Learning bagpipes

[sindikitjay]

I'm so glad i finally found what looks like a good forum. I'd appreciate any help I can get and the bagpipe community seems to be a respectful and helpful one. That being said i've been wanting to play bagpipes for years now. I've played drums in a punk rock band for a long time and now i'm finally getting ready to play the pipes. As a gift someone bought me a set of bagpipes and while i appreciate it, they are surely far from good quality. My biggest problem right now is with my practice chanter. Here's the bagpipe set that I have- http://www.ethnicsounds.com/Bagpipes_full.asp?ProductID=100

I could play the scale up and down after a few days, but everytime I switch from C to D the chanter squeals something awful. That and when I try to play E grace notes it does the same thing. My question is am I doing something wrong with my breathing or do I just have that cheap of a practice chanter? I tried adjusting the reed open slightly as I have some background with reed instruments but it didn't help the squealing.

Well, thanks to anyone who may answer this and I'm glad to have found a forum that seems freindly, courteous, and helpful.

[Bagpiper]

Hello and Welcome to the forums.

To start off, I can't tell you how important it is to find an instructor. The below advice will be contingent on having someone tell you if you are doing something right or wrong.

The problems you are having with playing the scale is that your fingers are producing cross over notes, which also is very prominent between the D and E. This common problem when learning the pipes will require you to slow down, concentrate on each note until each one sounds correct. Squealing can also be from a bad/improperly set up practice chanter reed, and or incorrect blowing pressure.

As far as the pipes, quality makes a huge difference in playing. Your pipes, although a very generous gift, should not be used as a playing instrument. They are however providing the incentive for you to take up the pipes.

Private Message me with your location, so I can hopefully help you locate a teaching resource in your area.

Cheers,

Kevin