I’m a brand new whistle player with a low G whistle. The first octave is great, and naturally the higher up the second octave - the more air required, but I sound pretty pitiful. I can live with the idea of practicing to get a better tone, and to reach a proper pitch - I’ve improved already. But right now I’m hoping someone will reassure me that practice definitely will improve the second octave…?
A second problem, is the amount of wind sound in that octave - it’s quite strong. There’s almost more wind sound than tone! Does that also get better with time and practice?
The sound clip sounds nice. Not especially breathy. I would guess that your practice will be well rewarded. Try putting as little of the mouth piece in your mouth as possible. This will make it easier to “blow” as opposed to using pressure; also make sure the windway is not clogged. Hang in there. You will get it soon. Best, Cyril.
Check to make sure the windway is clear. Warm the head before you start playing. Aluminum whistles gather condensation easily, which can cloud the tone and make it sound windy.
Shifting between the high and low registers is very easy to control, and the tone is a little airy in the upper register.
I really like the airy sound a lot.
I’m not an expert and cannot comment on your particular whistle, but I have a low G bamboo whistle and I learned that I can actually play the upper registers with a tiny amount of air – up to the “A” (or whatever it is on a G whistle.) Higher than that and I do need a lot of air.
Thank you all for your advice and encouragement. I visited the website and I really liked the tone from the sound clip, so I will keep on practicing and trying your ideas!
Can any of you give me any idea of how long it took you to get past that “rank beginner” stage?
I would say you could play a tune in a week; not being a rank beginner; pretty subjective as it depends on who grades you.
There are two or more major issues at play. One’s ego wants to just skip the beginner stage and be on stage. The ego wants immediate gratification. You need to have a plan to get that pesky ego to settle down. There are some good on line tutors and books with CD’s. Either would be a great help in organizing your whistle education. Set realistic goals.
Another major factor is muscle memory. If you pratice slowly and accurately, the neuro/muscle groups that direct the fingers where to go will learn the right stuff. After a short while you will have it. BTW, don’t watch you fingers when you practice, it will slow you down and become a very bad habit. Only play good notes. Don’t teach your fingers sloppy notes. Once the muscle memory is toned up the speed will be there. Last, make a point of relaxing when you play.
And it will make your eyes crossed and bulging. And no matter how good you play, the groupies don’t go for whistle players with crossed and bulging eyes.
Well, with the exception of the Marty Feldman groupies.
I can’t watch my fingers when I play! It makes me mess up.
I was able to play tunes right away. Maybe not perfectly, but I could play something. Somebody told me to practice arpeggios and what the heck, I ended up playing the Star Spangled Banner.
Yes, practice will help you sound better. Don’t start measuring.. just start listening and playing every chance you get. Do not fail to listen to folks play the music you want to play, and the style you want to learn. Listening is just as important as practicing.
Well I certainly have to agree with Cranberrry Dog, there is an ego thing involved. I play 3 different woodwind instruments already, and will have to get used to the idea of being a beginner again…heavy sigh.
What’s really confusing me is I also have a Reyburn low F that I have no trouble with whatsoever - with the exception of consisitently getting the 2nd E out. It’s incredibly easy to play. I’ve only had it for a week but I can sit down and play through several pages of Bill Och’s book (minus ornamentations!) without a glitch. And the tone is wonderful! I sound like I know what I’m doing!
So when I play the GFM and have to struggle with it, it makes me doubt what I’m doing. These are the only two low whistles I’ve ever tried and I’ve gotten two very different results.
Today I’ll have a chance to practice with the suggestions you all have given me. You’ve been very encouraging and I thank you for that!
