How to Do Drones With the Great Highland Bagpipes

Learning to do bagpipe drones is an essential part of playing the instrument. Two large cords hold the drones in place. These are joined together at each end by a tassel and secured together in four places. Drone cords are made of wool or silk. Here's how to do bagpipe drones.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Space the drones approximately 7 inches apart for bass and middle drones and 5 inches apart between center tenor and outer tenor drones.
2. Secure the drones cords at a 90-degree angle on the outside tenor, 180 degrees on the middle tenor and 90 degrees for the bass drone.
3. Tie the drones approximately one half inch apart. You can also keep them all at 180 degrees to each other, making the cords appear looped.
4. Leave enough slack in your cord to remove the top of the drone. Do not allow it to droop more than 6 inches.
5. Tie off the bass drone cord so it doesn't hang too low, causing your bass drone to swing back and forth.
6. Adjust the drone spacing according to your own height and what feels comfortable. Do this by removing the drone top and rotating it around the cord. This will shorten the cord and the distance between the drones.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to make your own drone cord. Purchase any cording material at the fabric store and choose a matching tassel.
• Pre-made drone cords will save time and money, however, hand made cords can be custom fitted for your unique instrument.