| So you want to learn how to play bagpipes? | | | | The instruction booklet should give you scales and |
| Before you make that decision, understand that | | | | exercises that you will need to practice daily with |
| the classic, beautiful, melodious instrument can also | | | | your chanter. You will also need to start reading |
| bring you a few snickers and smirks. Not to | | | | bagpipe sheet music. Remember, it is all about |
| mention the comments. You know, "Hey, buddy, | | | | fundamentals. |
| where did you get that skirt" or "I think you | | | | 3. Check the classifieds and get a teacher. |
| forgot to tune that thing". | | | | I love to teach myself how to play musical |
| With that being said however, if you still are willing | | | | instruments but honestly, there is no way I could |
| and able, here are my four steps in order that | | | | ever learn bagpipes on my own. So your next |
| you must do to learn how to play bagpipes. | | | | step is to find an instructor. This will make the |
| 1. Get Yourself A Practice Chanter. | | | | learning curve much less steep and allow you to |
| What is a practice chanter you ask? | | | | begin playing songs much quicker. (Which is the |
| Well it is a double reed woodwind instrument that | | | | whole point isn't it?) |
| resembles a recorder. It is used to learn the | | | | Again, you will need to find a store that sells |
| unique and difficult fingering technique that you will | | | | bagpipes and ask for recommendations for |
| need when you pick up the actual bagpipes. | | | | teachers. |
| The bagpipes are also very loud and physically | | | | 4. Go Buy Some Bagpipes |
| demanding and make it extremely difficult to | | | | You have been practicing with your chanter, you |
| practice with. As the bagpipes are a very loud and | | | | know where to put your fingers, your teacher |
| also physically demanding musical instrument to | | | | says you are ready so now it's time for the big |
| play, we would not always want to play the full | | | | moment; buying your bagpipes. |
| instrument whilst performing these tasks. These | | | | My advice is to look for a used instrument that is |
| chanters are usually made from black plastic or | | | | in great shape. You can always upgrade later. If |
| African Blackwood. | | | | you spend a fortune on new bagpipes and then |
| You should never stop using your practice chanter | | | | decide that you no longer have the patience to |
| as long as you play the bagpipes. | | | | learn to play, you have wasted a great deal of |
| 2. Visit A Bagpipe Sheet Music Store And | | | | resources. Again, check online for great deals on |
| Purchase A Scale/Exercise Book. | | | | used and new bagpipes as that is where you will |
| The best and easiest way to buy an instruction | | | | find the best deals. My opinion is that you should |
| book as well as sheet music for the bagpipe are | | | | try to get Highland Bagpipes as they dominate the |
| online. You will find great deals there and possibly | | | | market and most people feel they are the best. |
| instant downloads. If not, you will need to find a | | | | So stop stalling, get your chanter, find a teacher |
| store that actually sells bagpipes, sometimes a | | | | and start learning how to play bagpipes today! |
| tough proposition. | | | | |