Matt your passion, energy and enjoyment of teaching is amazing. Keep up the amazing work. Many of us can’t wait for the next episode.

I'm a great believer that learning to play small pipes (incl fireside/folk pipes) greatly assists in understanding how to keep the chanter and drones "steady" when playing the GHP's. This applies to mouth blown as well as bellows small pipes. Learning small pipes has really helped me keep the sound even on the bagpipes regards balancing bag pressure and blowing strength (even when pausing to take breaths) along the chanter scale..

Thanks a lot for your video Matt. I just got mine besides my bagpipes classes, your tips are great and helpful. Cheers from France (Bretagne)

Bravo. Thank you Matt for the videos I've finally ordered a set of practice pipes because there are now quality lessons on KZfaq. Your instructions are clear, comprehensive, detailed and not boring. I wish the best for the success of your channel. Live long and prosper!

The smallpipes sound amazing, especially when playing amazing grace.Have a good day

Looking forward to this one as I just got a set of Gibson smallpipes. Been playing them for a week and wow what a difference it is than highland pipes.

You inspired me to get some Hardie practice pipes and I love them. Thank you! 😊👍

I bought the twist trap practice pipes last fall im just starting to use them im so glad I got to see what I have being used thanks

For me best bagpipe session ever!!! Keep going on. Will go for the Hardie as next step from my no drone goose chanter. Nice the A tuning.

I am loving your videos Matt. You are definitely helping me on my journey from chanter to pipes!

Perfect timing for me. You are a great teacher.

Matt, Love what you do to help us become better pipers. Aloha! 🤙

Another excellent video Matt. I don't have either small or practice pipes but the video was really interesting on bag placement and other technique for the GHB.

The RSL Memorial Pipes and Drums Townsville, Australia, is developing a 'Small Pipes' Corps with Bodhran Drum support so that we can provide a concert inside where the GHB is not suited to be played. Your Video has helped me to better understand the small pipes and the benefits that it provides in the transition to the GHB. Thank you so much.

Great video. Clear explanation. Just recieved my twist trap. Love it already.

Thanks so much for this video. It was both very helpful and confirming. I was planning to order a set of folkpipes later in the week, so it was also very timely. You hit pretty much every reason I made the decision--can play them in the house and around family and friends without blowing them out, an excellent practice instrument that can actually sound like an instrument, a major and appropriate next step from the practice chanter that develops the various skills needed to not only play these, but the GHBs. I'm also interested in playing with other instruments, especially at church, so pipes in A make that simpler. I would appreciate a video specific to the folkpipes, like your McCallums, that detail a bit more about setup and maintenance if you would. Many thanks for this, and the time you put into all the videos you prepare for us. Much appreciated! Steve

Recently discovered your channel and I’m hooked! I’ve been out of the bagpipe game for awhile but picked them back up. Keep up the great work my friend!

Thanks Matt. I have a set of Hardy Practice pipes. Love them. I have learned a lot from you.

Thank you. Super helpful! It seems like I need to do some blowing exercises.

I have Gibson ceilidh smallpipes and yes struggling. This has been a very informative video and I find myself putting away my pipes to play the chanter. Thanks Matt very much.

Matt, Thanks so much! I’m think of transitioning soon to my Walsh small pipes and this lesson has lessened some of my fears!

This has been really helpful. Thank you!

I really love my mouth blown McCallum Blackwood Folk Pipes, they have the fit and feel of the big pipes and they are very comfortable to play. They are especially nice for some of us old geezers. When I get to the point I cant blow these I have a set of Fred Morrison bellow small pipes "LOL"

This was one of your best video. Strongly recommend it as all the setup tips here are great for the GHB-principles are largely the same. It’s resonance theory. Brilliantly done.

Great comment about the blowing nuance - I recently bought a set of practice pipes but I was worried about them cutting out so often, without realizing I was probably over-blowing them using my old GHB habits. Working much better now that I'm focusing on getting the right balance.

Thanks so much! I actually just ordered a set of Walsh shuttle pipes - but I’m still struggling with sight reading on my practice chanter. I’m using the delivery date, many weeks from now of my shuttle pipes as the motivation for me to practice multiple times a day and be ready!! 💪🏼

You are the man Matt! Would love to see a video transitioning from the GHB to reel pipes.

