I'm Scottish born and bred. 41yrs old in April and I found you through another shanty video I was watching tonight. And I can honestly say I've never untill this video understood the bagpipes so well. It just never came up. Never questioned it. I mean I knew it was a bag filled with air that produced the sounds but never tried to understand it jn great detail. Grew up hearing them and seeing them played at various events, just accepted it, mainly weddings and funerals. But never questioned it. Just loved the sound. And this now makes me respect them and the player even more. Love a bagpipe. It makes ma hair stand up on end when I hear it.

I always tell people who ask that it's like playing two clarinets, a saxophone and an oboe on steroids all at the same time. Excellent presentation, very clear and concise. I would recommend it to any beginning piper.

When I was a kid, my dad decided we were all going to learn to play the bagpipes. He bought us all a set of pipes. We learned to play and joined a highland drum and pipe band. It was a weird thing to do in the midwest U.S. but was a unique experience I can look back on.

Being Irish I've always want to learn Uilleann pipes. You've got amazing talent and It's great to see people keeping their heritage alive through music, especially outside of Scotland and Ireland.

10 out of 10 video! Thank you for explaining "striking the bag." I've always wondered what exactly that initial squeeze was. Love the blooper at the end and dogs barking. 😂

The pipes played well are heaven on earth. As a ex British Army Veteran with distant Scottish roots I have been blessed with not only serving with some remarkable pipers while stationed in the north east of England near Newcastle I was introduced to the Northumberland pipes. They had a distinctive but slightly deferent tone. On several occasions we had groups of pipers from Scotland. Ireland and Northumberland all together with the love of traditional music

This was a fantastic explanation. I love the enthusiasm and motivation just bursting out of her.

Excellent explanation of a complex instrument. Thanks! It's so cool that a young person is playing the bagpipe!

One of my favorite parts of attending the NH Highland Games in the fall is the constant bagpiping. I knew sort of how they worked but not in depth. Showed the great differences and some similarities with my saxophones. Thanks, Ally!

As a musician, I greatly appreciated this video. Like others have commented, I too understand reed instruments, however, I never fully knew how a bagpipe worked, so thanks.

Thanks Ally. I am an aerospace engineer that is learning the tenor sax. You explained the operation perfectly! I understood the operation of the reservoir and the check valve but was always curious about where the sound was actually produced. Thanks again, you make it look so easy!

A long time ago my father was in the Australian Army during WW II. He loved marching to the sound of the pipes. He liked brass bands too but he found the sound and rhythm of the pipes much better to march too. His family originated in Scotland but many generations before he was born. Perhaps that's where his love of the pipes came from? Mike in Oz

The dogs barking always gets me! 😂 wonderful demonstration!

As someone that’s never really been around bag pipes other then watching this video, 95% of how I thought worked was right Only thing I didn’t know was the flapper valve and it made sense instantly to me Keep up the good work

Cool video. Always wondered how big pipes worked. So basically a big woopie cushion with 4 outlets. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain everything in the video, gives a whole new perspective of how it works and continued props for all you do

Amazing that the books I fought from the College of Piping 20+y years ago never covered moisture control, but now the the internet and players like you willing to share information (you'd be surprised how stand off-ish some players and bands are, especially when new pipers have questions/issues/difficulties). Thanks for the overview!

There is just something real lovely about a great bagpipe player. It really is super soothing to me. I love listening to covers on bagpipe

I just can't stop watching you. It's nice to hear you just talking.

Thank you for the information Ally. After decades of wanting to learn, I'm finally taking the plunge, a local Pipes and Drums group practices near my house, so after talking with them I purchased a chanter, and they are going to take me under their wing as I start the journey. Good luck on your tour, and keep up the great work!

DID YOU KNOW I'M GOING ON TOUR?? TICKETS HERE: miaxally.com 10.25 - Albany, NY - The Egg 10.26 - NYC, NY - Gramercy Theatre VIP 10.29 - Hopewell, VA - Beacon Theatre 10.30 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle Tavern 10.31 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm 11.2 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits 11.5 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues 11.7 - San Antonio, TX - Sam’s Burger Joint 11.8 - Dallas, TX - Deep Ellum Art Co. 11.9 - Oklahoma City, OK - Beer City Music Hall 11.10 - Kansas City, MO - Voodoo Lounge 11.12 - St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall 11.13 - Louisville, KY - Headliner’s Music Hall 11.15 - Knoxville, TN - Bijou Theatre 11.16 - Cincinnati, OH - Ludlow Garage 11.17 - Nashville, TN - Eastside Bowl 11.18 - Atlanta, GA - City Winery 11.20 - Washington, DC - Union Stage 11.21 - Philadelphia, PA - Ardmore Music Ha 11.22 - Amherst, MA - The Drake

