How Bagpipes Work

[@markcarlin4096]

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

[@Arbiter7778]

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

[@danielwatcherofthelord1823]

Hahaha! Great dad it sounds like!

[@gordonstewart8258]

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

[@PiperAlly]

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

[@glennarnold3970]

hi gordon what country are you from ?

[@gordonstewart8258]

@@glennarnold3970 United States.

[@glennarnold3970]

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

[@garymcatear822]

@@glennarnold3970 Well his name would suggest Scottish.

[@Irish-jp7ut]

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

[@Chris-the-wrecker]

And Cornwall and Brittany and Wales.

[@michaelshaw8370]

The pipes played well are heaven on earth. As a ex British Army Veteran with distant Scottish roots I have been blessed with not only serving with some remarkable pipers while stationed in the north east of England near Newcastle I was introduced to the Northumberland pipes. They had a distinctive but slightly deferent tone. On several occasions we had groups of pipers from Scotland. Ireland and Northumberland all together with the love of traditional music

[@Jock-pl8ey]

The irony of me, a Scotsman, watching a video of an American explaining to me how our national instrument works.... great job 😆

[@JD-qz7ub]

Aye....same story here! Good work though! Keep it up. Appreciated.

[@Dabergyt]

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

[@TheSuzberry]

Dogs add character.

[@prek78]

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

[@clearstream67]

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

[@hangonn]

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

[@PiperAlly]

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

[@Allen2]

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

[@therealuncleroadkill]

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

[@leftygroseclose7642]

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

[@thomasowen8652]

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

[@colinxsd2208]

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

[@scottsmith7424]

Cool video. Always wondered how big pipes worked. So basically a big woopie cushion with 4 outlets. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[@cjanquart]

Amazing that the books I fought from the College of Piping 20+y years ago never covered moisture control, but now the the internet and players like you willing to share information (you'd be surprised how stand off-ish some players and bands are, especially when new pipers have questions/issues/difficulties). Thanks for the overview!

[@PiperAlly]

I love when people ask questions! I'm not surprised at all unfortunately. Sorry you had that experience!

[@jamesa.7604]

@@PiperAlly no ink

[@mikehansford5597]

Thank you for the information Ally. After decades of wanting to learn, I'm finally taking the plunge, a local Pipes and Drums group practices near my house, so after talking with them I purchased a chanter, and they are going to take me under their wing as I start the journey. Good luck on your tour, and keep up the great work!

[@leonwilkinson8124]

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

[@myke49]

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

[@kevincraftOH]

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

[@danielferguson8304]

Aren’t you clever

[@marshmangunnar9150]

Lol

[@georgevilleboy]

Thank you. I started lessons many years ago but then moved and never got back to it, so I never graduated from the chanter. This is very informative as I consider restarting my bagpipe journey at almost 62 years old. Love your music!!

[@tjwd62]

Did you restart? I'm 61 and started on the chanter yesterday.

[@misterj597]

As a musician, I greatly appreciated this video. Like others have commented, I too understand reed instruments, however, I never fully knew how a bagpipe worked, so thanks.

[@stevejohnston4820]

Many years ago when my kids were in elementary school, they still had "Band" My 7 year old son ended up playing the trombone. When we asked our 5 year old daughter what she wanted to play, she didn't know the term for bagpipes, but she demonstrated by huffing and puffing and flapping her arm like it was a wing. My wife and I were confused for a little while, then she said they were at the renaissance fair when we went. Of course one of us remembered the bagpipes. Unfortunately lessons were not available in our area, and it was just a passing thought. She never did play an instrument, and she is 44 now. Just a remembered story from my past i thought I would share with you. I really like the bagpipes, and always stop to watch them at the renaissance fair every year. I watch a lot of the Scottish Parades on KZbin and enjoy the drummers and the pipers. Thank you for your videos, I enjoy them.... and I have to say that was an impressive amount of medals you had in the background....