Just ordered the Twist Trap. Now for the lessons. Will contact you

I recommend Piper’s Choice Kitchen Pipes. Great price and a wonderful, dignified sound. Made in Canada 🇨🇦

I’ll be watching this video lots!! my d all pipes are in the mail, after 8 months on my practice chanter, I’m a bit scared, but also looking forward to this progression. Thanks so much!

Have been searching and searching (with no luck) for videos exactly like this for transitioning from pc. Please make a video for transitioning from small pipes to Highland pipes. Thank you!

Thanks so much, I love the easy listening and sweet sounds of the small pipes, while the war pipes can be a bit harsh and too piercing. I'm really hoping this time around I can really learn how to play my shuttle pipes

Hi Matt, I'm really enjoying your content! I learned to play GHB about 20 years ago, but didn't keep it up because it's just not a great instrument for playing in the house and I was never that interested in joining a band or competing. More in it just for the personal satisfaction. I picked up a Blair digital chanter a couple of years ago and have been quite enjoying that, but recently I've been considering purchasing a set of Scottish smallpipes, such as the Fred Morrison Smallpipe. Partly based on your previous review, I picked up a set of the RG Hardie TT Practice Pipes to get back into the feel of a real bag before spending big bucks on a full set of smallpipes. I just received them a couple of days ago, so this video is timely! My first impression upon playing them for a bit is that the tenor drone seems very overpowering, just with where it lies so close to my right ear. So much so that it's hard to hear the low A from the chanter even. This isn't noticeable in any recordings I've heard as the mic is set back for a more balanced sound from the chanter and drones. I'm just wondering if this is something that you've experienced too, and if you might have any tips on how to hear a more balanced sound when playing? Also, is this just something to expect from all "across the chest" type smallpipe drone setups? Cheers.

Hello Matt ! My twist-trap is just arrived yesterday. I'm happy to find your video, I will test your tips about according the drones without the bag. This one empties itself immediately when the drones began to "moo" like a suffering animal. And my arm seems too short to catch the chanter ! It's a long way to twist-traping....

Great info I have the maclellan studio pipes and can never seem to get em in tune

"Hot take" You forgot the sunglasses and the pickup truck.

​Thanks for the vid Matt, the loudness of my Practice Chanter even is a bit of an issue with my neighbors. I have really been considering the Blair digital chanter... but now wonder if Smallpipes are more of an important next step.

Hi Matt, I very much enjoy your video, sometimes my mouth gets so tired that I can't bring my lips to come together to fill bag with air, all the air kind goes around mouthpiece, I must admit I don't practice often, is that why? This happens while I am still tuning the drones after switching and fixing reeds. Is there a way, to overcome it? Or what would you suggest besides practice, practice and practice? Thanks..

Good morning Matt, I just got my Hardie practice pipes, thank you for recommending them. I'm sure you have answered this question already but I can't seem to find it. My drones are so loud that I can barely hear my chanter. What can I do to get this more in balance?

Hey Matt,that was a cool set. Where can I buy one?

Why do you recommend playing an E for the blowing exercise? I am getting a terrible high pitched squawk when the bag starts to deflate when only playing an E and I’m trying to figure out what it is that’s causing that. Have you also done a follow-up to this video? Thanks so much for all the instruction Matt, you are such an incredible teacher!

What kind of drone reeds are those because they come with the same reed as the chanter?

Hey Matt - curious if you have pros/cons between the McCallum Folk Pipes vs. Gibson Fireside pipes as the middle step between practice chanter and GHB. Also, with the Gibson Fireside pipes available in A and B-flat is there a benefit in getting a certain pitch besides "playing nice with others"? - Thanx!

Would it be best to get a practice goose or start with the highland pipes plugged?

Hi Matt, question…I have a set of mouth blown Walsh small pipes. How long should the bag last? I know the great highland pipes require a new bag periodically.

Matt are these pipes a good transition for kids to go from chanter to pipes?

