I'm Scottish born and bred. 41yrs old in April and I found you through another shanty video I was watching tonight. And I can honestly say I've never untill this video understood the bagpipes so well. It just never came up. Never questioned it. I mean I knew it was a bag filled with air that produced the sounds but never tried to understand it jn great detail. Grew up hearing them and seeing them played at various events, just accepted it, mainly weddings and funerals. But never questioned it. Just loved the sound. And this now makes me respect them and the player even more. Love a bagpipe. It makes ma hair stand up on end when I hear it.
Being Irish I've always want to learn Uilleann pipes. You've got amazing talent and It's great to see people keeping their heritage alive through music, especially outside of Scotland and Ireland.
I always tell people who ask that it's like playing two clarinets, a saxophone and an oboe on steroids all at the same time. Excellent presentation, very clear and concise. I would recommend it to any beginning piper.
One of my favorite parts of attending the NH Highland Games in the fall is the constant bagpiping. I knew sort of how they worked but not in depth. Showed the great differences and some similarities with my saxophones. Thanks, Ally!
When I was a kid, my dad decided we were all going to learn to play the bagpipes. He bought us all a set of pipes. We learned to play and joined a highland drum and pipe band. It was a weird thing to do in the midwest U.S. but was a unique experience I can look back on.
10 out of 10 video! Thank you for explaining "striking the bag." I've always wondered what exactly that initial squeeze was. Love the blooper at the end and dogs barking. 😂
The pipes played well are heaven on earth. As a ex British Army Veteran with distant Scottish roots I have been blessed with not only serving with some remarkable pipers while stationed in the north east of England near Newcastle I was introduced to the Northumberland pipes. They had a distinctive but slightly deferent tone. On several occasions we had groups of pipers from Scotland. Ireland and Northumberland all together with the love of traditional music
DID YOU KNOW I'M GOING ON TOUR?? TICKETS HERE: miaxally.com 10.25 - Albany, NY - The Egg 10.26 - NYC, NY - Gramercy Theatre VIP 10.29 - Hopewell, VA - Beacon Theatre 10.30 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle Tavern 10.31 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm 11.2 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits 11.5 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues 11.7 - San Antonio, TX - Sam’s Burger Joint 11.8 - Dallas, TX - Deep Ellum Art Co. 11.9 - Oklahoma City, OK - Beer City Music Hall 11.10 - Kansas City, MO - Voodoo Lounge 11.12 - St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall 11.13 - Louisville, KY - Headliner’s Music Hall 11.15 - Knoxville, TN - Bijou Theatre 11.16 - Cincinnati, OH - Ludlow Garage 11.17 - Nashville, TN - Eastside Bowl 11.18 - Atlanta, GA - City Winery 11.20 - Washington, DC - Union Stage 11.21 - Philadelphia, PA - Ardmore Music Ha 11.22 - Amherst, MA - The Drake
Thanks for demystifying this unusual instrument! If Scotsmen hundreds of years ago could have seen these videos, they would have encouraged female pipers.
I wish I could attend a show, but I'm nowhere near any of those venues. If you're accepting ideas for videos, I would love to hear Pachelbel's Canon in D on the pipes. I love looking for videos of it played on instruments one wouldn't expect, but I don't think I've seen it on the bagpipes yet.
Thanks Ally. I am an aerospace engineer that is learning the tenor sax. You explained the operation perfectly! I understood the operation of the reservoir and the check valve but was always curious about where the sound was actually produced. Thanks again, you make it look so easy!
Thank you for the information Ally. After decades of wanting to learn, I'm finally taking the plunge, a local Pipes and Drums group practices near my house, so after talking with them I purchased a chanter, and they are going to take me under their wing as I start the journey. Good luck on your tour, and keep up the great work!
Amazing that the books I fought from the College of Piping 20+y years ago never covered moisture control, but now the the internet and players like you willing to share information (you'd be surprised how stand off-ish some players and bands are, especially when new pipers have questions/issues/difficulties). Thanks for the overview!
Thank you. I started lessons many years ago but then moved and never got back to it, so I never graduated from the chanter. This is very informative as I consider restarting my bagpipe journey at almost 62 years old. Love your music!!
It’s awesome to learn about things from other cultures like your bagpiping. I am on a semi pro curling team in Utah, and not very many people give things this a try or even learn about. I love your stuff. Keep it up!
Excellent. I have been wondering but not to the point of Googling it. Having a RUclipsr I am subscribed to make this explanation means it falls into my lap (yes I am as lazy as I can get away with) and I know I already enjoy the prior content. This was simple and well explained (which means even I understood it!) and deserves many views. Looking forward as always to more takes on contemporary music on the bagpipe as well as the traditional tunes. Thank you for your music and playful videos. Long may you pipe!
Blimey have i learnt. I always thought i knew & i wasn't far off but you've so eloquently explained how the whole thing hangs together! Awesome! So i do have questions: - given what you said about pitch & air pressure, is there a „correct” air pressure you maintain? - I'm guessing you can measure that by the pitch of the drones? What notes should they equate to? - do the drones always play the same notes, thinking tuning. I remember always hearing the pitch increase as the bag was being filled when someone started playing (not so much now!) - I'm guessing playing the chanter is like the recorder then?
As someone that’s never really been around bag pipes other then watching this video, 95% of how I thought worked was right Only thing I didn’t know was the flapper valve and it made sense instantly to me Keep up the good work
A long time ago my father was in the Australian Army during WW II. He loved marching to the sound of the pipes. He liked brass bands too but he found the sound and rhythm of the pipes much better to march too. His family originated in Scotland but many generations before he was born. Perhaps that's where his love of the pipes came from? Mike in Oz
As a musician, I greatly appreciated this video. Like others have commented, I too understand reed instruments, however, I never fully knew how a bagpipe worked, so thanks.
