How to Place Fingers for Playing the Bagpipes

When playing the bagpipe, proper placement of the fingers is one of the most important steps a beginning bagpipe player can learn. The fingers must be place on the bagpipe in the correct posture for the ease of fingering needed to play well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Grip the chanter firmly but not tightly. The grip should be flexible and relaxed. The chanter should rest comfortably in each hand.

2. Keep fingers straight. Do not allow fingers to curl under or over the holes. Straight fingers are required to obtain the proper motion and speed.

3. Play the right hand's holes with the second pads of the fingers and not the fingertips. The fingertips on the right hand should be in the air and not wrapped under the chanter. The fingertip of the small "pinky" finger is used to cover the lowest hole.

4. Use the fingertips of the left hand to play the top holes of the bagpipe's chanter. The fingertips should be loose but placed properly in order to cover the holes completely.

5. Place both thumbs firmly beneath the chanter. The thumbs are used to support the chanter and keep it in the proper place for both the fingers and the mouth.