the final layaway payment on a Blair Digital Chanter! I'm looking forward to going through your tutorials when I finally get it!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Let us know how it goes!

[@BuleBolang]

Great video. Subscribed and will be trying this out 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤙🏼

[@frostus]

Thank you very much. You talk a little fast but also good understandable for gyus like me talking another native language. Looking forward to practice with your videos!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You can always use the .75X speed setting to slow me down. ;) I can only imagine how long my videos would be if I had a normal speaking cadence! Cheers!

[@andrewjohnston3356]

My uncle George Johnston has gifted me his chanter, I am so stocked to learn. I believe you may have taught my uncle as part of the metroplex pipe band in texas 🎉

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That's great! Your uncle still comes by for lessons and is a dear friend.

[@ramonpfister2424]

As a long time trumpet player I can totally relate to the spit issues and that floating pinky. I just ordered a chanter from Hendersons and I'm excited to become a piper and it sounds like 1 on 1 instruction from you would greatly help my journey.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Feel free to get in touch with me at [e-mail] for more lesson info!

[@rbarrell]

I have a low D pipe and always struggle with the 'piper's grip', thanks for a clear and well explained lesson!

[@leetaylor6999]

Beilliant Richard i have been battling away for a couple of months and now i see that your reed should be able to support a suspended chanter , mines is far too slack. Thank you mate.

[@ilonisti1227]

I too want to add my thanks to Matt Willis Bagpiper for this video series. I have kind of fantasized about playing the bagpipes since I was a child, but living in a country where pipers are rather scarce, only recently took a step that way by getting a practice chanter. After following introductory playing instruction videos I felt discouraged, because the darn thing required such tough blowing that I thought my eyes might pop out! Later, it started squawking with all possible bird and beast noises, and I found it quite impossible to produce the intended pitches. Instead of accepting my lack of skills as the explanation for this, I watched probably hours of videos for pipe and reed maintanance. I dared to attack my synthetic reed and plastic practice chanter with basic household cutting tools, thread from my sewing kit and grafting wax from my gardening kit. Lo and behold, the magic happened, and music started coming out! I've now ordered a bunch of reeds of different brands to try out, as well as plain and waxed hemp, plus those blue moisture control rings. While waiting for the shipment, I will continue with these fantastic and well presented exercises in hope of one day achieving agile and accurate piper fingers :) By the way, what is the name of the tune used as the opening music for the videos in this series? I've heard it so many times now that it's stuck in my head and I might want to learn to play it one day.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That's great to hear! Thank you for sharing. And the name of the opening tune is "All the Blue Bonnets Are Over the Border" Full tune here: bit.ly/BlueBonnets

[@ilonisti1227]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks for this information! Truly adamant playing there.

[@tubaljohn1]

New sub. I like your videos. Been playing 28 years.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Welcome aboard!

[@ian7583]

hi Matt just found u on youtube love the content of your video thanks from Glasgow Scotland.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Awesome, thank you!

[@georgebarr2123]

Thank you, I just received my practice chanter so I am ready to annoy the neighbors. I shall look for more of your posts. Cheers and happy haggis hunting :)

[@JaneDoe-bq9sw]

Do you have a video on cleaning the practice chanter and maintaining it? I was trying to find out if there are certain wipes that are better to use than others. If soap and water is a better idea or to use a sanitizer spray. I have a Gibson long Polly practice chanter

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I go into cleaning the chanter in this very video at 12:24 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJfTlnVthsmUaqcsi=VRcShf65yTGLWFau&t=744

[@bradyg5547]

what practice chanters would you recommend or where would you recommend getting one?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I'm a fan of Gibson practice chanters, especially their cocobolo. My review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6mmopWlm91kf8k

[@mitzihenson-ruetsch5188]

Awesome video! I'm ordering my first PChanter today and starting professional lessons in 2 weeks. You were very informative and educational. Looking forward to more of your videos!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it was helpful! Best of luck to you in your bagpipe journey! And for a full playlist of my Basics Series, go here: bit.ly/BasicsPipes

[@therearenonamesinthevoid5772]

I'm just gonna go ahead and like all your stuff, and sub, because I have yet to make even a one note and will be needing all the help, and good karma available to me.

[@bradb.2728]

Just discovered your channel. I'm new to the pipes and am working with a practice chanter. Your tips on positioning the fingers and the sharpie dots on your hands took the mystery of how to get a consistently good position out of it for me, and I've had a much easier time since. I'll be checking out more of your videos.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you found the channel! Here's the whole playlist for my Basics Series: bit.ly/BasicsPipes

[@bradb.2728]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank You!

