Hi, I’m a high school student (a flute player) who just bought a tinwhistle in the key of D (Meg by Clarke) because I was interested in playing it and even though I did a lot of research on it, I still have some questions for you that I hope you won’t mind answering. For now these are all of the questions I have:
#1: Is the Meg a good whistle to learn on?
#2: How is the whistle supposed to be held when I’m playing it?
#3: How do I clean the whistle (the mouthpiece is attached)?
I’m also really confused about fingerings, like are they different on each whistle depending on the key or the maker or both?
Thanks, and sorry for being so ignorant…
Hi tranaboat … welcome aboard. 
Here’s a few answers for you until someone more experienced chimes in:
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Megs are a decent starting place. They’re fairly easy to play, but not always completely in tune. I’ve given several Megs away to people wanting to learn the whistle.
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Most people seem to hold the whistle so that it forms about a 45 degree angle from your chest. Left hand on top, right hand on the bottom holes – or whatever is comfortable for you. Here’s a useful link. Great information and help here. http://www.rogermillington.com/siamsa/brosteve/index.html
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Clean the whistle with a mild dish-washing detergent, rinsing out well. Cleaning rods are useful, but I usually let mine (metal & plastic) air dry.
The fingerings on every whistle in the key of D are the same, regardless of manufacturer. If you have a whistle in another key, you can use different fingering for the proper notes … or (like most people) just finger it like your D whistle.
My niece is a flute player and had no problem picking up the whistle. I’m sure you’ll find it easy… just remember it’s for fun, not a grade!
~Judy
Hello new whistler.
Ditto the above. Since you play flute it’s probably natural for you to have left hand on top three holes (closest to your mouth) and right hand on the lower three.
Some differences between flute and tinwhistle besides the obvious lack of keys and addition of a fipple are: Your F# is your right index finger as opposed to the right ring finger.
It’s a diatonic instrument so no accidentals unless you half hole. Actually you can get a C natural without half holing. There are a few different fingerings and how “in tune” they are depends on the whistle.
No thumb hole on whistle so a C natural is fingered differently.
Also, around here, some phrases that have standard definitions in classical music have a diversity of meanings here. For example, the notion of “in tune” is relative. If you ask the question, “How do I get that F natural in O’Reilly’s Gone a Cottaging”, you’ll get answers you didn’t expect.
We have lots of fun here though. Some people mostly post off topic, others only post music related stuff, and most post both. I post meaningless questions like “Is this supposed to be funny?”
tranaboat,
I am also a high school student who has reciently picked up the tin whistle. I play the clarinet, and the transition was not hard at all. Some advice: 1) ask a clarinet palyer you know some tips. Maybe you could get them to show you. 2) If you can play by ear, just try some simple melodies (christmas music would be festive and easy for this time of year). 3) Just pick up the whistle every once in a while and try to play. If you are musically inclined it should come easily to you with a little bit of practice.
You’re supposed to clean your wistle? I like the green organisms growing underneath the holes, its like a chia pet for the people who are too lazy to “water, seed, and water again”.
Wow, the thought of a Tinwhistle Chia Pet… I’m suprised Dale hasn’t written something about that yet.
El Pollo Loco,
Mexican Cat Wrestler,
Reynosa Local # 3o2