Tuning the Smallpipe

The Scottish Smallpipe consists of three drones (bass, tenor and baritone), a chanter and blowstick or bellows.

Tuning the drones follows much the same principle as Highland pipes. For example, the bass and tenor drones should be tuned to the low A. However, the baritone tunes to the E note of the chanter.

After inflating the pipes, stop the bass and baritone drones by touching the top of the drone briefly to stop the air flow. This will leave only the tenor sounding along with the chanter. Tune this drone to the high A note and then sound low A to check it is tuned correctly. Once again, the drone is tuned when any 'wavering' sound has stopped.

Bring in the bass drone next and follow the same procedure. Lastly, sound the baritone, but this time tune to the E note. At this point your Smallpipes should be perfectly in tune.

The Smallpipe chanter can be adjusted in exactly the same manner as that of the Highland pipe chanter.