I’m sorry if this has been gone over before but unfortunately the Search function isn’t working for me.
I’ve only just begun learning the pipes and found that I’m really having trouble getting to the second octave, and when I do, I usually lose it on the next note I play. I can just squeak out the high E if I precede it with the D, but that’s about it. I was wondering if anybody could give any tips or how they do it themselves. I’ve tried pressing the bag harder, and also pushing the chanter down more firmly on the popping strap, which works some of the time but I’m sure making a note in the second octave doesn’t require you to dig a hole in your leg by doing so.
So, thank you for reading, and any help would be greatly appreciated.
I’m just starting too, and I can hit the 2nd octave pretty easily with advice gleaned here…leave the chanter sealed for just a moment while you squeeze the bag, building pressure in the chanter. Then when you open a hole, you’ll hit that 2nd octave. I’m still just getting my bag/bellows rhythm, so I’m just holding single notes as long as I can…seek others to find out about runs to hit those high notes.
Do you have any tutors? I have the H.J. Clarke tutor, and recommend it.
First, many practice sets/reeds are set up too stiffly, especially for beginners.
Secondly, even if the reed isn’t too stiff, you are making unfamiliar motions with underutilized muscles, so it takes time.
Thirdly, the second octave is usually not something to tackle at the very beginning - I’d advise playing only long notes, working on bag and bellows technique, hand position, and posture. Then slowly introduce the D scale, before moving on to the second octave.
In order to evaluate whether the reed is stiff, you should seek feedback from experienced pipers. Allow for the fact that some players like their reeds quite stiff (too stiff for beginners IMO), so aim to obtain a reed that is “easy to blow”. You can certainly injure yourself or just form bad habits by ‘just pushing through’ at this stage.
Second octave notes up to and including G should not be significantly harder to play than a full-toned note in the first octave - but it may take some time (months, even) before those full-toned first octave notes come naturally. Above G in the second octave, some special techniques are required to obtain and hold second octave notes, so leave those for later.
Thanks for your advice, Uilleann195 and billh. I have the tutor you mentioned and I also have the Na Piobairi one, which I’ve heard is good too. Though I wish there was somebody closer to where I live who plays. Anyway, as you said Bill, I should work on the first octave for now.
I live in Sydney, Australia. I know there’s an annual event in Victoria; it’s called Music Not Under the Mountains, I believe. I think it’s for intermediate pipers though. Perhaps, if I get better, I could try that in a couple of years. I’m not sure it would be really helpful, but I wish I could talk to somebody who’s been so I can find out what it’s like.
Anyway, I also know Ian MacKenzie lives near the Blue Mountains, but that would take a good three hours to get there by train.
Ah, formerly Music Under the Mountain. There are a few Aussie pipers on this board, maybe you could start a thread trying to suss them out and with luck, find another pipier living close to you.
Leaning this instrument from personal observation and instruction is the best way to get it down.