Playing F natural without a key

Uilleann Pipes
1

What is the general opnion for playing f natural without a key ? The Armagh pipers club book recommends a few ways :

  1. By half opening the hole covered by the 2nd finger of the right hand.
  2. By playing E and raising the chanter off the leg.
  3. By a combination of 1 and 2.

Any views or opinions ?? Cheers Mei

2

http://howardmusic2.serversure.net/owners_club/chanter_finger_chart/new_chart/005_finger_chart_first_fn_.htm

3

I use a combination of 1 and 2 usually. I don’t seem to play F natural too often, but I’ll usually try to make it fluid. E then roll the finger off as I pick the chanter up. Works quite well on my chanters. I actually like it better than using the key (I don’t have a chanter w/ an F key but I’ve played one). YMMV

4

A combination for me too: I finger E, lift the chanter, and crack open the F hole a tiny bit. Makes a nice glide up to F natural.