Getting Started With the Practice Chanter Basics - Scotland The Brave 

THIS PERSON IS THE ONLY PERSON I WILL TAKE LESSONS FROM ONLINE.. WHAT A GOOD HUMAN BEING.. CHILLED OUT..AND VERY HELPFUL. THANKS FOR THESE VIDEOS AND YOUR TIME. TOP LAD

Thanks for the time you take to make these videos. My wish is to play Amazing Grace for my sister who just passed away. She loved the Pipes and I WILL DO THIS FOR HER. Just got my Chanter today..

I am a total beginner but I thoroughly enjoy the fact that you're making this fun not complicated while still telling me exactly what I need to do to learn how to play the pipes this is fantastic thank you

Before I forget, since you asked SO nicely, I will leave a comment. Overall, I think it was good/great lesson-very informative/educational. As someone who took bagpipe lessons roughly for seven years, all of this sounded familiar. As far as your question about long versus short videos, it would really vary from viewer to viewer. I had this going in the background. I kept having to pause it, so 20 mins seemed a little excessive. However, if somebody were trying to get a comprehensive beginner bagpipe lesson, I'd say they've come to the right channel!!

I have been always trying to find the perfect video to learn Scotland the Brave and you sir have granted me the ability to learn my favorite song on the pipe! Thank you!

Thank you for the videos! I’ve always wondered how to get into bagpipes and been interested. My great grandfather is Scottish and my grandmother fully immersed me in the culture through festivals and history lessons, always thought it was super cool and after discovering the practice chanter I was thrilled to find a cool little instrument that has an awesome sound and is financially obtainable for me at the moment and will be a head start to one day learning bagpipes!

ive been trying to learn for over a year. in the past 2 days ive had more success than in the year combined. please keep it up!

Thanks so much for this Video 👍 and greetings from south Bavaria

I haven't scrolled through all the comments.. but quite well done sir. I hope you are physically teaching people and not just RU-vid for free. Your passion and enthusiasm for this clearly comes through in your videos. Thank you for sharing with everyone.

Thanks for the time! I’m just starting after years of playing the saxophone

Thank you for your channel. You are really helping me to learn the chanter.

THANK YOU -- I AM SO IMPRESSED I AM GOING TO BE BACK AND WORK ON IT I AM SO GLAD I FOND YOU BLESSINGS BE

You are the coolest teacher.

My son is 9 years old and just started taking lessons about 3 months ago. He had no musical experience before starting on the chanter but is really picking it up quickly. He's hoping to get his first set of pipes by Christmas. He enjoys your videos and learned how to play Happy Birthday from watching you. Thanks for making such fun and informative videos! Love from Levi in Iowa and a fellow ginger 🧡

I never realized how weak lipped I was until I got my chanter.Good lesson!

thank you so much, very helpful. I always tell my pipe instructor that I rather be the worst bag player in the world the a man that doesn't know how to play at all. I gave up playing until I saw this video.

Absolutely love your teaching style! I actually can play this in one setting and remember it! Have been struggling to memorize basic tunes. Thank you so much!

I just wanted to say thank you I’m new to learning the chanter and your videos are incredibly helpful. Thank you for helping me learn Scotland the brave! You are amazing!

Exactly what I was looking for.

I am a pianist, but I have been studying the bagpipes for 1 year and I really enjoy the process, I loved your video, thank you very much for your lesson, I already subscribed to your channel ♥️

Alec, this is really an awesome video to break away from the scale when you are not motivated to practice. Thanks for breaking this down simple enough to learn a popular tune without getting frustrated. Keep them coming.

Excellent tutorial, u make it simple & fun and your kind smile between steps puts me at ease! Thanks

So excited for this! I just got a practice chanter! Can't wait to start learning from your videos

I never hold a practice chanter in my hands, but after a few videos of you i bought me one and this is the first melody ich learned. This is so fun. You are fascinating! Go on! I hope you understand my english. I am from germany. Greetings✌🏻

used to learn the chanter about 6 years ago in the local pipe band and quit troug veruses diffrent reonse and am going to get back into it soon found youre videos whale trying to re jog my memory hope you have a grate day :)

Excellent! I'm about 6 months into this journey with my practice chanter. Scotland the Brave is not in "the green book" so finding this video made it very easy. I think I'll have this tune down in maybe two days or so. Immediately subscribed to your channel!

Can I say thanks for taking the time to do this video taking me away from doing scales all the time much appreciated. Ian

My father has played the pipes for 50 years. Grew up around them, I played the violin for around 12 years and I’m now getting into law enforcement. My father is the Pipe Major for his department, figured I’d try to catch him off guard and pick up his pipes. Thanks man

I have been struggling with my scales and had become frustrated, this video has turned my practice around! Just practicing the first phrase, not even past min 4 yet, and already my playing is better. Can't wait to learn the rest of the song.

Thanks for making this video!! It really helped me learn a lot 😃

I really appreciate this video, your a wonderful instructor, thankyou!!!!!

Love it. This is my second week with the chanter…and my first time on the song. Thanks for the lesson!

You are an incredible teacher! Thank you so much! Subscribed and enjoying your content!

