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LESSON 14: UILLEANN PIPE HIGH E

Watch the video below to learn to play High E on the Uilleann Pipes and then try the exercises below. The High E has the same fingering as the Low E, but it's an octave above it in pitch. This note and any other note higher than Back D is achieved by squeezing harder on the bag. 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, 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:
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  • ​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.

High E Exercise #1

Close the chanter holes in between each note and try to make sure your bottom ring and pinky finger come down at the same time. If you hear a squeaky sound it probably means your not completely covering and uncovering all the holes.

High E Exercise #2

In this exercise you will be going from the second octave back to the first and back up to the second. This may seem difficult at first but you need to be able to do this because it is going to happen in every tune and exercise you see from now on. Honestly, it won't take long to learn this so just take your time.

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