For some, bagpipes might bring to mind images of Scottish soldiers in days gone by, taking to the field of battle in an attempt to keep their lands free. For other, the bagpipes might bring to mind events such as the passing of a loved one or a longing to be back home. No matter what images the haunting tone of the bagpipes brings to mind, the universal appeal of this interesting instrument can't be denied.
The bagpipe is actually a very ancient form of instrument, with many different forms around the world. The basic principle remains the same, despite the different forms that it takes... an inflatable bag is filled with air from a mouth pipe, and air is let out of the bag to make tones from different pipes attached to it.
To play the classic bagpipe, you'll need to know the various parts of it. The bag (which was originally made of animal skins, but is more likely to be made of synthetic materials in modern pipes) can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on whether the pipe is designed to be played indoors or outdoors. (Indoor bagpipes are usually known as "parlor pipes" or "miniature bagpipes", and are smaller than the bagpipes designed to be played outdoors.)
From the bag, a variety of pipes emerge... one is the mouth pipe, which allows you to blow into the bag to inflate it, and several are "drone" pipes... they produce a continuous pitch while the bag is pressed to release air. In addition to the drone pipes and the mouth pipe, one or more pipes are attached to the bag with finger stops (which is the term for the holes on a pipe) which are used to create melodies of varying pitches. The drone pipes are typically attached to the larger end of the bag, and stick upward over the shoulder; the melody pipes are on the other end (which is usually much more slender), and face downward so that they can be played.
To play the bagpipes, arrange them so that the drone pipes rest on your left shoulder and the bag is tucked under your left arm and elbow. Place the mouth pipe in your mouth and blow... this will fill the bag with air. Now take the melody pipe (the one with the finger stops) and use both hands to hold it, placing your fingers on or near the finger stops. Should the particular pipe that you have possess more than one melody pipe, use one hand for each or alternate the pipe that you play.
Squeeze inward with your left arm to begin playing the pipes... the drone pipes will begin to make some noise, and the melody pipe will begin sounding whatever note you have fingered on the finger stops. Alternate the pressure on the bag to change the pitch of the drone pipes, and change your fingering of the melody pipe to change the note that you're playing. When the bad begins to grow limp, blow into the mouth pipe to refill it. Since the bag is used to supply air to the pipes instead of blowing directly into them, you don't have to quit playing to breathe... keep in mind, though, that the bag will deflate quickly and you'll need to keep it filled with air in order to maintain consistent notes.
