A few tips I've learned along the way on how to write a bagpipe tune. Originally recorded for the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust's Piping Hit Competition.
Thanks for the Video Lorne! I am a songwriter out of Colorado and have written a tune that I want to accompany with pipes. Your video is a great starting point. Thanks!
Is there some basic theory as to how the notes harmonize with each other on the pipes? Say if if I start on C, a run C, B, A would pleasing .... As the drones are tuned to A or Bb, what notes tend or feel better sound-wise? & Why? Thx
I have a few questions. What key do bagpipes play in? I know they have the low G and the High A, and that a bagpipe is a diatonic instrument, but in between them what notes can it play? Is that standard for all pipes? What notes do the drones play? Are they always sounding? Cheers!
Pipes are in D Major. They play Low G, Low A, B, C, D, E, F, High G and High A (We call them low and high G's and A's because it doesn't do a full loop of all notes, like other instruments). Yes, it is standard for everyone. The two tenor drones play one octave below low A, and the bass drone plays two octaves below low A. Yes, bagpipes are always sounding, both drones and notes as we don't have rests.
Thanks for the Video Lorne! I am a songwriter out of Colorado and have written a tune that I want to accompany with pipes. Your video is a great starting point. Thanks!
Is there some basic theory as to how the notes harmonize with each other on the pipes? Say if if I start on C, a run C, B, A would pleasing .... As the drones are tuned to A or Bb, what notes tend or feel better sound-wise? & Why? Thx
CK C and and and a Low A go very well together
I have a few questions. What key do bagpipes play in? I know they have the low G and the High A, and that a bagpipe is a diatonic instrument, but in between them what notes can it play? Is that standard for all pipes? What notes do the drones play? Are they always sounding?
Cheers!
D major, I believe.
Pipes are in D Major. They play Low G, Low A, B, C, D, E, F, High G and High A (We call them low and high G's and A's because it doesn't do a full loop of all notes, like other instruments). Yes, it is standard for everyone. The two tenor drones play one octave below low A, and the bass drone plays two octaves below low A. Yes, bagpipes are always sounding, both drones and notes as we don't have rests.