Many years ago when my kids were in elementary school, they still had "Band" My 7 year old son ended up playing the trombone. When we asked our 5 year old daughter what she wanted to play, she didn't know the term for bagpipes, but she demonstrated by huffing and puffing and flapping her arm like it was a wing. My wife and I were confused for a little while, then she said they were at the renaissance fair when we went. Of course one of us remembered the bagpipes. Unfortunately lessons were not available in our area, and it was just a passing thought. She never did play an instrument, and she is 44 now. Just a remembered story from my past i thought I would share with you. I really like the bagpipes, and always stop to watch them at the renaissance fair every year. I watch a lot of the Scottish Parades on RUclips and enjoy the drummers and the pipers. Thank you for your videos, I enjoy them.... and I have to say that was an impressive amount of medals you had in the background....
Very well presented and thanks. I do love your work and you are a very good teacher, keep at it Girl. your passion for the pipes and music in general is very obvious.
I appreciate the description. It did clear up a couple of questions I had. A couple others that you haven't addressed: 1) The Bag: Are there various sizes of bag? The one in this video seems larger than others I've seen people playing. I can certainly understand that a larger bag would contain more air (once you get it blown up), but prior to watching this video, I hadn't thought about the size of the bag. 2) The reeds: I know people who play Claranet, Oboe, Saxaphone, etc. and I know they have to replace their reeds fairly regularly. Am I correct in presuming that the reeds on the bagpipe are also replaceable? I would imagine that since, as you mention in the video, you're not putting the reed in your mouth, like you would in the case of a Sax, Oboe, etc. that the life of the reeds on a bagpipe would be different than these others?
This is a bit of a late reply but I just came across your comment here and figured I could help out a bit! Firstly, yes - there are different bag sizes. Most people tend to play with a small or “extended” small bag, as they take a little less air to fill at the start and tend to be more comfortable, but if you’re a bigger person in general you can also play a bigger bag. Not a ton of difference though in how it’s played, just a personal preference thing! And for the reed question (great question by the way!) we do need to replace the reeds, yes. The drone reeds not so often, as they’re usually made of a synthetic material and also usually have a moisture control system connected inside the bag to keep the tone steady, but the chanter reeds need changed more regularly. Moisture from the bag does go through the reed and while some is required to have it vibrate correctly, eventually all the playing will cause it to deteriorate and lose some of the tone, steadiness, and playability. I’m not sure how often other instruments need their reeds changed but I personally rarely play one for more than 6 months. It just depends though, some are better than others 🤷♂️
Just discovered your channel Ally, and love it as a Scottish native. Obviously in Scotland we’re exposed to the absolute best pipers and you’re up there with them. Loved the Crazy Train and Pirates of the Caribbean! You explain the bagpipes very well, very clearly without talking too much (yup, saw the last idiot’s comment; ignore folks like that). Well done!
Well done, I played the pipes for years when I was younger, still love the pipes but then I am mostly a Scott, 3rd generation. great teaching aid. I may have to start playing again.
Ally. Thank you for the crash course and overview. I have been playing saxophone since 4th grade. I understand a different reed instrument than the oboe or bassoon. Understanding the air pressure helps to see why you can play while not continuously blowing air in. Thank you for your amazing videos that you take the time to create.
The only question I ever had, was why you have to smack the bag, and that got answered now :) (and you're right that I didn't *know* about that valve, but I guessed/assumed something is there to keep the air in) My girlfriend thought that it's fake when bagpipers take breaths but the instrument keeps making sound. I then explained to her: imagine blowing up a balloon and then hold it open ever so slightly so that it squeeks. That's similar to a bagpipe.... You can take breaths while blowing up the balloon because you close the end off. When you open it a bit, the air escapes and makes sound, without you having to blow at all at that moment. And then she said sorry for being wrong, and that she understood ;)
I TOTES believe that last line about her apologizing for being wrong. That's one of the cornerstones of being female... admitting that they are wrong and that men's greatness should be respected at all times... I almost got struck by lightning just typing that! :)
I know this is a year old video. I wish your videos were around when I started playing back in 2010. I was infatuated with the instrument and ravenous for information about it. It’s great to see a professional player go over the basics for people. Also… so envious you can get away with a simple tube trap system.
This video is so cool! Im a transverse flutist that have been intrested in learning bagpipes since forever and now i’ve pretty much decided i have to! Thank you!
Give it a go, but make sure you find an instructor. The pipes are NOT a instrument to attempt to teach yourself. It is simultaneously the best and worst instrument in the world, and if you stick with it forever, you'll love it. Once you start, it will be roughly 1 year of just learning the chanter before you even touch a set of pipes. Good luck.
@@CharlesPayet because that it how complicated an instrument it is. Learning notes, proper fingering & technique, a well as tunes. All bagpipe music must be committed to memory... there's no music stand or holders to play your music from. It's a process, but if you commit to it, you'll enjoy it.
@@CharlesPayet because the chanter is where you learn how to play all of the notes, execution and embellishments. Then (for me personally) when I have a student who can play 3 tunes with all of the embellishments, we move to bagpipes. Doesn’t always take a year, sometimes can take longer. Just depends!
Back in my day, was a cadet that had a pipe and drum band. I did attempt to play the pipes but found out quickly I had no musical ability. I know how difficult to master the pipes, so I admire your skills. Thank you so much for sharing!
It's counting to four and knowing where the notes are nothing more to it than that. Anybody that can count and grasp subdivisions of counting to four can learn any musical instrument they want to. Key word is want to play said instrument. There is no such thing as 'no musical ability' you want to continue to do something or you don't that's all.
Interesting. I played trumpet in high school so it was cool to learn about the bag pipes. I never realized you can’t tongue to separate notes. Now that I think back of all the music I’ve heard on pipes I’m like yeah duh. Just never realized. Thanks
Thanks for this video!! I had no real idea that the pipes are/were that technical/complicated. Some of the explanations (at least to me) were “wow I didn’t think of that but it’s so obvious now that you mention it” Thanks again for putting this out, I really enjoyed learning this!!