I’m about to unleash my drones on my small pipes, well I have the tenor & bass open already, struggling to tune them ‘properly” can you use the braw tuner on smallpipes as it says GHP only/? I’m currently just using my “ear’ to tune to A. They’re the J Walsh smallpipes in A/E. I confess the drone tuning is the hardest thing & Im wondering if there is a “tool” to help. I don’t have an instructor, the local pipe band is not interested unless I want to learn GHP and, at this point that is not what I want. Just thought I’d ask, I watched this for my transition from pc to my pipes & it was of tremendous value; but my drones are sealed in the bag so I can’t tune it this way🙁

Hi Matt - I noticed that you have a rubber band around your bass dron reed - can you please tell us why have you decided to put it on there? Regards, Robert.

What is the name of that tuning app? I have a set of Walsh small pipes I’m tuning by ear.

How does the force of breath compare to ghb? I have played ghb since I was 14, but took a long break after having babies. I now have some health issues that prevent me from blowing with the amount pressure necessary for the ghb but I'm really missing it.

Can you tell me more about your tablet tuner / metronome

I usually have to sit down to play my Gibsons. Just because the difference in pressure.

Hi Matt! And do I have to take the reed out of the chanter at the end of the day? If yes, does this mean that I have to tune it prior every session?

1st-Matt thank you so much for all the amazing videos!! 2nd- For anyone who has any input. I enjoy playing the tune The Campbells Are Coming but i'm part of the MacDonald clan. Is this sacrilegious?

So for tuning: Twist Trap Practice Pipes Chanter low A= 440 Tenor drone plays A=440 Bass Drone plays A= 220? And for comparison, on the GHB Chanter low A = A at what frequency? The tenors are A? at what frequency ? And Bass is A? at what frequency? Thank you.

Hey Matt, question: I've had a set of Dunfion smallpipes for 15 years, and I've always had a frustrating problem with them. I'm a pretty wet blower, and that moisture seems to get on the flapper valve very quickly, which causes a seal to form between it and the blowpipe, which I have to blow harder to break. Of course this causes some very obviously unstable pressure. I have to take the blow pipe out and wipe away the moisture every few minutes. Any tips on how to fix this?

Is there a easy way to read and remember music notes

Hey matt, i have aquestion for you. With the mccallum folkpipes, my low g is tuned WAY to high while the rest is in tune. what do i need te do?

Matt, I’m interested as to your thoughts here. I’ve never had a “practice pipe” or “kitchen pipe” but it seems to me like they’re just a really cheap smallpipe with a nasal practice chanter tone. Would you tend to agree, or do you think that practice pipes have a use greater than just being the poor man’s smallpipe?

I’m getting ready to purchase either practice pipes? small pipes? shuttle pipes? my PC is a Walsh, and I live in Canada, but I’m not sure which to order. I don’t have a budget that will allow multiple purchases, would the McCallum folk pipes be “better” or Walsh small pipes? any help would be appreciated. I may never get to Highland pipes, so would the folk pipes be a better long term investment? I’m playing mostly for myself….thanks! this was very informative as are all your videos!

Matt, is there a big difference in the sound between the cane and plastic chanter reed? I want to try a cane but the price is too steep if the sound is too similar.

Thanks for the video. Have you ever had the problem, that the bass drone ist not long enough? I have to pull out so far that it nearly falls of…

lol I squishe my bag like a toy soldier with my right arm. Actually I am right handed when I swing around a pen in my hand. But I can not play the pipes on the right side, so that's why I am playing left handed, and don't know why.

I’ve just moved from chanter to highland pipe blowing. I wonder if I just don’t have the lung capacity, I just can’t seem to keep the pressure up.

Have you stopped providing sheet music, for the tunes that you play?

What's the tune in the intro?

The tenor drone on the simple mouthblown pipes you have here is just too loud. I can't understand why they went for practice chanter reeds. This does not work very well if the drones are as high as the chanter.

Cant get my chanter that came with pipes to tune at all set at 220 on braw went through all 3 reeds that came with pipes they were all all over the place nowhere near in tune, tried all 3 reeds. Drones would tune but not a chance with chamter, Even ordered 3 more red fraser reeds- still wont tune.Some of the reeds even have a have a raspy blown out sound at f and H G,sometimes H A as well. Im about to see the tings as junk to be honest Ive had a horrible experience with them. Glad others have had good luck....

A pellet rifle works good on annoying crows

I never knew Texas was made of cabbage.

Not sure how I feel about the stabbing yourself in the ribs analogy...I was stabbed there(right side) back in 89. Ruined my day.🤣