Tin Whistle Beginner Series [LESSON 1] Tin whistle basics and getting started, first exercises

[@leonjacobs5618]

One thing I love about your channel is that, once you get into the lesson, you don't waffle, and I prefer it when you speak a bit faster.

[@gedq]

If you hold down the left mouse button over the screen it runs faster. May help.

[@usernamemykel]

I've 16 tinwhistles in the stable, and 3 are Sweetones, plus a Sweetone "1st cousin", the "Celtic", which is just a Sweetone in green pajamas with a Celtic icon. The remainder are the typical assortment, including a Sindt and my newest favorite whistle (thanks to you, Stephanie Burton, and the "I'd jump off a bridge if she told me to" - whistle goddess Joanie Madden). My 36 year old daughter, who has never played a musical instrument, will be visiting me in three days, and she'll be bringing with her the Clark Sweetone whistle I gifted recently to her, for her first lesson. I've turned her onto your channel, of course. Best2u!

[@ewoudvanaalst4089]

I've played tin whistle for a solid 1.5 years now but it's a great thing to look at the basics again from time to time. So eventhough I do know all this I am still gonna watch and listen closely

[@Raniknitski]

I am THRILLED to find you! My sister plays the concertina and she is coming to town. I want to surprise her and be able to sit and play with her. I've watched a couple of your tutorials and it's exactly what I'm looking for.

[@FASKY2788]

I think you do a great job, ignor those commenters.

[@Tilldeatharmwrestling]

So I just got mine in the mail. Brand new. But I’m just gonna say. I love this dudes energy.

[@fatheroblivion45]

I wholeheartedly agree with your recommendation of a Clarke's Sweetone as a good starter whistle. I was already a recorder player and was first tempted to try the whistle when I became heir to my grandfather's old ancient original Clarke's whistle in C and boy oh boy did that whistle take a considerable amount of air compared to what I was used to using as a recorder player. The good thing about the Sweetone is that the higher scale is easier to achieve than with, say, the Clarke's original and they don't have the same tendency to squeak as some Generation and Feadogs do. P.S. I do use both Clarke's original, Feadogs and Generation whistles but only because I was fortunate enough to try them before buying as some of them in the box aren't very good at all. Just thought I'd mention that to keep everybody happy :)

[@usernamemykel]

Health code regulations prevent one from trying out instruments such as harmonicas, whistles, etc., in Florida.

[@YoungUncleFan]

I have practiced on my own for 2 years, this Series is what I have been looking for all the time, thanks a lot

[@clockerbell9717]

Yay!!!!!! This is exactly what I need. More beginner stuff!!!! Thanks so much!

[@antonijasiczek6167]

The part where you interrupted the video to hammer in the “get a D whistle” bit had me cracking up 😹

[@killingdragons911]

ME TOO! XD Dead, but he made his point!

[@Kirgen13]

Thank you so very much for the lessons. I am a special I am especially thankful for the little chart in the corner sure what holes are covered when you play. I tried making a chart watching your G scale video I still haven’t got it right and you took me hours LOL. Thanks so much can’t wait for more lessons

[@Kirgen13]

Thank you so very much for the lessons. I am a especially thankful for the little chart in the corner that shows what holes are covered when you play. I tried making a chart watching your G scale video I still haven’t got it right and it took me hours LOL. Thanks so much can’t wait for more lessons

[@FunAfter52]

I'm 1:09 of 9:01 of this video. *New Sub* Just picked up a tin whistle today. I blew it a few times and sounded like a dying cow, but it was both fun and exciting. Looking forward to going through this series.

[@kayceparkinson9018]

Wow! I’m so glad you’re doing this. My Daughter and I were already learning from your videos. I’m looking forward to going through your new series.

[@Nangwaya]

I have only been practicing for about a month, so thank you for this!

[@daveq222]

So much better to have a calm measured instructor than some of these over-enthusiastic presenters

[@5150show]

Absolutely brilliant, just subbed cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@nikkuthomasabraham3784]

Add more videos like this..... nicely presented

[@starvingmillett]

Thanks for this series! I have been watching your channel for a little over a year but was unsure where to start. I remembered from an older video that you suggested the Clarke Sweetone so I finally got one this past week. I also got a Walton Mellow D, and the Sweetone is definitely better in tune with itself. I really like the sound of the Mellow D, so I was a little disappointed that it wasn't better in tune. I'm new to all this but I can get the Sweetone in tune while playing along with the later videos in the series, but some notes I have to pull way flat and others I have to push way sharp to get in tune with you on the Mellow D.