I've watched many of your videos, and because the comment section on most videos are negative or ignorant or many think they knew best, I rarely read them. No, you're _not_ faking it. In my teens I went to plenty of Scottish games and saw them live. People, now-a-days, live way too much with their faces looking at their devices. That causes a sterile learning experience...and necks that will not be in good shape later with all the looking DOWN people do now. Well done video, Ally, only, please, less Up-talking. Giggling. You answered some of the questions I still had about the Pipes. Yay! P.S. Great sense of humor you have. Uh-huh, yep, yep. You and the Horse guy "Thunderstruck" was my intro to you. Your attitude in that was very much enjoyed.
Thank you for this video of the bagpipes, as you were explaining the valves & moisture control it made huge sense. Can't believe I never gave it much thought. Thank you again & just want to say, you Rock young lady.
being Scottish and hearing the bagpipes always makes me feel patriotic. it kinda goes hand in hand with kilts, castles and haggis. 😆 randomly recommended to your channel by RUclips a few months ago and been addicted ever since. ✊
Late to the party, but thank you so much for explaining this! I've always wondered how the whole thing worked, and now I have even more massive respect for your talent & skill. Much admiration from Northern Ontario, Canada!
Absolutely incredible as I watch. My uncle left me his pipes. I pick them up tomorrow. I have played many instruments just always had some fear of the pipes. But, I love the sound
Иногда волынка мне кажется каким-то инопланетным организмом, которому приятно, когда его гладят и легко стучат по брюшку :)) тогда он начинает издавать необычные, но приятные музыкальные звуки :)
I don't really like bagpipe music and thus never listen to it (on purpose), but I stumbled onto this video and watch from beginning to end with mild fascination, surprisingly. You explained it really well and I actually learned something. Thank you, I enjoyed it a lot. You did great. 👍
Okay now I get out the bagpipes work but the million-dollar question for me is how does one like you decide that you're going to play the bagpipes and who taught you?
Ally, thanks for the education. I have always appreciated bagpipes, but have never known anything about the inner workings. It is great to see a young person such as yourself honoring this ancient, wonderful instrument. You are very talented!
Incredible that I came across this video today! My father passed away 2 weeks ago & I will be getting his pipes, as well as a full Highland outfit with our hunting tartan on the kilt and all the regalia. I do plan on giving the pipes a try, thanks Ally!!
I play bagpipes too....she did NOT re-invent this.....its been around a LONG TIME ....and I am MUCH better than she is. She even ignores her patrons too....unlike Snake Charmer.
I've never been interested in bagpipes but I feel like I needed to learn about it. I never thought about to it's played, but it seems a bit complicated. Anyway I 100% support you breathing when you play. That is a clear example of people being quick to judge without knowing what they are talking about.
My grandfather who was Irish decent use listen to the Blackwatch on old albums. I kept a copy on cassette while living in the barracks. When other would play their "music" too loud for too long I would through the cassette in and let it do it's thing. "Modern warfare" in a sense. I do not listen to the bagpipes as much as I used to except here. Very entertaining and informational. Keep up the great work.
So that's why it sounds like it does! As soon as you said the chanter is cousins to the oboe and bassoon, it just kinda clicked for me. Thank you for making this video
I’ve never had so much appreciation for the intricacies of the bagpipes, nor have I ever been so enamored with a bagpipe player. Super cool stuff young rockstar!
Outstanding. Love the pipes, but definitely never fully knew the operation. Always thought the bag drove the drones only, rest with the mouthpiece and chanter always assumed worked as any wind instrument. Didn't know the mouthpiece simply re-supplied air. Now I understand how this can be played without having a stroke.
Ally, well done and informative. I have to admit I had always associated bagpipes with funerals but after seeing your Freebird video I have a whole new perspective. Amazing cover of a classic. Looking forward to your upcoming show at the Wescott.
When I started, it was common to use the leather from the tongue off an old pair of shoes for the flapper valve. It had to be chewed for a while to make it soft and pliable enough to work. For a while, I used my tongue to stop the return of air up the blowpipe. I’m so glad someone invented the lil Mac and moose type valves!
Are you familiar with Northumberland pipes, if so, have you ever played them, I would imagine that the mechanism would eliminate much of the bag moisture issues,BTW you play GREAT
hey Ally, came across you from youtube shorts. as a half celtic myself i have had a facination with the pipes too. you have a great tone and love listening to you play as part of my wind-down routine. keep up the great work.
I’ve always wondered how the bagpipes actually worked. Thank you for this in depth explanation and the lovely diagram. It all makes so much more sense now. I love your music. Keep doing what you do! 10/10
I've wanted to ask on any of your videos for so long, how the bagpipes work. I know I could've googled it. I know someone in the comment section might have told me in a shortened version. The fact that the explanation came right from you, absolutely GRAND! Love you and your channel! Thanks for the explanation!
Thank you. I'm amazed to see young people interest in bagpipes. I would like to hear them used more in music. So enjoyable. I'll subscribe. Sorry, I'm one of those old people unable to contribute to your (or the many other channels I enjoy) Patreon pages. Best wishes and blessings.
You are delightful and a good teacher in the process. I descend from the MacCutchen clan and I do love to hear the pipes. Thank you for this interesting teaching. Bruce Howard, MG
Have always been intrigued with bagpipes and you have explained it very well. Thank you for that. Beyond that, you make everything so fun! You are amazing!
I enjoyed learning about "modern" bagpipes. I played in college some 40 years ago, and things have changed! We didn't worry about moisture control because the condensation helped keep the (hide) bag airtight, along with the seasoning. Also, the drone reeds were really reeds, which needed to be warmed up before playing, and required constant care, including cutting, sanding, banding, etc. Although modern piping has great advantages, with synthetic bags and reeds, etc., it's unfortunate some of the old craftsmanship is being lost. But, with the new stuff, you certainly can get to playing a lot quicker!
Thank you for taking the time to give us this information. Parts of this I already learned from your videos and, oddly enough, from watching some travel shows. The main thing I didn't fully understand was the flapper valve. The dogs barking in the background definitely added character to the video. If anyone doesn't like that part then they are most likely not animal lovers and who needs that kind of negativity. Breathing is very good. I, for one, want you to continue breathing so you can continue to produce your awesome music. More importantly, I'm sure your husband and family want you to continue breathing so you can be around for them.
