How to Play the Bagpipes Left Handed

When playing the bagpipes, practice, as with any other musical instrument, makes perfect. Simple fingering with the left hand makes scales and finger exercises important to develop skill. Practice daily using a chanter, which is smaller and quieter than the bagpipes.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Hold the chanter firmly and position the fingers correctly over the holes. Keep the fingers relaxed.

2. Play the right hand holes with the second pad of the fingers. Play the top holes with the pads of the fingertips.

3. Place the first 3 fingers of the left hand on the first 3 holes on the chanter. Cover the holes with the pads of the fingertips. Keep the left thumb in place on the hole on the backside of the chanter.

4. Keep the fingers of the left hand in place while playing the notes G, A, B, C and D of the scale with the right hand.

5. Replace all the fingers of the right hand and lift the left ring finger to play an E. Raise the left middle finger to play an F. Raise the index finger (now all left hand fingers are raised) to play a G.

6. Remove the left thumb from the hole on the backside of the chanter. Replace the left ring finger over the hole and play a high A. Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 to play the entire scale.

7. Use only the left hand to practice the notes E, F, G and high A. Work to increase speed and dexterity on the left hand and both hands in unison.