Description of the Bagpipe
The bagpipe is reed instruments that utilize an air
reservoir. The bagpipe's air reservoir directs an
uninterrupted air stream through the reeds.
Origin of the Bagpipes
The bagpipe has it's origins in antiquity. It was
found in the ancient world throughout Asia, in
North Africa, and across Europe.
A type of bagpipe is mentioned in the Old Testament
and the bagpipe is also found in Greek writings
dated in the Fifth Century BC. These bagpipes
were predecessors of the modern day bagpipe and
were probably differed from the bagpipes you see
today.
In truth, the bagpipe's origin is obscure. The
reason may be due to the nature of the bagpipe.
The ancient bagpipe was made of wood and skin,
and thus disintegrated without leaving much of
a record. Another reason is that the bagpipe was
a commoner's, or peasant's instrument. The bagpipe
only became of interest to the nobility in modern
times, when the bagpipe was used as an instrument
of war to instill fear in the enemy.
Types of Bagpipes
There are many styles of bagpipes. These bagpipes
may feature one or two bagpipe chanters and one or
more bagpipe drones. The bagpipe reeds are in each
of the drones and chanters. The bagpipe chanter has
finger holes for playing multiple notes, while the
bagpipe drones' notes are fixed.
The various styles of bagpipes are divided into two
categories based on the method used to fill the
bagpipe's air reservoir. The Great Highland Bagpipe
player fills the reservoir by blowing with the mouth.
In the Uilleann Bagpipe, the player fills the reservoir
by pumping a bellows.
In addition to the Highland Bagpipe and the Uilleann
Bagpipe, you can also find the Medieval Bagpipe,
Medieval Smallpipe, and the Mediterranean Bagpipe.
Playing the Bagpipes
Beginner bagpipe students do not learn to play music
on the bagpipe. The beginner first learns on the
bagpipe practice chanter.
The bagpipe practice chanter has three pieces: the
mouthpiece, the shorter top body section and the
bottom body section with finger holes. Bagpipe
practice chanters are played like a whistle or
recorder. While playing, keep your fingers straight.
Do not to use the pads of your fingers, rather use
the tips. Place your fingers over all the holes,
front and back. Lifting one finger at a time plays
notes. After each practice session, take the bagpipe
practice chanter apart and shake out the moisture.
It may take six months to learn your first song
properly on the bagpipe chanter.
After becoming proficient on the bagpipe practice
chanter your next step is to learn to play the
bagpipe chanter with the bag, but without the
bagpipe drones. To do this, you assemble the bagpipe
with bag, bagpipe chanter and mouthpiece. You must
cork off the bagpipe drone stocks and play only the
bagpipe chanter. You now learn to play the pipe
chanter like you did the bagpipe practice chanter.
You also learn to blow your arm off the bag and
keep your bagpipe's tone even.
Once you achieve all of that you are ready for the
next step. You uncork the stocks and install the
bagpipe drones one at a time. Now you are ready
to play your bagpipe.
Learning the bagpipe takes time and patience, but
it is well worth your effort. When played well,
the bagpipe produces a sound that touches something
deep within us. Even people who do not like the
bagpipes are moved by the sound.
Anthony Kane
The Harp & Bagpipe
http://store.harp-bagpipe.com
About The Author:
Looking for a Celtic Harp? How about a Bagpipe, Uilleann Pipe, or a Chanter? Perhaps a Bodhran or a Sitar is more to your taste. At The Harp & Bagpipe you'll find quality and value, and at prices that make sense. Go to http://store.harp-bagpipe.com