I’ve never embraced my Scottish heritage…. And I find myself interested in learning the bagpipes so then I find your channel. Thank you for this great video.
I Love the color of your hair... I think it is Awesome with your pretty face in between... I have always loved the sound of the bagpipes... When I was a little kid back in the 1960's and 70's... I thought that the bagpipes would make a good sounding instrument to be added to the Rock & Roll music... I am so, glad that you ladies are doing now... Please keep your craft going... With the Love of music in me and the magical sounds of the pipes... You make me happy inside with all your talents (this also includes the other ladies as well)... Keep on bagpipe'n, because it makes this old man happy... With the Love of music "Keep on keeping on"...👍😎🇺🇲✌️❤️❤️❤️ 10:28
This is awesome, I have a lot of Irish and Scottish heritage but too far to have real ties, really getting into learning more, picked up the tin whistle because I found your channel
I am so glad to have found your youtube presence, having seen you countless times on TikTok! As an older person, I live by the adage that one must learn something new today, and you have provided a very interesting, and informative piece of learning for me today! Many thanks!
The pipes have fascinated me since childhood. Never knew how they worked, until now. Thanks for posting this! Something about the sound really gets me. Probably has to do with my bloodlines, I'm a Mc. That's my theory and I'm sticking with it.
Hi! Friend! 👋🏿We play the bag pipes on electric guitar. You're gonna ❤ this. 🤘🏿Higher by 🤘🏿Creed is in D Major and drop D tuning. The Intro uses strings D.A.D to make the Bass drone and 2 tenor drones of a set of bag pipes. The Intro uses the guitar G string as its chantor, (muting the 2 high strings) Mark Tremonti strums the drones and chantor together through the whole Intro. Mark plays D.A.D.D. then D.A.D.E. then D.A.D.F# then D.A.D.G. Then Mark bars his finger across the 3 drones strings, changing their pitch to A.E.A. while the chantor sings F# to E. Then Mark bars across G.D.G. on the drone strings, while using the chantor to sing D to E. I didn't know how bagpipes worked until I just watched this video. I assumed how they worked based on my ears and my eyes. So cool I got to explain that, finally. I PLAY THE ELECTRIC BAGPIPES! HAHA! I knew I needed to play Higher, live on the street in San Francisco, way too many times to remember. 🤷🏿♂️
Thank you very much for the enlightening video! I've just recently decided to learn how to play the bagpipe and it's really giving to watch and learn from videos like this. Thank you very much!
GENIUS instructional video!!! Living in an apartment - I've been playing a fagerstrom synthesizer for years, but never "real bagpipes", and i've always wondered about the variables you've explained here. EXCELLENT! Thanks for posting. :)
Thank you! I was wondering if sound came out of the instrument without blowing air all of the time. I never thought about the bag being an air reservoir. Thanks again.
I was given a practice chanter years ago but could never get it to work. Will have to dig it out and see if I can get a noise out of it. Great video as ever, especially the covers
Thanks, that all made sense. I had wondered if a Piper developed bigger muscles on their 'squeeze' arm but from your description of how you keep the pressure constant I'm guessing it's not going to need much extra muscle.
Until I came across your videos Ally I didn't have much opinion about bagpipe music ... outside of the standard men in kilts at ceremonial type sessions. You're a lovely young woman with a lot of talent. Thanks for your explanation of bagpipes. Wishing you great success!
I'm Scottish born and bred. 41yrs old in April and I found you through another shanty video I was watching tonight. And I can honestly say I've never untill this video understood the bagpipes so well. It just never came up. Never questioned it. I mean I knew it was a bag filled with air that produced the sounds but never tried to understand it jn great detail. Grew up hearing them and seeing them played at various events, just accepted it, mainly weddings and funerals. But never questioned it. Just loved the sound. And this now makes me respect them and the player even more. Love a bagpipe. It makes ma hair stand up on end when I hear it.
Being Irish I've always want to learn Uilleann pipes. You've got amazing talent and It's great to see people keeping their heritage alive through music, especially outside of Scotland and Ireland.
And Cornwall and Brittany and Wales.
I always tell people who ask that it's like playing two clarinets, a saxophone and an oboe on steroids all at the same time. Excellent presentation, very clear and concise. I would recommend it to any beginning piper.
Thank you! That’s a good comparison as well 😂
hi gordon what country are you from ?
@@glennarnold3970 United States.
@@gordonstewart8258 i know a gordon stewart in adelaide australia he is a panel beater teacher cheers from down under
@@glennarnold3970 Well his name would suggest Scottish.
aaaah this is very helpful, wasn’t looking to play but wanted to know the anatomy as i’m drawing a bagpipe!
One of my favorite parts of attending the NH Highland Games in the fall is the constant bagpiping. I knew sort of how they worked but not in depth. Showed the great differences and some similarities with my saxophones. Thanks, Ally!
When I was a kid, my dad decided we were all going to learn to play the bagpipes. He bought us all a set of pipes. We learned to play and joined a highland drum and pipe band. It was a weird thing to do in the midwest U.S. but was a unique experience I can look back on.
Hahaha! Great dad it sounds like!
10 out of 10 video! Thank you for explaining "striking the bag." I've always wondered what exactly that initial squeeze was. Love the blooper at the end and dogs barking. 😂
Dogs add character.
This was a fantastic explanation. I love the enthusiasm and motivation just bursting out of her.
The irony of me, a Scotsman, watching a video of an American explaining to me how our national instrument works.... great job 😆
Aye....same story here!
Good work though!
Keep it up. Appreciated.
The pipes played well are heaven on earth. As a ex British Army Veteran with distant Scottish roots I have been blessed with not only serving with some remarkable pipers while stationed in the north east of England near Newcastle I was introduced to the Northumberland pipes. They had a distinctive but slightly deferent tone. On several occasions we had groups of pipers from Scotland. Ireland and Northumberland all together with the love of traditional music
DID YOU KNOW I'M GOING ON TOUR??
