​LESSON 17: UILLEANN PIPE HIGH A

Watch the video below to learn to play High A on the Uilleann Pipes and then try the exercises below. The High A has the same fingering as the Low A, but it's an octave above it in pitch.  High A cannot be as easily obtained as High E, F# or G. It generally needs another high octave note before it as a "run into it" to ensure that doesn't sound in the octave below.  Be carful not to squeeze too hard or the chanter will shut off.  Learning to squeeze the right amount of pressure for the second octave takes some practice, and it's even harder for the High A, so don't get discouraged if you find this hard at first. Take your time and double check to make sure you are playing each note correctly before moving on to the next lesson. 
Things to Remember:
​
  • ​Use the pads of your fingers, not the tips.
  • If the chanter makes a squeaky harsh sound that means your not covering the holes well enough.
  • Your fingers should be arched slightly, but be mostly straight. 
  • Take your time and don't rush.
  • Chanter bottom should be against your leg.
  • Keep fingers relaxed.
  • Don't worry too much about tuning, you will learn that later.​
  • Learning to squeeze the right amount of pressure for the second octave takes some practice, so don't get discouraged if you find this hard at first.
  • ​You need to do a run of lower notes to hit this note sometimes.

High A Exercise #1

I have written the runs out below you will have to perform to hit the High A.  When learning to play tunes later on these runs will not be written in the sheet music. You will just have to remember that to hit a High A sometimes you need to do a run up them. Also, don't forget that you will have to shut off your chanter quickly in-between the really high and low notes.
Good Job! That was hard.

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