Dear Sirs,
I am trying to learn this tune and am following the video on the NPU website tutor. In the second part of the tune there is a jump from C# in the first octave to B in the second octave and I just cannot work out how to get from one to the other. Unfortunately I cannnot slow the video down. I am a little surprised that this part of the tune is not included in the explanation of the techniques used for the tune. It is listed as an “intermediate” tune so perhaps it is assumed that folk know how to jump between these two notes.
I plead ignorance and would really appreciate some help with it.
Many thanks
Sharon Johnson
Since you cannot get to the second octave at all without stopping the chanter completely (that is, by closing off all the holes), and since to reach the second octave B you need to be in the second octave already and leave a finger up on your lower hand, the trick is to try it very, very, very, very slowly at first. Play long notes.
Play the C, then close off the chanter and play a second octave G, then leave those lower fingers up and open up your top hand fingers to make the B. When you’ve got the B, then put your lower hand fingers down. That’s a sequence of five movements: C, close off, G, B, put down the G fingers. You might feel silly doing it so slowly, but if it means the right notes happen, that’s what’s important.
When you can get there every time at a snail’s pace and comfortably (that is, without freaking out that the B will fall), try making the G a little shorter by opening up to the B a little sooner. When you can do that comfortably, make it shorter still. And so on. Eventually, what happens is that you have a very tiny little second octave G right before the B, but it goes by so fast it’s almost inaudible.
Kara, FYI my chanter can jump octaves without closing the chanter, either on or off the knee. Most Rowsome originals or copies can do this. Not trying to muddy the waters here for a newbie, But you don’t have to stop the chanter completely to reach the second octave.
Wow, hadn’t expected to be nominated as “the man.” Thanks Pat! (Um, I think?)
Absolutely, second octave F# will work too – so will E, for that matter – and as Ted points out, some reeds will make the jump anyway. Many ways to skin this particular cat, which is the nice thing about uilleann piping. (Also sometimes, the frustrating thing.) I was just trying to spell out specific finger movements for a method I know works for most people/reeds.