[@MiauMichigan]

Thank you!!! I'm learning the low whistle and this is the best explanation on the piper's grip I've seen. I always wonder where to put the thumbs and you're the first person I've seen to explain the position of each finger well.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@augustwestusa]

Very useful and appreciated video! One surprise I had when I got my chanter, the reed had a plastic head. I thought it was a plastic cover over a fiber reed and keep trying to pull it off! Yikes. I called the company to ask about it and they told me, the plastic was the reed and not to pull it off! Can't wait until the next video. Thank you!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Oh my! Yes, practice chanter reeds are plastic. If I didn’t say that, it was an oversight. Glad you found the channel!

[@wmalanpezzuto7262]

Thank you. This was an extremely informative piece. To say I know nothing would be bragging. Hell, I wasn't even certain how the reed fit prior to watching.

[@jimobrien84]

I just started with a practice chanter about 48 hours ago, in large part because this channel does a great job of demystifying the pipes, and I feel like I'm making surprisingly quick progress, again thanks to this channel specifically. The only problem I'm experiencing is I'm getting a bit of a crampy type of pain around the base of my right thumb. I'm holding it directly under the middle finger as recommended. I'm wondering if other people experience this and it will go away when I build endurance or if I'm doing something wrong mechanically to cause the pain. I feel like if I am doing something wrong I should correct it immediately before I develop any habits that may be hard to break. I've been playing guitar like 25 years and I still do certain things really sloppily purely because I was undisciplined and ingrained the slop into my muscle memory

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The right base of the thumb cramping isn’t unusual, but do make sure you aren’t squeezing the practice chanter too hard (which is tough to do when starting). I appreciate the kind words here and am glad you found the channel!

[@jimobrien84]

@@MattWillisBagpiper thanks for the reply and thanks again for the videos! Haha I’ve been trying to share my new enthusiasm for the pipes with friends and family without finding much interest but if I find anyone else who wants to learn the first place i’ll send them is to your channel

[@bluumz-n-veg]

@@MattWillisBagpiper So glad this issue was brought up, though my own issue is a bit different. I'm on day one with my practice chanter and the inner side of my right thumb (where it touches the underside of the chanter) is sore and reddened. I can tell I'm gripping the chanter quite tightly, but if I don't, I can't get the low G note properly. Also, I can't physically rotate my thumb so the pad is against the chanter... it's the inner side of my thumb that makes contact. Even without the chanter in my hands, when I touch my thumb to my middle finger, it's the inner side of my thumb that makes contact. Is this unusual? Thanks, Matt, for the videos! As Jim said, they demystified the bagpipes and the learning process, and caused me to decide to give a long-held dream a try.

[@SilverWolf941]

Hey, do you know any budget friendly Scottish Smallpipes? Preferably in the key of C?

[@michaelwalling8281]

Incredible detail and energy. Thanks for this video.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@foreversingle1975]

This was my first lesson!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hope it went well!

[@tracyshelton5599]

Yes using your Embourachure

[@johnoneil9150]

Thanks for your video Matt. I've been going though introductory videos with a practice chanter and yours is by far the most comprehensive. I especially appreciate your showing correct finger placement by marking your fingers, and mentioning how it's difficult for beginners to actually feel the holes when correctly placed. All of that and more I can appreciate. I look forward to going through your available videos.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Awesome, thank you!

[@WilliamSilveria]

Matt, you seem to be playing an extended, rather than a standard, practice chanter. Is this correct? Thanks. Love the way you teach.

[@frankhenderson7709]

Hey Matt hello from Australia caught one of your videos couple of weeks back now subbed in, got a chanter few days back watched your lesson on being a beginner, mate can't get a good sound out just a gurgle, watched lesson again a few times not getting any better, have taken Reed out blew through it an got sound, does it need to be replaced at a certain angle to the finger holes, any help would be a great. Cheers(Scottish by birth immigrated with parents at 10yrs old)

[@booperdooperproductions2545]

As solely a trumpet player, I’ve been wanting to get into woodwinds. I thought that the bagpipes would be a fun way to do that.

[@DavidMcbrady]

THANK YOU MATT! YOU ARE AN AWESOME INSTRUCTOR ❤️

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I appreciate that!

[@andrei283]

Came from connor great videos

[@jimmcclain401]

Thanks Matt I just got a set of pipes This is very very Helpful I have subscribed and going through the video's you have do you still do Skipe lessons Thanks

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hello! You can email me here for lesson info: [e-mail]

[@augu_sweet_punkdls8019]

thank you for that great video your instructions are very clear and helpfull. appericiate the effort, wish you the best ^^

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You’re very welcome!