TICKETS HERE:
miaxally.com
10.25 - Albany, NY - The Egg
10.26 - NYC, NY - Gramercy Theatre VIP 10.29 - Hopewell, VA - Beacon Theatre 10.30 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle Tavern 10.31 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm
11.2 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits
11.5 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
11.7 - San Antonio, TX - Sam’s Burger Joint 11.8 - Dallas, TX - Deep Ellum Art Co.
11.9 - Oklahoma City, OK - Beer City Music Hall 11.10 - Kansas City, MO - Voodoo Lounge 11.12 - St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall
11.13 - Louisville, KY - Headliner’s Music Hall 11.15 - Knoxville, TN - Bijou Theatre
11.16 - Cincinnati, OH - Ludlow Garage
11.17 - Nashville, TN - Eastside Bowl
11.18 - Atlanta, GA - City Winery
11.20 - Washington, DC - Union Stage
11.21 - Philadelphia, PA - Ardmore Music Ha
11.22 - Amherst, MA - The Drake
Thanks for demystifying this unusual instrument! If Scotsmen hundreds of years ago could have seen these videos, they would have encouraged female pipers.
I wish I could attend a show, but I'm nowhere near any of those venues.
If you're accepting ideas for videos, I would love to hear Pachelbel's Canon in D on the pipes. I love looking for videos of it played on instruments one wouldn't expect, but I don't think I've seen it on the bagpipes yet.
let us know more locations, come on down to GA.
Aye, Lassie, But when will you leave the NE and come to the west? March 24-26 this year for the NM Celtic Festival. Maybe you could consider 2024.
When are you touring the UK?, I would love to travel over the Border to see you showing the Scottish how to play the Bagpipes.
Thanks Ally. I am an aerospace engineer that is learning the tenor sax. You explained the operation perfectly! I understood the operation of the reservoir and the check valve but was always curious about where the sound was actually produced. Thanks again, you make it look so easy!
Excellent explanation of a complex instrument. Thanks! It's so cool that a young person is playing the bagpipe!
Thank you for the information Ally. After decades of wanting to learn, I'm finally taking the plunge, a local Pipes and Drums group practices near my house, so after talking with them I purchased a chanter, and they are going to take me under their wing as I start the journey. Good luck on your tour, and keep up the great work!
Amazing that the books I fought from the College of Piping 20+y years ago never covered moisture control, but now the the internet and players like you willing to share information (you'd be surprised how stand off-ish some players and bands are, especially when new pipers have questions/issues/difficulties).
Thanks for the overview!
I love when people ask questions! I'm not surprised at all unfortunately. Sorry you had that experience!
@@PiperAlly no ink
Thank you. I started lessons many years ago but then moved and never got back to it, so I never graduated from the chanter. This is very informative as I consider restarting my bagpipe journey at almost 62 years old. Love your music!!
Did you restart? I'm 61 and started on the chanter yesterday.
It’s awesome to learn about things from other cultures like your bagpiping. I am on a semi pro curling team in Utah, and not very many people give things this a try or even learn about. I love your stuff. Keep it up!
I kno curling!!! You need broom sticks to move that round thingy 😂 😂
Excellent. I have been wondering but not to the point of Googling it. Having a RUclipsr I am subscribed to make this explanation means it falls into my lap (yes I am as lazy as I can get away with) and I know I already enjoy the prior content. This was simple and well explained (which means even I understood it!) and deserves many views. Looking forward as always to more takes on contemporary music on the bagpipe as well as the traditional tunes. Thank you for your music and playful videos. Long may you pipe!
Cool video. Always wondered how big pipes worked. So basically a big woopie cushion with 4 outlets. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Blimey have i learnt. I always thought i knew & i wasn't far off but you've so eloquently explained how the whole thing hangs together! Awesome!
So i do have questions:
- given what you said about pitch & air pressure, is there a „correct” air pressure you maintain?
- I'm guessing you can measure that by the pitch of the drones? What notes should they equate to?
- do the drones always play the same notes, thinking tuning. I remember always hearing the pitch increase as the bag was being filled when someone started playing (not so much now!)
- I'm guessing playing the chanter is like the recorder then?
As someone that’s never really been around bag pipes other then watching this video, 95% of how I thought worked was right
Only thing I didn’t know was the flapper valve and it made sense instantly to me
Keep up the good work
Aren’t you clever
Lol
Knew about the breathing, but the bit about grace notes and decoration covering changes in pressure was enlightening. Thank you!
A long time ago my father was in the Australian Army during WW II. He loved marching to the sound of the pipes. He liked brass bands too but he found the sound and rhythm of the pipes much better to march too. His family originated in Scotland but many generations before he was born. Perhaps that's where his love of the pipes came from? Mike in Oz
Ally you are an inspiration, my new year res is "I'm going to get a practice chanter" and learn to play it in"25" then hopefully get a set of pipes!
As a musician, I greatly appreciated this video. Like others have commented, I too understand reed instruments, however, I never fully knew how a bagpipe worked, so thanks.
Many years ago when my kids were in elementary school, they still had "Band" My 7 year old son ended up playing the trombone. When we asked our 5 year old daughter what she wanted to play, she didn't know the term for bagpipes, but she demonstrated by huffing and puffing and flapping her arm like it was a wing. My wife and I were confused for a little while, then she said they were at the renaissance fair when we went. Of course one of us remembered the bagpipes. Unfortunately lessons were not available in our area, and it was just a passing thought. She never did play an instrument, and she is 44 now. Just a remembered story from my past i thought I would share with you. I really like the bagpipes, and always stop to watch them at the renaissance fair every year. I watch a lot of the Scottish Parades on RUclips and enjoy the drummers and the pipers. Thank you for your videos, I enjoy them.... and I have to say that was an impressive amount of medals you had in the background....
There is just something real lovely about a great bagpipe player. It really is super soothing to me. I love listening to covers on bagpipe
Very well presented and thanks. I do love your work and you are a very good teacher, keep at it Girl. your passion for the pipes and music in general is very obvious.