[@morrielewin1554]

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

[@89CrazyAl]

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

[@nathanunck7134]

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

[@815donalduck]

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

[@stevejones6013]

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

[@naterisawesome1]

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

[@MichaelBCoats]

Ally, thanks for the education. I have always appreciated bagpipes, but have never known anything about the inner workings. It is great to see a young person such as yourself honoring this ancient, wonderful instrument. You are very talented!

[@vicmiller7191]

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

[@vf12497439]

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

[@Quansvideos]

The dogs barking always gets me! 😂 wonderful demonstration!

[@jimlinn]

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

[@mvl8209]

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

[@saippuakullipillukau]

but why she was sorry about understanding? harharhar

[@apveening]

@@saippuakullipillukau She was sorry about misunderstanding.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

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

[@chrisbob1200]

Knew about the breathing, but the bit about grace notes and decoration covering changes in pressure was enlightening. Thank you!

[@johnkelly7605]

Very well presented ally and you're a mighty player too, been playing quite a while now and it's good to have you explain about this war instrument

[@mxking317s]

Careful calling it a “war instrument”. They might try to ban it.

[@transmitterguy478]

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

[@zannadunstrand6289]

This video is so cool! Im a transverse flutist that have been intrested in learning bagpipes since forever and now i’ve pretty much decided i have to! Thank you!

[@vikingpiper]

Give it a go, but make sure you find an instructor. The pipes are NOT a instrument to attempt to teach yourself. It is simultaneously the best and worst instrument in the world, and if you stick with it forever, you'll love it. Once you start, it will be roughly 1 year of just learning the chanter before you even touch a set of pipes. Good luck.

[@PiperAlly]

Yes agreed grab a chanter first!!

[@CharlesPayet]

Why does it take a year just to learn the chanter?

[@vikingpiper]

@@CharlesPayet because that it how complicated an instrument it is. Learning notes, proper fingering & technique, a well as tunes. All bagpipe music must be committed to memory... there's no music stand or holders to play your music from. It's a process, but if you commit to it, you'll enjoy it.

[@PiperAlly]

@@CharlesPayet because the chanter is where you learn how to play all of the notes, execution and embellishments. Then (for me personally) when I have a student who can play 3 tunes with all of the embellishments, we move to bagpipes. Doesn’t always take a year, sometimes can take longer. Just depends!

[@williamknight9188]

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

[@metalhedatmedotcom]

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

[@Metal_Life333]

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

[@vincentvega9863]

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

[@dougaltolan3017]

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

[@johnphelps7519]

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

[@Danileith123]

I know this is a year old video. I wish your videos were around when I started playing back in 2010. I was infatuated with the instrument and ravenous for information about it. It’s great to see a professional player go over the basics for people. Also… so envious you can get away with a simple tube trap system.

[@yoksnod]

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

[@BillRedifer]

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

[@RandyOliverVlogs2]

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

[@alleyoop1234]

Incredible that I came across this video today! My father passed away 2 weeks ago & I will be getting his pipes, as well as a full Highland outfit with our hunting tartan on the kilt and all the regalia. I do plan on giving the pipes a try, thanks Ally!!

[@jcshaves]

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

[@arnoutvanwijk4916]

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

[@doctorsammy883]

Me to people who are confused by people being able to breathe while playing the bagpipes: What do you think the BAG is for??!?

[@brucegibbins3792]

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

[@zg2964]

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

[@PiperAlly]

Omg 😂

[@jeffforbess6802]

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

[@timallen6035]

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

[@LaLaObeRoT]

Simp

[@jeffreygreen1254]

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

[@jazzman1626]

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

[@matthewcarey7323]

Fantastic tutorial, thank you Ally!

[@biblebadcopycatofcuneiform8210]

I've watched many of your videos, and because the comment section on most videos are negative or ignorant or many think they knew best, I rarely read them. No, you're _not_ faking it. In my teens I went to plenty of Scottish games and saw them live. People, now-a-days, live way too much with their faces looking at their devices. That causes a sterile learning experience...and necks that will not be in good shape later with all the looking DOWN people do now. Well done video, Ally, only, please, less Up-talking. Giggling. You answered some of the questions I still had about the Pipes. Yay! P.S. Great sense of humor you have. Uh-huh, yep, yep. You and the Horse guy "Thunderstruck" was my intro to you. Your attitude in that was very much enjoyed.