[@goodwerks]

Such a well made video! Thanks

[@sueandlouscruise5843]

Thanks so much Matt for this great channel! I bought a set of twist trap practice pipes and they arrived a few days ago - have the practice chanter put together, and the bag and the drones are still in the case. Finally got past making duck-snort noises to a good low G, but now I'm trying to keep my ring finger from lifting when playing the G-to-B exercise.... "The Journey is the Reward" - Steve Jobs

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you found the channel here! For strengthening your fingers, try this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpTCe4KqhN2Kd9U

[@sueandlouscruise5843]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Ah - very good - will definitely check that one out. Thanks again!

[@dkoz81]

Where do you buy reeds for your practice chanter? Also how frequently should you need to replace your reeds? Thank you for your help.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Most of my reeds these days are Abbott practice chanter reeds. They last a long time. 3-10 years.

[@dkoz81]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you I just picked up a barefoot bagpiper practice set and have been using your videos and the highland bagpipe tutor book to start.

[@philiptruitt]

Thank you, Matt!

[@yv3652]

You being an American threw me a bit😮Awesome video.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Definitely an American here. Glad you liked the video!

[@TheGarvey11]

Hi Matt - In Scotland every week we all show our appreciation to those risking their lives to save others during the Coronavirus pandemic, nurses, carers, teachers, police, paramedics etc. On Thursday nights millions come out of their homes to clap, cheer, bang sauce pans, and in Scotland those who can, play pipes. I have made a pledge to play "Flower of Scotland" on the bagpipes to support this Thursday night show of thanks. My bagpipes arrived yesterday and I have been able to make a noise from the chanter. I have no idea how to read music but all I need to do is learn one tune. Two questions:- 1.) The chanter takes quite a blow to get a noise out. Is that expected? Thought I'd pulled a lung out on the first attempt. 2.) Is there such a thing as "bagpipe tabs". I used tabs to learn the guitar, it would be fab if the same existed for the pipes. Your lessons are brilliant, thank you for all the work putting them together must have taken. Its very much appreciated.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

What brand pipes did you get? In any case, I got a very similar question earlier today, and this was my reply: Step 1: Make sure the bag is airtight. Take out the chanter and drones, cork it up, and see if it’s airtight. You shouldn’t be able to blow any additional air into the bag after 15-20 seconds. If you can, you’ll need to re-season a hide bag or possibly replace a synthetic bag (not many ways to fix leaky synth bag). Step 2: Play the pipe chanter by mouth. You should be able to play for about 10 seconds (or about the first line of Scotland the Brave) without having to stop for a breath. If you can’t make it that far, you’ll need to weaken the chanter reed until you can play for long. I’d start with my non-destructive methods for weakening a reed before moving onto the more destructive scraping methods. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2ezqnuLl9hogtU kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoCVaaapmrKod7s Step 3: Mouth blow your drones. You should be able to turn the drones off by overpressuring them with your breath when you blow through them at a very high pressure. If you cannot, you’ll need to move the bridle down so less of the tongue is vibrating. Move it *very* little, as even a fraction of a millimeter can have a drastic effect on the amount of air they take. Mouthblowing the bass can prove challenging depending on the reed length, so you might need to try that in the bag. But in any case, you need to have the drones be able to be shut down by overpressuring them or they’re taking too much air. Once all this is done, you should be able to play for 5 minutes. Make sure while playing the pipes yyourru arm is constantly and firmly squeezing on the bag, even when blowing into the bag. Yes, you’ll need to increase your pressure on the arm when you inhale, but for steady pressure, you arm should be constantly and firmly engaged. Your shoulder should be as tired as your lips when you’re done (unless you’re a body builder or triathlete!). Hope this helps and best of luck!

[@Zachy-Gaming]

Hey Matt, I just picked up some highland piper tutor books and got myself the R.G. hardie practice bagpipes and looking forward to following your series and learning.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Awesome! Keep us informed with your progress!

[@simplicity_4092]

I've always loved bagpipes and wanted to learn to play. Saw a set on the site for my local goodwill and it came with a practice chanter! I played flute in school so I'm not the most knowledgeable with reeded instruments. Do you need to wet the reed before you put it in the chanter?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

No need to set the reed if it’s plastic (and there’s like a 99+% chance it’s a plastic reed). Best of luck!

[@lordTTB]

First time watching your videos. Very well explained and look forward watching more to improve my practice chanter learning.

[@valiant2099]

Nice channel and really good explanation and tutorial. I have the twist trap chanter and National Piping centre tutorial book, but need to find a video to explain things in more detail. thank you

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You're welcome! This kind of stuff is difficult to learn from a book alone.

[@user-zv9um9pb6w]

Very useful thank you.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You are welcome!

