Teach Yourself Bagpipes by Lindsay Davidson

bringing quality 'piping instruction to you for free
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First Smallpipe Tunes

Once you have gone through all the exercises and embellishments it is suggested to run through an assortment of your favourite exercises on the smallpipes. This will give you a strong sense of security playing the instrument.

Here are five simple tunes to get you started. These are also some key positions in the smallpipe repertoire that you must know if you are converting from other 'piping traditions.

It is strongly advised at this point in your learning to join the Lowland and Borders Pipers Society, which has been functioning since 1983 and is dedicated to the bellows piping tradition of the UK. They publish music and organise events and meetings (including online) so you can get to know your fellow enthusiasts.

In due course each of these tunes will be given its own page and playback videos at different pitches for you to play along with.

Pawky Adam Glen
Pawky Adam Glen
3/2 or 3/4 hornpipes are an important part of the traditional bellows pipes repertoire.


The Rock and the Wee Pickle Tow
The Rock and the Wee Pickle Tow
This is the traditional town tune of Linlithgow, who still have a Town Piper.


The Souters o Selkirk
Souters o Selkirk

Dunse Dings A
Duns Dings A'

This is the town tune of Duns, a border Burgh

Go to Berwick Johnnie
Go to berwick johnie
Another classic 3/2 or 3/4 border hornpipe that every smallpiper must know.


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