I appreciate the description. It did clear up a couple of questions I had. A couple others that you haven't addressed:
1) The Bag: Are there various sizes of bag? The one in this video seems larger than others I've seen people playing. I can certainly understand that a larger bag would contain more air (once you get it blown up), but prior to watching this video, I hadn't thought about the size of the bag.
2) The reeds: I know people who play Claranet, Oboe, Saxaphone, etc. and I know they have to replace their reeds fairly regularly. Am I correct in presuming that the reeds on the bagpipe are also replaceable? I would imagine that since, as you mention in the video, you're not putting the reed in your mouth, like you would in the case of a Sax, Oboe, etc. that the life of the reeds on a bagpipe would be different than these others?
This is a bit of a late reply but I just came across your comment here and figured I could help out a bit!
Firstly, yes - there are different bag sizes. Most people tend to play with a small or “extended” small bag, as they take a little less air to fill at the start and tend to be more comfortable, but if you’re a bigger person in general you can also play a bigger bag. Not a ton of difference though in how it’s played, just a personal preference thing!
And for the reed question (great question by the way!) we do need to replace the reeds, yes. The drone reeds not so often, as they’re usually made of a synthetic material and also usually have a moisture control system connected inside the bag to keep the tone steady, but the chanter reeds need changed more regularly. Moisture from the bag does go through the reed and while some is required to have it vibrate correctly, eventually all the playing will cause it to deteriorate and lose some of the tone, steadiness, and playability.
I’m not sure how often other instruments need their reeds changed but I personally rarely play one for more than 6 months. It just depends though, some are better than others 🤷♂️
The dogs barking always gets me! 😂 wonderful demonstration!
Just discovered your channel Ally, and love it as a Scottish native. Obviously in Scotland we’re exposed to the absolute best pipers and you’re up there with them. Loved the Crazy Train and Pirates of the Caribbean! You explain the bagpipes very well, very clearly without talking too much (yup, saw the last idiot’s comment; ignore folks like that). Well done!
Very well presented ally and you're a mighty player too, been playing quite a while now and it's good to have you explain about this war instrument
Careful calling it a “war instrument”. They might try to ban it.
Well done, I played the pipes for years when I was younger, still love the pipes but then I am mostly a Scott, 3rd generation. great teaching aid. I may have to start playing again.
I just can't stop watching you. It's nice to hear you just talking.
Ally. Thank you for the crash course and overview. I have been playing saxophone since 4th grade. I understand a different reed instrument than the oboe or bassoon. Understanding the air pressure helps to see why you can play while not continuously blowing air in. Thank you for your amazing videos that you take the time to create.
The only question I ever had, was why you have to smack the bag, and that got answered now :)
(and you're right that I didn't *know* about that valve, but I guessed/assumed something is there to keep the air in)
My girlfriend thought that it's fake when bagpipers take breaths but the instrument keeps making sound. I then explained to her: imagine blowing up a balloon and then hold it open ever so slightly so that it squeeks. That's similar to a bagpipe.... You can take breaths while blowing up the balloon because you close the end off. When you open it a bit, the air escapes and makes sound, without you having to blow at all at that moment.
And then she said sorry for being wrong, and that she understood ;)
but why she was sorry about understanding?
harharhar
@@saippuakullipillukau She was sorry about misunderstanding.
I TOTES believe that last line about her apologizing for being wrong. That's one of the cornerstones of being female... admitting that they are wrong and that men's greatness should be respected at all times... I almost got struck by lightning just typing that! :)
I know this is a year old video. I wish your videos were around when I started playing back in 2010. I was infatuated with the instrument and ravenous for information about it. It’s great to see a professional player go over the basics for people.
Also… so envious you can get away with a simple tube trap system.
This video is so cool!
Im a transverse flutist that have been intrested in learning bagpipes since forever and now i’ve pretty much decided i have to! Thank you!
Give it a go, but make sure you find an instructor. The pipes are NOT a instrument to attempt to teach yourself. It is simultaneously the best and worst instrument in the world, and if you stick with it forever, you'll love it. Once you start, it will be roughly 1 year of just learning the chanter before you even touch a set of pipes. Good luck.
Yes agreed grab a chanter first!!
Why does it take a year just to learn the chanter?
@@CharlesPayet because that it how complicated an instrument it is. Learning notes, proper fingering & technique, a well as tunes. All bagpipe music must be committed to memory... there's no music stand or holders to play your music from. It's a process, but if you commit to it, you'll enjoy it.
@@CharlesPayet because the chanter is where you learn how to play all of the notes, execution and embellishments. Then (for me personally) when I have a student who can play 3 tunes with all of the embellishments, we move to bagpipes. Doesn’t always take a year, sometimes can take longer. Just depends!
Back in my day, was a cadet that had a pipe and drum band. I did attempt to play the pipes but found out quickly I had no musical ability. I know how difficult to master the pipes, so I admire your skills. Thank you so much for sharing!
It's counting to four and knowing where the notes are nothing more to it than that. Anybody that can count and grasp subdivisions of counting to four can learn any musical instrument they want to. Key word is want to play said instrument. There is no such thing as 'no musical ability' you want to continue to do something or you don't that's all.
I'd love to see a video about what all those synthetic parts were made out of hundreds of years ago, I think that would be interesting.
Yes that was my curiosity as well and how long it would take someone back then to make?
I would imagine wood or bone for the pipes. As for the bag, knowing the Scots, most likely the stomach of some kind of animal.
@@vincentvega9863the bag was a whole sheep, probably a lamb. Drones and blowpipe attached where the legs were, and chanter to the neck.
Would imagine gut or carcass; horn & bone; leather; reeds. Worth looking up.
Wow thanks Ally for the lesson on how bagpipes work would love to to see more videos like this from you keep up the great work 👍
Thanks!
Of course, thank you!
Interesting. I played trumpet in high school so it was cool to learn about the bag pipes. I never realized you can’t tongue to separate notes. Now that I think back of all the music I’ve heard on pipes I’m like yeah duh. Just never realized. Thanks
Thanks for this video!!