Another great video! I'm definitely going to take your advice, break this into sections and focus on getting my fingers back in place. Seems to be where I'm slipping a little

Thank you man my first set of pipes arrives on Wednesday this is exactly what I'm after as an absolute beginner, you need to be able to do something other than scales so this is perfect

Like the longer full song videos (for the songs that can be in 1 video) makes it easier for me to pause or go back.

I was learning to play the bagpipes a decade ago and was supposed to march with my group in the Christmas parade. Unfortunately divorce got in the way. They have been sitting since then and I came across your video. I think it's time to bring them out again. I'm sure my hands and lungs will not cooperate, but I'll see if you inspire me. I'm sure you will...thanks!

Simple tunes on the chanter to me personally, a man without much time and room left in the noggin, is just perfect and enjoyable. Complex tunes with all the fiddly bits just feels like work. Hello from NZ

I’m waiting for my first set of pipes to get here and thank you for showing how to play this song.. this will be the first song I learn

yesss, i needed this thank you

So I've begun practicing. Wonderful stuff. I've been trying to practice at least 25 minutes a day for at least 4 to 5 days a week. Im slowly starting to get it. I picked 25 minutes because that's as long as I can play before my lips and mouth begin to tire lol. Great lesson keep up the good work. Tha mi an dochas gum bi latha math leibh!

Excellent!! Thank you!!!

Wow you are so user friendly, I'm in my sixties and thought this would be too difficult but you make it easy to practice and play ,, thank you so much, you're an amazing teacher ❤️ grandma

This really helps I just got my first bagpipe at a store and I've been known how to play it I'm just now learning how to play Scotland the brave

This is so cool I'm buying a chanter and giving it a go. 😀

Sir it helped me a lot tanks,please make more videos like this

You got me! I can play the scales , but so boring!! Your video have made me smile, like I can do this, Thank You!😊😊😊😊

i just watched your amazing grace video yesterday ..super helpfull btw i get tired of doing scales lol

Have started my first term learning on my practice chanter. Connecting with my scottish roots. Hello from New Zealand! 🇳🇿

Just received my first set of pipe, a kitchen pipe. Wanted something smaller and less expensive to know if I liked it. Your videos have been a godsend!

Well done mate

this is great!!!!!!

I love the matching ring w the chanter

Interesting Never played this chanite before So at least you take your time with showing how

Aloha, I wanted to say thank you for creating this video. It has helped my son and I tremendously. We began learning with "one of the greatest pipers in Canada", he said... LOL. He was teaching us remotely and we learned Mary had a little lamb and twinkle little star. Yes, necessary finger motions but, BOOOOOOORING! We stumbled upon your channel a couple of months ago and have since left our humble teacher. We download your videos to practice on the beach before we take our tours out on the water. (Reception is crap where we go) You have been a tremendous help to us. Sending you our aloha from the island of Maui! If you ever visit our island, your kayak tours are on the house! Keep up the great work!

I loved the tutorial

When my practice chanter comes in I will use this video, thank you 👍

This was super cool video I love how u are showing all of this and I am a beginner and this helped a lot and I am using my dad's chanter he gave his bagpipe away sadly lol but what are a good bagpipe for me As a beginner

I love playing my bagpipe

thx4posting.

Beginner here. Struggling with coordinating the right pinky and ring finger. Definitely think I'm also holding too fight bc I feel warn out after practicing

Can you make a video just like this for Amazing Grace? I do like the longer videos. I am somewhat new, about 4 months practicing. Also, can you make some sheet music for this please, it was difficult to follow along at the very end? I recognized the different parts, but not I the order you taught them, so it was a little confusing. But over all I do love this I can now show off to my friends at school, thanks.

I’ve been watching your videos and You’ve completely gave me the confidence to try to learn the pipes and I just placed my order for a set lol I just hope my wife doesn’t want a divorce over this 😂

I figured out amazing grace by ear so I think we're on the same ground here I'm not ready for the fancy stuff but I couldn't do Scotland the brave by myself

I'm a beginner and i love the sound of the pipes. Looking at ordering a McCallum practice chanter...wanting the African Blackwood. Want to learn badly. Love the way the wood sounds. Any recommendations would be great.

Brilliant, thanks. Im still learning. Ive got to learn sheet music at the same time so im making slow progress. Youre right, learning a smal tune is helpful for enjoying the practice. What do you recommend setting the metronome to for a beginner? And what is the metronome bpm for the tune?

Hi! amazing video man, i was wondering which type of chanter is better plastic or wooden? Thanks

Just got myself my first set of bagpipes.. still trying to practice on the chanter though 😬

I have just over two weeks to learn this so I can play it at a Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 vs Australia 🇳🇿 Whisky 🥃 Tasting Event! I hope this video is the ticket 👌🏻 Last woodwind I played was recorder in Primary School 😜

It’s a A grip at the start mate 👍

Keep it up

Hello again Alec, do you have zoom or skype lessons?? Thankyou again for all your videos friend. I signed up for your beginner guide as well. Cheers!

This helped me so much, but wheres your thanks button so i can tip you and send a tip for your help.