Excellent. I have been wondering but not to the point of Googling it. Having a KZfaqr I am subscribed to make this explanation means it falls into my lap (yes I am as lazy as I can get away with) and I know I already enjoy the prior content. This was simple and well explained (which means even I understood it!) and deserves many views. Looking forward as always to more takes on contemporary music on the bagpipe as well as the traditional tunes. Thank you for your music and playful videos. Long may you pipe!

My introduction to rockin bagpipes was AC/DC. "It's a Long Way to the Top if You Wanna Rock n Roll"!! Love, prosperity, and continuous adventure to you!

Knew about the breathing, but the bit about grace notes and decoration covering changes in pressure was enlightening. Thank you!

It’s awesome to learn about things from other cultures like your bagpiping. I am on a semi pro curling team in Utah, and not very many people give things this a try or even learn about. I love your stuff. Keep it up!

Outstanding explanation of the fundamental technical aspects of the bagpipes! Thank You Ally!

I don't really like bagpipe music and thus never listen to it (on purpose), but I stumbled onto this video and watch from beginning to end with mild fascination, surprisingly. You explained it really well and I actually learned something. Thank you, I enjoyed it a lot. You did great. 👍

Thank you! I’m sharing this to our band page for the parents of our new pipe students. Keep up all the great content.❤

Very well presented and thanks. I do love your work and you are a very good teacher, keep at it Girl. your passion for the pipes and music in general is very obvious.

The only question I ever had, was why you have to smack the bag, and that got answered now :) (and you're right that I didn't *know* about that valve, but I guessed/assumed something is there to keep the air in) My girlfriend thought that it's fake when bagpipers take breaths but the instrument keeps making sound. I then explained to her: imagine blowing up a balloon and then hold it open ever so slightly so that it squeeks. That's similar to a bagpipe.... You can take breaths while blowing up the balloon because you close the end off. When you open it a bit, the air escapes and makes sound, without you having to blow at all at that moment. And then she said sorry for being wrong, and that she understood ;)

This was awesome to watch! Your passion and enthusiasm are incredibly evident!

Thank you. I started lessons many years ago but then moved and never got back to it, so I never graduated from the chanter. This is very informative as I consider restarting my bagpipe journey at almost 62 years old. Love your music!!

Very well presented ally and you're a mighty player too, been playing quite a while now and it's good to have you explain about this war instrument

I'd love to see a video about what all those synthetic parts were made out of hundreds of years ago, I think that would be interesting.

Ally. Thank you for the crash course and overview. I have been playing saxophone since 4th grade. I understand a different reed instrument than the oboe or bassoon. Understanding the air pressure helps to see why you can play while not continuously blowing air in. Thank you for your amazing videos that you take the time to create.

Have always been intrigued with bagpipes and you have explained it very well. Thank you for that. Beyond that, you make everything so fun! You are amazing!

Wow thanks Ally for the lesson on how bagpipes work would love to to see more videos like this from you keep up the great work 👍

Fantastic tutorial, thank you Ally!

Ally, thanks for the education. I have always appreciated bagpipes, but have never known anything about the inner workings. It is great to see a young person such as yourself honoring this ancient, wonderful instrument. You are very talented!

I’ve never embraced my Scottish heritage…. And I find myself interested in learning the bagpipes so then I find your channel. Thank you for this great video.

Interesting. I played trumpet in high school so it was cool to learn about the bag pipes. I never realized you can’t tongue to separate notes. Now that I think back of all the music I’ve heard on pipes I’m like yeah duh. Just never realized. Thanks

This video is so cool! Im a transverse flutist that have been intrested in learning bagpipes since forever and now i’ve pretty much decided i have to! Thank you!

There is so much science to this instrument; much more than meets the eye. You are awesome and so happy that you connected with Mia!

