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Step 1
Purchase a pennywhistle in the key of D, the "main key." Use the first three fingers of the left hand to cover the first three holes of the pennywhistle, from the top down. Cover the remaining three holes with the first three fingers of the right hand. Keep the fingers relaxed.
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Step 2
Practice blowing through the pennywhistle softly enough to sound the lower notes. Make sure each hole is completely covered by the respective fingerpad to avoid any note being off-pitch.
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Step 3
Blow a sequence of notes to practice covering the holes and blowing softly. Start by covering only the bottom hole and sound the note. Place the next finger and repeat. Continue covering the holes, bottom to top, until all holes are covered for the final sound.
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Step 4
Reverse the sequence in Step 3. Sound the note of all the holes covered. Continue opening the holes until the final note is sounded when only the bottom hole covered.
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Step 5
Obtain a beginning pennywhistle instruction book or look online for detailed guides to playing seven-note scales. Learn the major scales and the notes of each. Practice until the finger placement is automatic for any of the notes.
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Step 6
Experiment playing each note as if saying the word "do." Notice how each note is sounded separated. Replay the notes as if saying "ooh." The notes connect one to the other in a softer way. Choose the method that best suits the music or mood.
