I haven’t gotten my hands on a keyed chanter yet, but in looking at the pictures I keep wondering. What fingers are used for what keys, particularly Cnatural & Fnatural? G# looks right out!
Marc
MarcP, if you’re right-handed, the keys on the left side of the chanter, F# and A#, are played with the left (upper hand) little finger.
The G# on the right side of the chanter is supposed to be playable with the right (lower hand) thumb, but my thumb is too long for this, so I use the inside bottom knuckle of my right index finger.
The Cnat key on the back of the chanter is played with the right thumb.
That’s all the keys I have. No more piggies to go to market.
I think eventually you will find your own way to hit them. Speed then comes with practise. Whatever works for you is the right way.
djm
I play the Bb using the “reach around” method. The key in on the left side of the chanter and I reach around with the right hand (bottom hand) index finger… that’s how Ennis did it and that’s good enough for me! Give it a lash in Valencia Harbour… throw loads of vibrato off the knee on it too… there ya go!
Gnia!
Patrick.
If the Bb key is long enough (usually this means you’re playing a chanter with the cross-mounted Fnat key), you can also use your bottom thumb. I found this handy when playing “Caisleann an Oir” in G minor - there’s a high Bb in the second part that sounds very cool against your drones if your pipes are in tune ![]()
I’ll try the reach-around method with the index finger, too to see how that goes.
Valencia Harbour
Now there’s a tune that I ought to learn.
Any hints where to get a recording or notation, Patrick?? ![]()
Boyd
Actually there is a lovely version in the An Piobaire archives on the NPU website www.pipers.ie I think you have to have a members ID to get into that area but it’s worth it really. Have a look, it’s in there somewhere. I think it’s Ennis’ version.
As far as recordings go there is Ennis’ version which is THE one! It’s on his “The Pure Drop” album and it’s more than likely on the RTE CD too, Return From Fingal. Also, Potts plays it on his CD.
Patrick.
Obviously had too much Bush’ last night, as I have both Ennis’ recording and old "SPOTTS"s too ![]()
Thanks a mill’
B
No bother Boydey Boy.
PD.