Many years ago when my kids were in elementary school, they still had "Band" My 7 year old son ended up playing the trombone. When we asked our 5 year old daughter what she wanted to play, she didn't know the term for bagpipes, but she demonstrated by huffing and puffing and flapping her arm like it was a wing. My wife and I were confused for a little while, then she said they were at the renaissance fair when we went. Of course one of us remembered the bagpipes. Unfortunately lessons were not available in our area, and it was just a passing thought. She never did play an instrument, and she is 44 now. Just a remembered story from my past i thought I would share with you. I really like the bagpipes, and always stop to watch them at the renaissance fair every year. I watch a lot of the Scottish Parades on KZfaq and enjoy the drummers and the pipers. Thank you for your videos, I enjoy them.... and I have to say that was an impressive amount of medals you had in the background....

being Scottish and hearing the bagpipes always makes me feel patriotic. it kinda goes hand in hand with kilts, castles and haggis. 😆 randomly recommended to your channel by KZfaq a few months ago and been addicted ever since. ✊

Always had a passing interest in bagpipes, this is the perfect primer. Informative 'and' entertaining. A hard combo to cobble together. Bravo.

I’ve always wondered how the bagpipes actually worked. Thank you for this in depth explanation and the lovely diagram. It all makes so much more sense now. I love your music. Keep doing what you do! 10/10

This is awesome, I have a lot of Irish and Scottish heritage but too far to have real ties, really getting into learning more, picked up the tin whistle because I found your channel

Ok i wan to see a video where you try and wear all your medals and walk around now. See if you can handle being weighed down by your own greatness.

Иногда волынка мне кажется каким-то инопланетным организмом, которому приятно, когда его гладят и легко стучат по брюшку :)) тогда он начинает издавать необычные, но приятные музыкальные звуки :)

I am so glad to have found your youtube presence, having seen you countless times on TikTok! As an older person, I live by the adage that one must learn something new today, and you have provided a very interesting, and informative piece of learning for me today! Many thanks!

I’ve never had so much appreciation for the intricacies of the bagpipes, nor have I ever been so enamored with a bagpipe player. Super cool stuff young rockstar!

I absolutely loved the video! I literally live for learning new and exciting things and very much appreciated the informative and entertaining video! You have a wonderful personality and a true gift and talent for the Highland pipes! Thank you for sharing this with everyone!

My grandfather who was Irish decent use listen to the Blackwatch on old albums. I kept a copy on cassette while living in the barracks. When other would play their "music" too loud for too long I would through the cassette in and let it do it's thing. "Modern warfare" in a sense. I do not listen to the bagpipes as much as I used to except here. Very entertaining and informational. Keep up the great work.

When I started, it was common to use the leather from the tongue off an old pair of shoes for the flapper valve. It had to be chewed for a while to make it soft and pliable enough to work. For a while, I used my tongue to stop the return of air up the blowpipe. I’m so glad someone invented the lil Mac and moose type valves!

hey Ally, came across you from youtube shorts. as a half celtic myself i have had a facination with the pipes too. you have a great tone and love listening to you play as part of my wind-down routine. keep up the great work.

Thank you for this video of the bagpipes, as you were explaining the valves & moisture control it made huge sense. Can't believe I never gave it much thought. Thank you again & just want to say, you Rock young lady.

Late to the party, but thank you so much for explaining this! I've always wondered how the whole thing worked, and now I have even more massive respect for your talent & skill. Much admiration from Northern Ontario, Canada!

Thank you for this video. Your videos come up in my feed from time to time and I have been wondering exactly how the pipes work, and what role the mouth piece plays. This video answered all of my questions.

You are awesome, bag pipes can sound really great . You make yours sing and that’s real talent 😊

I Enjoy when a Musician takes the Time to Explain their Craft. Especially when it's One of the Most Interesting and Misunderstood Instruments. I Never Tire of the Sound of the Pipes 💚 🔥🤘

Sounds like the pipes I played in Cadets way bag in the 90’s needed some modern improvements and repair. Kept my practice chanter. I suppose “You’re the Voice” John Farnham, “Run Run Away” Slade , or “Big Country” Big Country are too low hanging fruit? Btw your “Flowers of the forest” brought a tear. 🫡 Respect.

Well done, I played the pipes for years when I was younger, still love the pipes but then I am mostly a Scott, 3rd generation. great teaching aid. I may have to start playing again.

I appreciate your insight and dedication to your passion for the pipes❤.

Thanks for this video!! I had no real idea that the pipes are/were that technical/complicated. Some of the explanations (at least to me) were “wow I didn’t think of that but it’s so obvious now that you mention it” Thanks again for putting this out, I really enjoyed learning this!!