[@NovaSunfire]

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

[@markaitkenguitar]

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

[@Hoha778]

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

[@stonybiby962]

Thanks for this video!! I had no real idea that the pipes are/were that technical/complicated. Some of the explanations (at least to me) were “wow I didn’t think of that but it’s so obvious now that you mention it” Thanks again for putting this out, I really enjoyed learning this!!

[@NovaSunfire]

www.youtube.com/@TheSnakeCharmer

[@RAvery41]

Well done, I played the pipes for years when I was younger, still love the pipes but then I am mostly a Scott, 3rd generation. great teaching aid. I may have to start playing again.

[@schulze25]

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

[@ryeguyNHL]

Back in my day, was a cadet that had a pipe and drum band. I did attempt to play the pipes but found out quickly I had no musical ability. I know how difficult to master the pipes, so I admire your skills. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@spiderfan1974]

It's counting to four and knowing where the notes are nothing more to it than that. Anybody that can count and grasp subdivisions of counting to four can learn any musical instrument they want to. Key word is want to play said instrument. There is no such thing as 'no musical ability' you want to continue to do something or you don't that's all.

[@NovaSunfire]

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

[@JasonAPoeticHeart]

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

[@ailenepace8262]

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

[@PhilDilmore]

Ally, well done and informative. I have to admit I had always associated bagpipes with funerals but after seeing your Freebird video I have a whole new perspective. Amazing cover of a classic. Looking forward to your upcoming show at the Wescott.

[@RLukeDavis]

Old musician, child chorister. You have a wonderful sense of rhythm. It's like circular breathing with a didgeridoo. But better. Respect

[@tiggert4002]

I've never been interested in bagpipes but I feel like I needed to learn about it. I never thought about to it's played, but it seems a bit complicated. Anyway I 100% support you breathing when you play. That is a clear example of people being quick to judge without knowing what they are talking about.

[@CT5555_]

Her physical beauty is unrivaled, and if you add the raw skill of her musical Talent, everything about this video is beautiful.

[@kiwibruce2082]

Ally you are an inspiration, my new year res is "I'm going to get a practice chanter" and learn to play it in"25" then hopefully get a set of pipes!

[@abugden]

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

[@eugeneslagle7935]

Thank you for this video of the bagpipes, as you were explaining the valves & moisture control it made huge sense. Can't believe I never gave it much thought. Thank you again & just want to say, you Rock young lady.

[@BruceWeiman]

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

[@steveschappell8374]

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

[@tmc28]

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

[@timallen6035]

Thank you for taking the time to give us this information. Parts of this I already learned from your videos and, oddly enough, from watching some travel shows. The main thing I didn't fully understand was the flapper valve. The dogs barking in the background definitely added character to the video. If anyone doesn't like that part then they are most likely not animal lovers and who needs that kind of negativity. Breathing is very good. I, for one, want you to continue breathing so you can continue to produce your awesome music. More importantly, I'm sure your husband and family want you to continue breathing so you can be around for them.

[@grandmafrosty]

So that's why it sounds like it does! As soon as you said the chanter is cousins to the oboe and bassoon, it just kinda clicked for me. Thank you for making this video

[@kenc9236]

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

[@jamescopeland5358]

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

[@AnEnchantedLife]

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

[@TheNightKing22]

I've wanted to ask on any of your videos for so long, how the bagpipes work. I know I could've googled it. I know someone in the comment section might have told me in a shortened version. The fact that the explanation came right from you, absolutely GRAND! Love you and your channel! Thanks for the explanation!

[@DJDocStudio]

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

[@Lord_Ragnar_VI]

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

[@kaylex44]

What a great explanation! My dad is Scottish, so I appreciate the bagpipes. Great video!

[@WalterGreenIII]

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

[@AndrewHaverson]

This was even more fascinating than I thought. Also, my Glaswegian Grandma adored bagpipe music. Thanks, KZbin, for the suggestion. And thank you, creator, for sharing some of what you know.

