So, how do you half-hole on a low D?

Whistle
1

I could finally play the lower notes on my low D whistle without breaking into 2nd octave. I realized that I wasn’t covering the upper holes well (I thought I was), and I decided to use the piper’s grip on BOTH hands (is it fine?).

Now, the problem is.. using piper’s grip, how can I half-hole? I’m not a big fan of that technique, but I need it in some tunes.

Thanks in advance,
Martin

2

Just roll your left index finger back towards you. It is more easy on a low D because of the larger holes than a soprano whistle.

I also cross finger depending on if the tune notes are going up or are coming down. Half hole going up and cross finger coming down. Half holing going up is better for me because my finger is already on the hole. Come down to a half hole is sometimes a miss. But cross fingering coming down my fingers will hit the two correct holes.

The tune I used most to learn half holing and cross finger was Beethoven Joyful Joyful. Most people already know that one, and there are several times when you need that half note going up or down.

3

Thanks for the answer!

In “The Wonder Hornpipe”, I have a G#, that’s rather difficult to half hole, isn’t it?
I do it without problems in a high whistle, but I haven’t found the proper way to do it in the low D yet, it’s very uncomfortable..

4

I roll or pull my finger up or down to open the hole on the low D since rolling it is not as easy while keeping the other holes still covered. It takes some getting used to, but it works.