Hello, I have been playing my tin whistle for a few months now. I used to play the flute when i was 11 (started at 8,and ime 15 now), but i gave that up, although i still have it and still mess with it now and then, I never really enjoyed it much. I have always enjoyed music, I stuck with precussion after giving up the flute, and I bought a tin whistle a few months ago, it’s a Clark D (the one with the guiness sticker). My question is that, im getting to the point where i start playing a song and i get to a point where i start trying to figure out a song, and it need a low C, and I cant get any lower than a D. so would it be better to buy a a Low C Whistle, or a C whistle? and waht other keys should a beginner get. Ive picked this up pretty quick, probably on account of my flute lessons, and already being able to read music.
The Clarke whistle does not have a Guiness sticker on it.
Is the music you’re trying to play in the right key? It may be in the key of C if it goes down to C. In which case you need music in the key of D (two sharps, key of C has no sharps or flats).
I’d recommend the book written by the super Bill Ochs as a great place to start.
When you run into a note you can’t play, you can try moving the whole tune up a bit start on A instead of E, or G instead of D. I just did Greensleeves by starting on A and going to Cnat.
Another thing you can do is drop out, or substitute a note that harmonizes with the note you can’t reach, or pop that phrase up to the second octave.
If you’re playing with other people who can’t move to another key, you’ll need a whistle that plays that key well.