[@lemonpepperdry5818]

Thank you for this information.

[@zojaart7766]

i just love your videos. Your style, humor and quality of the recordings are great. I've been playing for a while, so this video didn't show me anything new, but I'm glad you're doing something for beginners anyway. CLARKE Sweet Tone whistle - I only have one in C tone, unfortunately it sounds so bad that I don't play it at all. Maybe it's just my whistle that has a problem, but I wouldn't recommend Sweet Tone to anyone.

[@jamesmcdonough7414]

Thanks for doing this series!! I got my whistle, a well used and well loved Milligan D, about a month ago. There are a lot of whistle tutors on youtube, but the fact that you have doing this and posting for over ten years is amazing!!! I learn really well from your other videos, but def wanted to focus on basics. Could you do a vid addressing basic fingering techniques? Do I absolutely have to have an open hole for high D? Best pinky placement? Those things that might turn into bad habits later on...Thanks!!

[@whistletutor]

Hmmmmm....good ideas!

[@jamesmcdonough7414]

@@whistletutor Thanks, I try to have one good idea a day! That was it! One other thing, with C natural, is it always two fingers? Is there any note that is OXOOOO?

[@AndrewUxcentric]

Just ordered a Clarke Sweetone from Amazon Canada, we'll see if I can do this 🙂

[@Upsideround]

Thank you for this.

[@Mathias9n]

Thanks for doing this !!

[@paulreinhardt6052]

Great video! I’ve watched many of your other videos, but they have always felt beyond my abilities. Haven’t played for a while. Going to grab my whistle and do some scales.

[@KrystynaKidson]

Thank you! Just got my first whistle today (*really* wish I'd ordered a Sweettone now) and am looking forward to being able to go through beginners tutorials as they're being uploaded! Got any tips for reaching that second octave with a Clarke Original??? I'm getting there with the lower notes but F# and above??? I put in a lot of air and I still drop the octave!

[@giorgostherioudakis9315]

@@KrystynaKidson Keep practicing ! You'll get it sooner than you think !

[@subwaytheo]

Just got my first whistle and your videos are very helpful. As a side note, I come from a long background in clarinet and flute. I noticed something in all your videos that you don't really touch on. As you go up in the scale, your right pinkie finger rests on the base of the whistle to give you added support along with the right hand thumb. From a flutist's perspective, this is the same as when we hold the B flat key to give added support to the flute. This also helps as a reference point to keep your fingers aligned with the holes. Anyway, keep making these videos and I'll keep watching.

[@whistletutor]

That's a great point and definitely something I'll bring up next time I cover one of these - thanks, and thanks for the kind words too!

[@charlescannon9163]

So, I know you prefer whistles by Gary Humphrey. Where can I look at them? I can't find his Web site, if he has one, and I don't see his whistles on any of the online stores I looked at. I'd really like to see what he has to offer. Thanks.

[@whistletutor]

web.blomand.net/~ghumphrey/

[@stevedonnelly1704]

I am just starting (literally waiting for my whistle to arrive). I have been looking at many different online tutorials, and yours are the best. I bought a Dixon Nickle Trad- High D, I see that wasn't on your list. Is there anything special I should know about playing the Trad-D as opposed to the ones you mentioned?

[@whistletutor]

I've never played that particular Dixon model (only ever played one model, in fact) but I hear they're all lovely so I'm sure you'll do just fine!

[@carolehalterman2260]

I got a Clark but it is very hard play. It has wood block in the mouth piece and I am running out Breath. I like the tone of it but to hard to keep the win compare with other whistles.

[@usernamemykel]

That's the classic Clark. Difficult to play, and the wood swells from moisture. Get the Sweetone.

[@theblindwizard]

Okay quick question showing my ignorance here but I'm blind and looking for a little extra direction. In the descale and the other two main scales that we practice what are the notes in order that they are played in the scale? I've been able to work out by sound the finger placement for the descale but that's it I don't know what each note is I can just play it I don't know its name

[@cathytai]

i have an odd, even embarrassing question. Maybe it only happens to me because I can't play worth a darn yet, but if i think I just played something well (as a beginner, well is relative) but then listen to recorded playback of my playing, it turns out to be absolutely horrible. 😳 And i have been practicing intensely for a few weeks now. How can it sound so good in my own ears/head but SO bad in real life, and is there a way to bring what I THINK I'm doing and what I'm ACTUALLY doing closer together? Obviously something is wrong with my practice method. Or me, lol. I am using a Walton's Guiness promotional whistle btw, not an intentional choice, but still... can't blame the instrument, you could make even that one sing. Thanks!

