Frequently Asked Questions about Bagpipes

How do you learn to play bagpipes?

You start with a practice chanter and reed. This produces a low volume sound and gets you used to the fingerwork technique required to play pipes.

Do I need anything else to get started?

Normally you would want to get tuition in a group or one on one, but if this is not possible, chanter kits come complete with an instruction book and corresponding cd and this can give you a very good start.

How long does it take to learn?

This depends on how much ability you have and how much hard work you are prepared to put in. Some people can be playing pipes within 2-3 months - others will take longer.

Are the more expensive pipes any better?

So long as the pipes are made from African blackwood, a basic set will sound as good as a expensive set. You will pay more money to simply decorate the pipes with engraved nickel or silver but it will not affect the sound.

What is the best bag to have on the pipes?

Most people are playing a synthetic bag now as compared to cow hide or sheepskin in the past. The synthetic bags require no maintenance and this is their main advantage.

If I need to season the hide or sheepskin bag, how often do I do it?

Depending on how often the pipes are played, the bag will dry out. If the bag appears to be losing air, it needs some seasoning.

What cover can I get for the bag?

Most people stick with a plain velvet such as green, navy, black etc. but you can get a tartan (plaid) cover made if required.

What are the reeds made from?

Drone reeds were traditionally made from bamboo cane and these are still popular, but equally, there are many makes of plastic drone reeds available today and these also work very well. Pipe chanter reeds are still made from traditional Spanish cane.

Is a wooden or plastic pipe chanter better?

Apart from some of the top solo competitors, most people are now playing plastic pipe chanters. The sound has improved a lot in the last 20 years and this has become the norm.

What do I do about drone tuning?

The two tenors and the bass drone tune to the pitch of the Low A on the pipe chanter. The drones are tuned by moving the top drone section up the tuning pin (to flatten) or down the pin (to sharpen). Once the drone is tuned, any 'wavering' sound will disappear.

What key do pipes play in?

The highland bagpipe is not in any specific key but it is considered to be close to B flat.

Can you get different keys?

Only for smallpipes, which can be in the keys of A, B flat, C or D.

Do smallpipes have bellows?

Not always - many sets are now made and played 'mouthblown'.