[@itstheterranaut]

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

[@andrewvance4550]

Who cares what people think; do what you do cause you love it. Imo your craft is impeccable 👍🏻

[@kozmicstreamz]

Until I came across your videos Ally I didn't have much opinion about bagpipe music ... outside of the standard men in kilts at ceremonial type sessions. You're a lovely young woman with a lot of talent. Thanks for your explanation of bagpipes. Wishing you great success!

[@theoriginalellenjak]

Ally - just to give you a term from engineering and piping systems for your "flapper valve" is a "check valve". Check valves prevent air or water flow in the reverse direction from the designed or intended direction of flow. Thanks for all of your wonderful music!

[@projectwasabi6036]

GENIUS instructional video!!! Living in an apartment - I've been playing a fagerstrom synthesizer for years, but never "real bagpipes", and i've always wondered about the variables you've explained here. EXCELLENT! Thanks for posting. :)

[@pauledwinhendee3340]

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

[@nunyabidness9301]

Outstanding. Love the pipes, but definitely never fully knew the operation. Always thought the bag drove the drones only, rest with the mouthpiece and chanter always assumed worked as any wind instrument. Didn't know the mouthpiece simply re-supplied air. Now I understand how this can be played without having a stroke.

[@chormiclestan]

Thank you Ally, always wondered how they work. Thank you for the description of the workings. Keep up the great job playing that music!

[@RabbahDocRona]

As both an engineer and a former musician, everything you are saying makes total sense

[@StardustLegend]

aaaah this is very helpful, wasn’t looking to play but wanted to know the anatomy as i’m drawing a bagpipe!

[@zay6713]

Have always been intrigued with bagpipes and you have explained it very well. Thank you for that. Beyond that, you make everything so fun! You are amazing!

[@willardhunt7000]

Great video I love the bag pipes just celebrated Robbie Burns birthday with some great bag pipers playing traditional Scottish songs

[@j2th31]

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

[@jameswebb8162]

Amazing! I am very impressed with the amount of coordination it takes to play bagpipes. Keep up the great work! You are fantastically talented!! I am just dumbfounded at how people say it’s a deepfake. I love the sound ever since the first time I heard someone play them. My wife and I went on vacation in Scotland and every morning outside our cottage someone dressed in full classic Scottish gear from hat to kilt would serenade us. It was awesome! I wish I got some pipes when I was stationed in the UK many years ago.

[@TenaciousWorkshop]

Fantastic explanation - thank you! I had a rudimentary understanding before (just that you fill the bag from your lungs and your arm squeezes it out) - but this video was both educational and interesting! 😊

[@TenaciousWorkshop]

@@WRITE-ME-ON-TELEGRAAM-Apriljen Scammer…

[@ricktheexplorer]

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

[@nairbvel]

I kinda-sorta knew how the pipes worked, but there were some interesting details I'd never even thought of (e.g., moisture traps, no tongue stops, etc.) . The thing that gets me is how people can see that honkin' big bag of air under your arm -- that *obviously* *inflated* big bag of air under your arm -- and still be ignorant enough to think you're not actually playing when you stop blowing air into it. It's good to see you're not letting them really get to you. I also enjoyed your dressing the pipes with a bikini -- not only are you an amazing musician, you're darn good at handling dumb hecklers. :-)

[@sunspot478]

I'm from Northern Nova Scotia originally, where there is a HUGE bagpipe following, each town at one point even having its own pipe band. Growing up, I couldn't really appreciate the sound and what it represented to that part of the world I was born and raised in, but having moved away from there, hearing them now makes me homesick. ... In a really good way.

[@johnsampson2544]

I was born in the U.S., but have maternal grandparents from Nova Scotia and Scotland. My grandmother sailed (on an actual sailing ship) from Edinburgh to New England when she was 19. With these genes, any time I hear pipes playing I get homesick for Scotland, although I've never actually been there. Edinburgh is at the top of my list of places to visit.