I had no real idea that the pipes are/were that technical/complicated.
Some of the explanations (at least to me) were “wow I didn’t think of that but it’s so obvious now that you mention it”
Thanks again for putting this out, I really enjoyed learning this!!
Me to people who are confused by people being able to breathe while playing the bagpipes: What do you think the BAG is for??!?
I've watched many of your videos, and because the comment section on most videos are negative or ignorant or many think they knew best, I rarely read them. No, you're _not_ faking it. In my teens I went to plenty of Scottish games and saw them live. People, now-a-days, live way too much with their faces looking at their devices. That causes a sterile learning experience...and necks that will not be in good shape later with all the looking DOWN people do now.
Well done video, Ally, only, please, less Up-talking. Giggling. You answered some of the questions I still had about the Pipes. Yay!
P.S. Great sense of humor you have. Uh-huh, yep, yep. You and the Horse guy "Thunderstruck" was my intro to you. Your attitude in that was very much enjoyed.
Fantastic tutorial, thank you Ally!
Thank you for this video of the bagpipes, as you were explaining the valves & moisture control it made huge sense. Can't believe I never gave it much thought.
Thank you again & just want to say, you Rock young lady.
being Scottish and hearing the bagpipes always makes me feel patriotic. it kinda goes hand in hand with kilts, castles and haggis. 😆
randomly recommended to your channel by RUclips a few months ago and been addicted ever since. ✊
Wonderful detailed explanation of how to play the bagpipes Ally. I love the bagpipes, they make such beautiful music and you are amazing at them!
She even deletes negative comments and probably spends all her patron $$ on all the toys in her dorm too. Rich Girl.
Late to the party, but thank you so much for explaining this! I've always wondered how the whole thing worked, and now I have even more massive respect for your talent & skill.
Much admiration from Northern Ontario, Canada!
Ok i wan to see a video where you try and wear all your medals and walk around now. See if you can handle being weighed down by your own greatness.
Omg 😂
How did she die?
She was OM.
OM?
Over Medaled.
So sad.
-an allusion to I’m Gonna Get You Sucka, the best Wyan Brothers movie.
While I'm sure that would be funny to see her try and do, I don't think anyone would want to see or hear of Ally hurting her neck.
Simp
You wouldn't see her face. A walking body with a stack of medals on the shoulders 🤣
Absolutely incredible as I watch. My uncle left me his pipes. I pick them up tomorrow. I have played many instruments just always had some fear of the pipes. But, I love the sound
Иногда волынка мне кажется каким-то инопланетным организмом, которому приятно, когда его гладят и легко стучат по брюшку :)) тогда он начинает издавать необычные, но приятные музыкальные звуки :)
I don't really like bagpipe music and thus never listen to it (on purpose), but I stumbled onto this video and watch from beginning to end with mild fascination, surprisingly. You explained it really well and I actually learned something. Thank you, I enjoyed it a lot. You did great. 👍
Okay now I get out the bagpipes work but the million-dollar question for me is how does one like you decide that you're going to play the bagpipes and who taught you?
Ally, thanks for the education. I have always appreciated bagpipes, but have never known anything about the inner workings. It is great to see a young person such as yourself honoring this ancient, wonderful instrument. You are very talented!
www.youtube.com/@TheSnakeCharmer
Incredible that I came across this video today! My father passed away 2 weeks ago & I will be getting his pipes, as well as a full Highland outfit with our hunting tartan on the kilt and all the regalia. I do plan on giving the pipes a try, thanks Ally!!
I play bagpipes too....she did NOT re-invent this.....its been around a LONG TIME ....and I am MUCH better than she is. She even ignores her patrons too....unlike Snake Charmer.
I've never been interested in bagpipes but I feel like I needed to learn about it. I never thought about to it's played, but it seems a bit complicated. Anyway I 100% support you breathing when you play. That is a clear example of people being quick to judge without knowing what they are talking about.
My grandfather who was Irish decent use listen to the Blackwatch on old albums. I kept a copy on cassette while living in the barracks. When other would play their "music" too loud for too long I would through the cassette in and let it do it's thing. "Modern warfare" in a sense. I do not listen to the bagpipes as much as I used to except here. Very entertaining and informational. Keep up the great work.
So that's why it sounds like it does! As soon as you said the chanter is cousins to the oboe and bassoon, it just kinda clicked for me. Thank you for making this video
Is the bag all one chamber or are their different compartments within? Thanks for the video. I learned something new today.
one chamber
Thank you! I’m sharing this to our band page for the parents of our new pipe students. Keep up all the great content.❤
I’ve never had so much appreciation for the intricacies of the bagpipes, nor have I ever been so enamored with a bagpipe player. Super cool stuff young rockstar!
So glad I got to your channel! Great explanation, the tone of your voice made it even better, thanks for the overview
Outstanding.
Love the pipes, but definitely never fully knew the operation. Always thought the bag drove the drones only, rest
with the mouthpiece and chanter always assumed worked as any wind instrument. Didn't know the mouthpiece simply re-supplied air. Now I understand how this can be played without having a stroke.
Ally, well done and informative. I have to admit I had always associated bagpipes with funerals but after seeing your Freebird video I have a whole new perspective. Amazing cover of a classic. Looking forward to your upcoming show at the Wescott.
When I started, it was common to use the leather from the tongue off an old pair of shoes for the flapper valve. It had to be chewed for a while to make it soft and pliable enough to work. For a while, I used my tongue to stop the return of air up the blowpipe. I’m so glad someone invented the lil Mac and moose type valves!
Thank you Ally, always wondered how they work. Thank you for the description of the workings. Keep up the great job playing that music!
Are you familiar with Northumberland pipes, if so, have you ever played them, I would imagine that the mechanism would eliminate much of the bag moisture issues,BTW you play GREAT
hey Ally, came across you from youtube shorts. as a half celtic myself i have had a facination with the pipes too. you have a great tone and love listening to you play as part of my wind-down routine. keep up the great work.
