

This drone plays notes at one octave below that of the tenor drones. The third drone pipe is known as the bass drone. However, the tenor drones make an incredibly deep sound because they play the note at an octave lower than standard. Two of these drones are “tenor” drones that produce the sound of the chanter’s lowest note. The common Great Highland Bagpipe has three drones consisting of two different types. Most modern bagpipes have either two or three drone pipes in their design. The air the player blows into the bag exits through the drone pipes and creates their haunting sound. The “drone pipes” help produce the instrument’s eerie but distinct tone.

Bagpipe players must press down on certain holes while breathing in air to produce their desired melody.īagpipes contain pipes other than just the blow tube. It is typically located at the bottom of the instrument and consists of a thin tube with nine holes. The chanter is one of the essential components on any bagpipe.

Failing to do so causes the sound to become weak before eventually cutting off. The air is then channelled through the instrument’s various pipes and produces their distinct sound.īagpipe players must blow in the correct quantity of air to ensure the sound produced is continuous. This tube supplies the instrument’s bag portion with air. All bagpipe players must first blow air into the instrument via the blow tube. However, they function in a very simple way.Īs with any woodwind instrument, air is essential for bagpipes to produce music. Bagpipes do have a certain mystical quality to them. You may have seen videos of people playing bagpipes, but without understanding how exactly the instrument works.