[@usernamemykel]

Blame the damn instrument. You'll feel better.

[@soslothful]

What printed tutorials do you recommend?

[@WilliamWallaceRoss]

The NEW Sweetone doesn't have the seam and is plastic in D.

[@moseyeintheskymojo7679]

Do you have a step by step course for a complete beginner?

[@whistletutor]

Yep, you're on lesson 1 of that at the moment in fact

[@moseyeintheskymojo7679]

@@whistletutor Sean but is it free lessons or do you have a paid lessons ?

[@whistletutor]

@@moseyeintheskymojo7679Oh they're all free - I have more stuff on Patreon but that's all stuff like more advanced deep-dives, tabs & sheet music, behind the scenes, Q&A, etc.

[@moseyeintheskymojo7679]

Great I will start with you deee lesson and hopefully move on thank you Sean !

[@joemelican3641]

I find it Very difficult to get the octove change clear

[@marthaclendenin8930]

This might be a silly question but when you are changing octaves but covering the same holes, are you just changing the amount of air/force you’re using to get the higher notes?

[@whistletutor]

Not a silly question at all! Yes, that's basically the gist of it though you do have a bit of tone and embouchure control whereby you'll want to direct the air in a more focused way rather than just blasting it harder - but blasting it will accomplish the task :)

[@IrishWristwatch0_0]

I’m new to playing the whistle, like got one 4 days ago and am currently learning the notes new, and I can’t seem to hit the octaves without them sounding like a high pitched squeal. I have a woodi whistle tuned in D which I know is capable of reaching that second octave but I’m not sure what I am doing wrong, any advice?

[@whistletutor]

Slow and steady - the main thing early on is to get the confidence in knowing exactly how much air is required for each note. Hit each one and hold it with good, clean tone - and be thinking about how much air is necessary to get there. Then push it too hard (too much air) or remove air and listen and feel how the note reacts. Then do the same with the next note, and so on. It just takes a bit of time, ultimately it'll be second nature and instinctive!

[@IrishWristwatch0_0]

@@whistletutor I appreciate the feedback! I managed to hit E in the second octave last night without it sounding terrible, however holding the note is still proving difficult. Slowly finding the proper air flow is definitely the way to go

[@chrisvalery3678]

I noticed you tend to play with the mouthpiece off to the side..I've seen others play straight on then move to the side. Is one way better or easier than another? Thanks

[@whistletutor]

That's probably more accidental than anything - in the beginning it's best to keep things pretty consistent (typically vertical but comfortable is the most important thing) but as you get jostled around and squished into small spaces at sessions you end up learning to play in some janky angles

[@ME-hs1ie]

What's the gold one with the little red piece on it?

[@whistletutor]

It's a Gary Humphrey - the red tape is spike tape which is helpful on a blacked out stage to make sure I'm grabbing the right one :)

[@ME-hs1ie]

@@whistletutor thank you very much.

[@ME-hs1ie]

@@whistletutor Is it trad High narrow bore, wide bore or a session high D, I don't know the difference lol

[@whistletutor]

@@ME-hs1ie Oh gotcha - I'm pretty sure it's a trad narrow but he's changed his naming conventions a bit over the years so I'm not 100% sure

[@julienielsen3746]

I don't understand what the + means on the chart.

[@lleange363]

bec of u i decided to buy a sweetone as a beginner...

[@alenazidlicky9306]

Is it just me or does he sound just like Nick Offerman?

[@martinj9251]

And talk to much!! Ffs get on with it

[@whistletutor]

*too

[@martinj9251]

@@whistletutor who gives a fuck!?

[@whistletutor]

@@martinj9251 ..feels like... you do? Seriously though thanks for the engagement, helps the algorithm and what not

[@thecocktailian2091]

Not really a beginner from scratch lesson. Much to advanced. Breath pressure, how to blow and make a note properly, Close ups of how the fingering should work. No mention of how to manipulate the whistle through the notes. I could go on, but this absolutely is not a beginners lesson.

[@Kirgen13]

Thank you so very much for the lessons. I am a special I am especially thankful for the little chart in the corner sure what holes are covered when you play. I tried making a chart watching your G scale video I still haven’t got it right and it took me hours LOL. Thanks so much can’t wait for more lessons