We all know that the “death grip” on the chanter is not good. It slows us down and makes our playing stiff and awkward. But it can also lead to hand injury. This link came up in the flute forum. I think it applies to pipers as well:
Just replace the instrument from “piano” to “chanter” and it says the same thing for us. The death grip is a case of excessive force by our fingers on the chanter. A formula for diaster - especially as we get older.
I continue to work on this. Even still, after playing for years.
I’ve noticed that death grip usually happens when I’m practicing a new tune-its like I’m trying to squeeze the errant notes out of the chanter; consciously trying not to do that.
One exercise I was once shown to overcome deathgrip is to practise holding the chanter with one hand while playing the notes on the other hand, and then vice versa. Sounds dumb, but it is worth slowing down and working on. You may find (as I have) that one hand tends to grip too tightly more than the other. That’s the hand that needs work at holding without overgripping, but make sure to practise on both hands.
Generally, I’ve observed in newer players that the death grip has two phases:
Brand new to the instrument, too many sensory inputs, possibly some leaking on the set, everything is struggle and tension.
Best strategy here I think is to just spend a lot of time (hours ideally) playing a continuous A note with only the left hand on the chanter and focusing on relaxing and coordinating bellows and bag.
After you get past #1: Trying to play faster than you’re able to while staying relaxed
Slow down whatever you’re doing until you can relax, release the tension and play everything very deliberately. Over a period of some number of days, if you do this, you will find that the speed will come naturally and you will be relaxed. When you feel any tension or pain, immediately stop and locate the specific source of the pain and do whatever it takes to fix the problem, but mostly slow down until you can play relaxed and pain-free.
While in a master class of a great musician, they recommended the following for such an issue:
imgaine/visualize you have a switch or knob that controls the tension. as you feel the tension rising, visualize the control being turned down, lower and lower until it’s on zero.
I would agree wholeheartedly, except that I would substitute “some number of years”, at least when advising how long to continue this exercise. You can’t break old habits overnight.
Most learners (and I include intermediate/advanced learners here) probably practice much too fast. So do I; this is good advice for anybody, tension-free or not. Even if your hands are relaxed (or, rather, you think they are relaxed - they probably aren’t!), many notes are probably more automatic than deliberate.
rev - your advice about having a pint is actually not a bad idea. Sometimes a bit of that will help relax you and help ease the tension - especially in a group class format at a tionol or music camp. (Thanks Peter H for the great wine) !!!
Also, Bill. I remember Craig Fischer recommending to me to listen to tunes at a faster speed, but practice them slow. I guess there was something about listening to them at a high speed that helped with getting the overall image of the tune in your head - but then when you practice it and you play it at it’s normal speed, it will feel slow to you. I guess, maybe that helps you to relax. But, yes, relaxing is so darn important. (just like good love making).
Some of the guys in sessions like to play jigs really, really fast. It drives me crazy because I can’t put in some of the nice ornaments at that speed. Often I am tempted to ask them “Do you eat your meals that fast? or do you make love that fast? Why don’t you slow it down and really enjoy the tune?”
I was at a session a couple of weeks ago and we “flew” through Rolling Wave. I remarked later that it was played way too fast to another player. We both agreed “way too fast”. At least some people understand.
I’m still very new to all this. I had a full set for the last 5 years and was so intimidated that I never practiced. While I’m waiting on a new set I’m listening to lots of music and getting some practice CD’s made to use in my “Guitar Trainer.” It maintains pitch but slows the tune down.
This was my biggest problem with playing, my hand would hurt so badly from trying to will the notes out. So I’m giving it another go but taking my time this time around.
it seems that tunes that are played quickly/moderately and not too fast can show off their ornamentation instead of the blur of pops that may or may not have just come from luck. I am very impressed with those that can play fast. I just look forward to getting some tunes down and solid. I’ll never be the best piper but perhaps if I take it slowly I’ll be the best that my friends know
