How do I start learning the Highland Bagpipe ?

Practice chanter stage.

This is the initial stage for anyone interested in learning to play the highland bagpipes. A practice chanter looks like a simple flute / recorder, however it has a double reed (similar to and oboe) made of thin plastic.

Most practice chanters are made of plastic but they were traditionaly made of wood. As the practice chanter is not a loud instrument the material it is made of does not play a large factor in the overall sound of the instrument.

PLEASE NOTE IT IS HOWEVER IMPORTANT TO HAVE A WELL MADE CHANTER AND GOOD WORKING REED TO MAKE ANY PROGRESS!

All our practice chanters (even our less expensive ones) are ideal for learning and will offer years of service. Practice chanters are relatively cheap to buy however they are used through out you're piping career not only for the initial stages. Playing a practice chanter will help build you're lung capacity and also develope the finger coordination needed.FACT : The lips are muscles! Amazing as it seems you will have to strengthen them and the best way to do that is through using you're practice chanter .

Use a good tutor book to take you through the scales and exercises and early tunes. If you want fast progress and individual teacher is very important.
We would recommend if you cannot get individual tuition that you get a tutor book that comes with a CD_ROM.

What type of practice chanter should I get?

There is a wide range for most a standard size plastic chanter will offer the best solution ie. sounds good, very robust and not expensive. However if you're between the age of 6-8 years old you should get a 1/2 size plastic chanter. Long Chanters are more "in Tune " as such we use them for the "Practice pipes". If you've got a "good ear" or are planning to get set of Practice pipes at a later date go for this chanter.

Is the practice chanter the same fingering as any other instrument.

No , only the bagpipe. However the chanter and bagpipe scale only contains 9 notes (one octave , no sharps or flats). It is very simple to learn the scale and much easier than a recorder to get a steady note from!

How much will a bagpipe cost?

Due to the cost of the raw materials and the precision required in the manufacture Highland bagpipes are not cheap. As a rule £500 or US$900 would be the starting price on a good set of pipes. All quality Scottish made bagpipes use African Blackwood (also used for all orchestrial woodwind instruments).

Would Practice Pipes be a good buy?

Practice pipes were designed to offer a low cost instrument that can help with tuning , steady blowing and general indoor practice.