Is it expected to switch off the drones of a D set when playing a tune in E minor?
Thank you,
Miki
I think it depends on the tune itself. For example, with the tune The Kid on the Mountain, I leave the drones on because the tune shifts into G. But with a tune like The Swallow’s Tail, I leave the drones off.
Honestly, I think it really is a matter of preference.
You could always hum along with the tune. 
(Mornin’ Joe)
djm
… mornin’ David.
I asked that question of Jerry O’Sullivan a few years ago, and he said it was fine to leave them on - your ear gets used to it. I’m quite sure he was not advocating leaving the drones on in every situation - just a general response to a general type of question.
These days, I’ll leave them on when playing at home alone, but I shut them off when playing with others - it drives the guitar players nuts when they can’t find the tonal center of a tune. Come to think of it, I shut my drones off most of the time now when playing with others, regardless of the tune key, so as to not muddy up the sound.
You can quote me Pythagoras, Schubert or Beethoven… but the drones sound perfict in every situation to me. Guitar players be damned.
Thank you Mr. Bartok.
At least we have one chord that they can’t get wrong. 
Regards,
H.
The way I understood it is if every individual note is in tune with the drones you can play in front door key and it will sound alright .
RORY
There’s nothing more enchanting that a perfect 2nd interval.
Some of the world’s greatest chanting was done in parallel 2nds. Pretty eerie alright.
If you want an esay way to see what this would sound like, try taking a mandolin and splitting the tuning of the double strings, then play a tune. I’ve done this with a mando in parallel minor and major 3rds and it sounds pretty good on certain reels…which means that a set of D and B/Bb pipes might acturally sound good playing together!
No question about it: drones are absolutely fine in “E” tunes.
Drones in E minor are grand.
But, do you know whats lovely. Hook your C chanter into you D set and play a few tunes using E minor fingering. Morning Dew, Molly from longford, Toss the feathers,etc. So on a C chanter these tunes are actually D minor. Then slap on the D drones and your in heaven!!!
Go for it.
Tommy
Bill Reeder states that leaving the drones on when playing e minor tunes
“…drives guitar players nuts…”
That being the case then I’m gonna leave my drones on ALL THE TIME
By the way Bill, which tuning drives bodhran players nuts? PLEASE, PLEASE TELL ME PLEASE
Jolyon
One of Ennis’ Dusty Millers usually goes a long way.
…and Julia Delaney for another.
One thing about The B to D interval one time I was playing my D Flute along with a recording that had a B Flute and the sound was very cool so a B set and a D set played together will give a tune a comppletley different effect. Bb and D do not work though.
I would say the E minor tunes sound better when ended quick that way you do not have time for your ears to want to fix the interval I have experienced this play GHBs with tunes in B minor where you have to end them right away on the last note.
They were there to begin with. If not, it’s only a short drive anyway.