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Lesson 2: Uilleann Low Hand Strikes

'Strikes' are played when you want to separate two notes of the same pitch without shutting off the chanter. They are also sometimes referred to as "Pats" or "Taps" This Uilleann Pipe embellishment is done by tapping the hole the that is to be ornamented with the next lowest finger. These can be done from any note except for Low D, C and C#.
You will see in the diagrams below that the green circled hole is the hole that you will be striking. Your fingers should be relaxed and should bounce on and off the chanter. In the videos below you will see a strike perfromed very slowly and then up to speed.
You will see in the diagrams below that the green circled hole is the hole that you will be striking. Your fingers should be relaxed and should bounce on and off the chanter. In the videos below you will see a strike perfromed very slowly and then up to speed.
E Strikes
I prefer to play E strikes the way I show below. However, if you prefer you can close both your bottom fingers and closing off the entire chanter if you prefer. Both option work well and are played by many pipers. Try both and see which you like better,
E Strike Exercise #1
F# Strikes
F# Strike Exercise #1
G Strikes
G Strike Exercise #1
Low Hand Strike Exercise #1
Good Job! You have completed your first lesson of ornamentation. Now the Uilleann Pipes are finally starting to sound like an Uilleann Pipe. Make sure you can do all the above exercises before moving on to the high hand strikes.