I am ex Canadian Army and whenever I hear the pipes I stop what I am doing and pay attention. I can hear them at seems like miles away. Very powerful.

I'm 64 and never knew how a bagpipe functioned, thanks dear, that was very informative. You play beautifully.

Ally thank you for adding to my knowledge of the way the pipes work. Still trying to decide if I want to learn them.

Outstanding explanation of a topic I've always wondered about but never sought. I'm glad I waited to learn from you.

Fascinating! Thank you for explaining why you strike the bag. I had wondered why you did it.

Thank you! Fascinating look into the inner workings of the instrument.

The pipes have fascinated me since childhood. Never knew how they worked, until now. Thanks for posting this! Something about the sound really gets me. Probably has to do with my bloodlines, I'm a Mc. That's my theory and I'm sticking with it.

We Love you Ally, all the losers who would question your craft should try, actually try to do something half as difficult. Keep up the good work Lady!

What a great explanation! My dad is Scottish, so I appreciate the bagpipes. Great video!

Incredible that I came across this video today! My father passed away 2 weeks ago & I will be getting his pipes, as well as a full Highland outfit with our hunting tartan on the kilt and all the regalia. I do plan on giving the pipes a try, thanks Ally!!

Nice one. I was at a Burns Supper last night here in Scotland, and despite the many years I've been listening to the pipes, I realised that I know very little about them. Thanks for this.

Thank you Ally for this little instruction video I feel smarter now. I do Love the sound of the Bag pipe. May you have a good one. Have fun take care

Fantastic explanation - thank you! I had a rudimentary understanding before (just that you fill the bag from your lungs and your arm squeezes it out) - but this video was both educational and interesting! 😊

Thank you for taking the time to explain! Create content and production. Keep up the beautiful work.

Wonderful detailed explanation of how to play the bagpipes Ally. I love the bagpipes, they make such beautiful music and you are amazing at them!

Very well spoken 👏! You are a wonderful teacher, just another amazing talent that you have.

Thank you Ally I as a Brit love the pipes and you are one reason they won't be left in the past

Ally dear, thank you for the video on the pipes. I love the sound! Music is something I do most everyday, I've loved music all my 69 years! I love the intro

This was even more fascinating than I thought. Also, my Glaswegian Grandma adored bagpipe music. Thanks, KZfaq, for the suggestion. And thank you, creator, for sharing some of what you know.

Thank you very much for the enlightening video! I've just recently decided to learn how to play the bagpipe and it's really giving to watch and learn from videos like this. Thank you very much!

Love your music & so does my little boy. There isn’t anything like hearing some pipes to hit those emotions

You are delightful and a good teacher in the process. I descend from the MacCutchen clan and I do love to hear the pipes. Thank you for this interesting teaching. Bruce Howard, MG

Thank you - loved the pipes for years - a simple explanation of how they work.

Ally, well done and informative. I have to admit I had always associated bagpipes with funerals but after seeing your Freebird video I have a whole new perspective. Amazing cover of a classic. Looking forward to your upcoming show at the Wescott.

Great description, I am actually learning pipes and am just about to order my first set. Going with Wallace. I love how to make piping fun, keep it up!

I just stumbled across your channels. Amazing work and THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge!

That crash course made me appreciate guys, who could tackle full Eightsome Reel on bagpipes so much more

Absolutely incredible as I watch. My uncle left me his pipes. I pick them up tomorrow. I have played many instruments just always had some fear of the pipes. But, I love the sound

I great and well explained intro to how the bag pipes work Ally. This video complements the tuning scale one very well and is a happy education for me. Well done!

Great video I love the bag pipes just celebrated Robbie Burns birthday with some great bag pipers playing traditional Scottish songs

Who cares what people think; do what you do cause you love it. Imo your craft is impeccable 👍🏻

Thanks! I always wondered how bagpipes worked! Love the sound....love your music!

I have been wondering and trying to find the answer as to why you strike the bag before you play. I in fact was just looking this morning trying to find the answer, and here it is! Thank you. I'm a bagpipe fan, but I know nothing about him until today :-) so thank you. Your music is awesome, I and a big fan of Irish Celtic Scottish type of music. So thank you for this video! Well done

Such a fascinating instrument, you explained it so well

Amazing. I was expecting to jump quickly but you made me stay the full length!! Fascinating