Thank you for your teaching videos! In 1-2 weeks I'll get the Twist Trap Practice Pipes to start off myself. But I'm a complete beginner, I've never learned any instrument ever. How does actually an experienced bagpiper learn a new tune? Is it by reading the notes sheet of a song and memorizing it + muscle memory? When I reasearch that, I only get results about learning the scale, but no info what follows after. Now I love how you make follow through videos. I started the art of cardistry 10 years ago (freestyle card tricks) and there we learn by following every finger position step by step. I hope with that finger dexterity and some breathing techniques, I have at least a bit of an advantage to start playing on the practice chanter+pipes lol. And one day hopefully Highland Bagpipes! Once I'll get the scale down, I'll follow your videos =]

I am self taught in upwards of 10 instruments, including the pipes, and I have a pretty good ear. I don't read sheet music, never gave a half a runny shit on a Tuesday about technique or form, but I got the ear. Almost perfect pitch. Now, I'm not boasting, and I'm not talking bad about you, or anyone who plays with "correct technique". It wasn't that long ago that I burned myself on Pakistan pipes, almost made me rage quit, but then I got my HG Hardie twist trap practice pipes,and im perfectly happy and on my way to hitting the point where I can freestyle with grace notes and embellishments in all, but am by no means, #1! Not by a mile. I have one question though; why is it that the way I taught myself scotland the brave sounds like it's in correct pitch, and intonation, but each and every youtube tutorial I have seen on the subject, sounds like it's got alot of flat and sharp notes, even Matt Willis sounds a bit off, and he's a pipe major, no? Is this something that I'm imagining or what?

This was really good for a beginner(me) but you missed a bit..and it confused the hell out of me till I slowed it down and watched when you played it complete at the end. Love your work though

Just got my chanter last week to explore heritage and quit smoking. Definitely need to quit smoking because breathing into this thing takes effort haha

Just going to get started on a chanter , I play recorders oboe and clarinet, how close does the fingering come to any of these instruments? will eventually work my way up to a full set of pipes I have always wanted to play them, never to late to learn.

Your good about teaching chanter, i love you pinky will change

Hi, thank you so much for your nice and very clear video! I have bought a practice chanter in Germany and received it only yesterday. After putting in the reed into the chanter, it doesn't always produce a constant and nice clear tone. It produces three different tones, depending how hard you blow. Only one tone (which is apparently the basic tone) allows you to use the 8 holes. The other two tones do not allow to use the holes. I suppose I'm doing something wrong. Can you please help me out? Kind Regards, Rob van Grieken (The Netherlands).

I am totally new to this, I'm a moderate Sax player, although i cant read music. Are the scales the same? And I am finding your lesson easy to follow. I've just ordered my Chanter, it should be here today, fingers crossed.

I am 55 yo and recently purchased a practice chanter. It came with a book but I am finding that I need a teacher as I am not sure how it should sound. I am also a hands on type of learner.

Is there any "music sheet music" that we can search according to that versión ? Again Thank you

I had purchased a long chanter 1st with 9 holes,and I found that I couldn't make any more progress after a year,as I felt it was to long for my reach. I purchased a standard chanter last week hoping to make some progress,but just realized at the start of this video the standard only has 8 holes. Will this be an issue with playing certain tunes as I progress into learning more ?

Im playing it on my yamaha recordar until i have my chanter tomorrow.

Id love your favorite emblishment

Can I ask what size chanter that is? Mine is a long and my hand position is very uncomfortable. Yours looks more comfortable.

dam it is hard but fun :D but then agen i have only done it fore 2 weeks :D hehe and yes i am a viking from Denmark ;)

About 15 years ago my wife bought me a piping chanter kit. I monkeyed around with it for several months then gave up. Today, I found it and I can’t get any sound out of it. I can see through it, any idea what is wrong?

Odd question, but can u make goose calls on a chanter?

I l8ke you

What chanter are you using? Awesome tone.

I just started to learn on the chanter and watching tutorials. I've experience with recorder and I wonder why is it important to cover the lower holes as well when you're making a higher sounds? I can't hear any sounding difference when I covering the lower holes and when I'm not. Does it make any sense? Thanks for your reply in advance! Btw I really like the instrument and your channel, keep up the good work :)

chanter daniel siddons complete to learn sctland the Brave

I bought a new reed for an old practice chanter my parents had - but I have to blow VERY hard to get it to sound, and the pitch is a whole step higher - with all fingers down I get an A instead of a G, one finger up gives me a B, etc. Do I have the wrong reed, or is the chanter just a step high for some reason?

When playing mine it sounds high pitched and doesn't change when putting my fingers over the holes.

I play the chanter with right hand top

I thought this was great but you asked. The beginning was the right speed for a beginner but the end started rushing through it.

i wrote all the notes down so i can practice

I'm a late comer to bagpipes. I wanted to learn the bagpipes when I was a child, but my Scottish mum said no!!!! She married a New Zealander of Irish decent. I want to pipe our daughter into the reception after she gets married in 10 months. I might not make it, but will have fulfilled a long held desire to learn, so all good. Could you please suggest a great, but easy, wedding tune for me, so I have plenty of run in time to pull this off. :)