I’ve always wondered how the bagpipes actually worked. Thank you for this in depth explanation and the lovely diagram. It all makes so much more sense now. I love your music. Keep doing what you do! 10/10
Ally thank you for adding to my knowledge of the way the pipes work. Still trying to decide if I want to learn them.
Thank you Ally for this little instruction video I feel smarter now. I do Love the sound of the Bag pipe. May you have a good one. Have fun take care
I've wanted to ask on any of your videos for so long, how the bagpipes work. I know I could've googled it. I know someone in the comment section might have told me in a shortened version. The fact that the explanation came right from you, absolutely GRAND! Love you and your channel! Thanks for the explanation!
Thank you. I'm amazed to see young people interest in bagpipes. I would like to hear them used more in music. So enjoyable. I'll subscribe. Sorry, I'm one of those old people unable to contribute to your (or the many other channels I enjoy) Patreon pages. Best wishes and blessings.
I love it when you bend notes, I’ve never seen anyone do that ❤
You are delightful and a good teacher in the process. I descend from the MacCutchen clan and I do love to hear the pipes. Thank you for this interesting teaching.
Bruce Howard, MG
Have always been intrigued with bagpipes and you have explained it very well. Thank you for that. Beyond that, you make everything so fun!
You are amazing!
We Love you Ally, all the losers who would question your craft should try, actually try to do something half as difficult. Keep up the good work Lady!
I enjoyed learning about "modern" bagpipes. I played in college some 40 years ago, and things have changed! We didn't worry about moisture control because the condensation helped keep the (hide) bag airtight, along with the seasoning. Also, the drone reeds were really reeds, which needed to be warmed up before playing, and required constant care, including cutting, sanding, banding, etc. Although modern piping has great advantages, with synthetic bags and reeds, etc., it's unfortunate some of the old craftsmanship is being lost. But, with the new stuff, you certainly can get to playing a lot quicker!
Thank you for taking the time to give us this information. Parts of this I already learned from your videos and, oddly enough, from watching some travel shows. The main thing I didn't fully understand was the flapper valve.
The dogs barking in the background definitely added character to the video. If anyone doesn't like that part then they are most likely not animal lovers and who needs that kind of negativity.
Breathing is very good. I, for one, want you to continue breathing so you can continue to produce your awesome music. More importantly, I'm sure your husband and family want you to continue breathing so you can be around for them.
I’ve never embraced my Scottish heritage…. And I find myself interested in learning the bagpipes so then I find your channel. Thank you for this great video.
I Love the color of your hair... I think it is Awesome with your pretty face in between... I have always loved the sound of the bagpipes... When I was a little kid back in the 1960's and 70's... I thought that the bagpipes would make a good sounding instrument to be added to the Rock & Roll music... I am so, glad that you ladies are doing now... Please keep your craft going... With the Love of music in me and the magical sounds of the pipes... You make me happy inside with all your talents (this also includes the other ladies as well)... Keep on bagpipe'n, because it makes this old man happy... With the Love of music "Keep on keeping on"...👍😎🇺🇲✌️❤️❤️❤️ 10:28
This is awesome, I have a lot of Irish and Scottish heritage but too far to have real ties, really getting into learning more, picked up the tin whistle because I found your channel
I am so glad to have found your youtube presence, having seen you countless times on TikTok! As an older person, I live by the adage that one must learn something new today, and you have provided a very interesting, and informative piece of learning for me today! Many thanks!
I hear that, I always consider it a good day if I've learned something. And I try to learn something every day.
The pipes have fascinated me since childhood. Never knew how they worked, until now. Thanks for posting this! Something about the sound really gets me. Probably has to do with my bloodlines, I'm a Mc. That's my theory and I'm sticking with it.
There is so much science to this instrument; much more than meets the eye. You are awesome and so happy that you connected with Mia!
Hi! Friend! 👋🏿We play the bag pipes on electric guitar. You're gonna ❤ this. 🤘🏿Higher by 🤘🏿Creed is in D Major and drop D tuning. The Intro uses strings D.A.D to make the Bass drone and 2 tenor drones of a set of bag pipes. The Intro uses the guitar G string as its chantor, (muting the 2 high strings) Mark Tremonti strums the drones and chantor together through the whole Intro. Mark plays D.A.D.D. then D.A.D.E. then D.A.D.F# then D.A.D.G. Then Mark bars his finger across the 3 drones strings, changing their pitch to A.E.A. while the chantor sings F# to E. Then Mark bars across G.D.G. on the drone strings, while using the chantor to sing D to E. I didn't know how bagpipes worked until I just watched this video. I assumed how they worked based on my ears and my eyes. So cool I got to explain that, finally. I PLAY THE ELECTRIC BAGPIPES! HAHA! I knew I needed to play Higher, live on the street in San Francisco, way too many times to remember. 🤷🏿♂️
Thank you very much for the enlightening video! I've just recently decided to learn how to play the bagpipe and it's really giving to watch and learn from videos like this. Thank you very much!
GENIUS instructional video!!! Living in an apartment - I've been playing a fagerstrom synthesizer for years, but never "real bagpipes", and i've always wondered about the variables you've explained here. EXCELLENT! Thanks for posting. :)
Thank you! I was wondering if sound came out of the instrument without blowing air all of the time. I never thought about the bag being an air reservoir. Thanks again.
I was given a practice chanter years ago but could never get it to work. Will have to dig it out and see if I can get a noise out of it. Great video as ever, especially the covers
Fascinating! Thank you for explaining why you strike the bag. I had wondered why you did it.
I appreciate your insight and dedication to your passion for the pipes❤.
Thanks, that all made sense.
I had wondered if a Piper developed bigger muscles on their 'squeeze' arm but from your description of how you keep the pressure constant I'm guessing it's not going to need much extra muscle.
Until I came across your videos Ally I didn't have much opinion about bagpipe music ... outside of the standard men in kilts at ceremonial type sessions. You're a lovely young woman with a lot of talent. Thanks for your explanation of bagpipes. Wishing you great success!