[@julianpayne5306]

Re cleaning practice chanters: Good advice from you. I have a John Walsh plastic chanter with an internal moisture trap (which does NOT unscrew). I clean moisture out by reverse blowing the top half. Easy & quick to do ... and surprising how much moisture blows. Julian Payne / Manila

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thanks for sharing how to clean your style of moisture trap!

[@pauljones6031]

Hi Matt I'm 67 and retired now, I'm hoping to get my 1st chanter soon & watch your video's again and getting stared. Any advice on buying a chanter

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I’d start with a long polypenco from a major manufacturer. Gibson makes some wonderful practice chanters.

[@williamhames6097]

What's a good beginner guide I think I only have a few years to learn for the furial is the gale an easy song need to know weather I should give up while I'm ahead or it's a possibility I can really succeed

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You found a good guide right here with this video. The Gael should be possible in a year or two of solid work. Full playlist to my Basics Series: bit.ly/BasicsPipes

[@joshwhite8293]

Any recommendations on a beginning chanter? I have never played and have no musical background. I'm 6'4" if that matters too, I have seen small, medium, and large chanters. Thanks

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I'd get a long practice chanter from any of the major makers (Hardie, McCallum, Gibson, Wallace, Dunbar, Naill...), And best to buy through a bagpipe retailer, and not Amazon (you can type in bagpipe retailer and your country to find a supplier near you).

[@joshwhite8293]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you so much for the response. I'll look into those brands Any tips for learning how to read the music? I haven't scoured your youtube page completely.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

If you go through my Basics Series, I cover reading music too. Full playlist here: bit.ly/BasicsPipes

[@joshwhite8293]

@@MattWillisBagpiper thank you! I will be buying a Gibson practice chanter on Friday! Excited to learn

[@manfrombritain6816]

11:11 all my neighbours have heard for the last few days... its so hard to get the ring finger and pinky of the right hand to cover the holes cleanly for some reason D:

[@EricSmith9000]

You're awesome. Thanks for this.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You're very welcome!

[@bwallace0803]

What distinguishes a good chanter vs. a bad chanter?

[@trenchvalor]

Matt, thanks for your great videos! I'm in my 7th month of learning on the chanter and am having problems because after a half hour or so of practice, my lips get tired and cramped and I lose the seal... other than keeping at it, are there techniques or exercises I can do to fix this?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

If the ace refuses to get stronger, you could try a Reed Wrangler mouthpiece: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWGcm6mloZV-fdk

[@alfjohansen2952]

Thank you for great lessons, they have been very helpful. I received my practice chanter about a month ago and have been practicing every day since. At first, I thought I had damaged the reed since I couldn’t get a nice and clear tone from the chanter. I then figured I had to blow it much harder than what I expected, though I’m not yet entirely sure I didn’t damage the reed. I’m out of breath when I get to the first repeat in the highroad to Gairloch from lesson 5. Does a practice chanter usually require you to blow this hard to play it? Sometimes my thumb (lower hand) will start aching during or after a practice session. Is this from a bad grip (gripping it to hard, or in the wrong manner) or is it to be expected in beginners?

[@jodymcadory6489]

Hello Matt, just wanted to say I really enjoy watching your videos. There's something about the way you teach that makes me want to play that much more. Honestly I'm having some issues right out of the gate, I bought a really cheap chanter at first last week and quickly realized my mistake. I just received my R.G.Hardie twist trap standard length yesterday and apparently have zero luck with this. I got the Braw app that you referenced because mine sounds nothing like yours, my low A is 224 hz and nothing sounds good. Any advice sir?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hello! Unfortunately, the problems you’re describing sound far beyond what I can fix with a text description alone… We could schedule some lesson time, if you think that would help. If interested, email me at [e-mail]

[@heathergeggie9380]

Hi I take on a new personal challenge every year. This year Its learning the Bagpipes and I`m so excited. My Practice chanter is here but there was mix up and no reed was included so have to wait a bit longer till i can make a noise, but that is probably for the best .... found this really helpful so have subscribed.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you found the channel! Best of luck to you in your bagpipe journey!

[@garykutsev6185]

Im thinking about putting rubber bands on my practice chanter so i can use to finding the holes better

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Works pretty well

[@kerryhall6099]

Anyone recommend a starter chanter and Best place to buy 1 thanks in advance

[@maybugz]

Don't buy a cheap one from eBay, I made that mistake, waste of money. Then bought a 'shepherd' from Scotland. I think it's shepherd and co, you'll have to Google it. It was about £50 but a whole different thing to the £18 one from eBay.

[@emilyvanvoornveld187]

Awesome video! Is it possible to store the reed in the bottom part of the chanter? Or dhould it always be stored separately?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Is the end of your chanter large enough to hold the reed? I’ve seen some folks wrap their reed in a bit of paper towel and store it in the bottom of the mouthpiece…