cutting high A's etc.

Uilleann Pipes
1

I am having problems cutting or even tapping the A in the high octave. I keep loosing the octave when I do. Any suggestions? I am fairly new to piping and am having problems with certain tunes because of this. I hit the note fine, then I cut it or even tap it and it jumps to the lower octave. I am keeping pressure on it, but to no avail

Timmy

2

Tim, the high a can be difficult to keep going when cutting or rolling. You will probably have to leave more holes open on the lower hand to keep a up in the upper octave. Different chanters and reeds may behave differently, so you will have to experiment to see what combination works best for you. Try cutting a while leaving the f# open, or just the g open, or maybe both.

djm

3

I’d wager you’re trying to cut it with a C instead of B. Try B. You often can’t cut high A with a C. (Well, I can on all my chanters but then we’re not talking about any of my chanters.)

And I’d wager you’re tapping on a closed A. You often lose high A, particularly if you’re not a good player yet and that tap is more like a sluggish attempt at a tap that totally shuts the chanter for a note that is really as long as a melody note, not the gracenote you think you’re trying to play. In most, if not all, chanters any time the chanter is closed you have to slide and snake or vent your way back up to high A. So when tapping a high A you don’t really close the hole all the way if in closed position, and if you want to make it easy on yourself, you play with a g and f finger off below, one, both or either depending on your style and chanter, so you roll down to an open note below when tapping.

And it could also just be that your chanter is balky and struggling to get an high A in the first place. Can you play B and C/C# or up to high D on that chanter? (without keys that is)

Royce

4

A wee tip for roles and other ornaments in 2nd register top hand…lift the chanter off the knee as ye do the role cut or whatever ,ye should never lose the note that is my experience.Royce is right cut with the B for A.C for B and D for C.
Talking of Royce I happen to agree with his dissertation onLeft and Right handed playing,it makes perfect sense,just coz people have always done something one way doesnae make it right so credit where it is due to Royce.It would be much easier for everyone concerned players teachers makers if when starting off on pipes ye did it right handed.
Peace and harmony to ye all :boggle:
Slan go foill
Liam

5

Thanks guys for the tips, I’ll give them all a try.

Timmy