Lesson 1: Names of the Holes

Video: Grace Notes on the Practice Chanter

Topic: Understanding and Playing G, D and E Grace Notes

Lesson Notes with Timestamps

0:00 – 0:42 Introduction to Grace Notes

• Grace notes create a staccato effect on the continuous tone of the bagpipe.

• Without Grace notes, the sound is continuous and not musical:
  [0:25–0:42] plays continuous tone example

• Main Grace notes for this exercise:

• G Grace Note – played with the G finger

• D Grace Note – played with the D finger

• E Grace Note – played with the E finger

0:43 – 1:01 Purpose of Grace Notes

• Separates notes in a staccato fashion.

• Grace notes themselves don’t carry melodic value, they are just ornamentation.

• Examples: [0:42–1:01] G, D, E grace notes demonstrated on low G.

1:02 – 3:00 Playing G, D, E Grace Notes on Low G

• Start on low G: play a G Grace note, quickly lifting and replacing the G finger.

• Follow with D Grace note and E Grace note in sequence.

• Think of GDE as the “DNA of piping”, repeated often.

• [1:33–3:00] Demonstrates playing G, D, E Grace notes on low G]

3:01 – 4:00 Key technique for clean grace notes

• Always lift the finger first, then replace it (off first, on second).

• Avoid the crossing noise: occurs if you put the finger down before lifting the others.

• Example: [0:50–1:00] shows “pop” from crossing noise.

• Grace notes should sound clean and crisp, not melodic.

4:01 – 5:10 Starting Grace Notes on a Note Already Off

• Sometimes a grace note starts with finger off the hole.

• Blow first, then bring finger down for the grace note.

• Common on low G starting grace note.

• [4:00–4:24] demonstrates finger starting off for G Grace note.

5:11 – 5:43 Grace Notes on Other Notes (Low A, B, C)

• GDE Grace notes can also be played on low A, B, C.

• Technique remains the same: lift first, replace second, finger off to start if indicated.

• [5:03–5:43] demonstrates Grace notes on low A, B, and C.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Crossing Noise – putting the finger down before lifting others; produces a “pop” sound.

2. Using Grace Notes as Melodic Notes – they are ornamentation, not part of the melody.

3. Starting with Finger On When It Should Be Off – grace notes sometimes need the finger off at the start.

4. Rushing – speed comes naturally with practice; focus on clean, precise movements.

Quick Practice Checklist

•  Lift the correct finger first (off first).

•  Replace the finger second (on second).

•  Ensure all grace notes are crisp and staccato.

•  Start finger off if indicated in notation.

•  Practice GDE sequence on low G before moving to other notes.

•  Repeat slowly and listen for crossing noise.

Key Ideas to Remember

• Grace notes create staccato articulation on a continuous instrument.

• G, D, E Grace notes are fundamental and form the “DNA of piping.”

• Always follow off first, on second technique.

• Grace notes themselves do not carry melody; focus on clarity and timing.

• Begin slowly and gradually increase speed once technique is solid.