Practice chanter

**porrick** · 11th April 06, 06:20 AM

I know there are bagpipe forums, but nothing beats X Marks for speedy replies

I have just started out on the prcatice chanter, and with no previous experience of playing any instrument, I am quite happy with getting through Amazing Grace after a couple of weeks.
But, I can't get through more than two or three phrases before my lips pack it in.

I have plenty of air, but how can I build up stamina for my lips?

Thanks

**chasem** · 11th April 06, 06:32 AM

I would assume it's like any other wind instrument...

...practice practice practice!

**auld argonian** · 11th April 06, 07:03 AM

I'm not sure what you mean by "stamina for my lips"...I can tell you that, when playing the transverse flute, I have found myself "clenching" and becoming prematurely tired and achy in the face muscles as well as the fingers...relaxing and concentrating on tone is the only way that I can relieve this problem. I currently have a really crappy chanter (it was a misguided gift...I'll probably buy a Dunbar chanter sometime soon) and it isn't worth the time it takes to pick it up and blow in it...I'm sure that you have a decent one and that the instrument isn't the problem.

A while back I learned about something called "The Alexander Technique" which is a sort of lining up, relaxing and being conscious of your posturer in any activity that you engage in...I'm by no means an expert in this technique but just reading some of the basics has helped me to find ways to avoid unnecessary stress and discomfort while doing all sorts of things. Our Australlian and NZ members might know more about Alexander as he was a big noise down under and was, I believe, in politics down there.

Anyway, I hope that the solution to your discomfort is something as simple as being aware of it and consciously trying to relax. I've had friends that are guitarists that have had their chiropractors analyze the way that they play and adjust things like arm position and strap length and they have all found that it has helped relieve stress considerably.

Mellow out, man....BE the chanter.....grooovy!

Best

AA

**Iolaus** · 11th April 06, 08:01 AM

Like Chasem said, Practice, practice, practice. Your lips aren't used to having to grip something, so the muscles in your embouchure are having to develope from scratch - think of it like working out, or running; you can only do so much at first, but with regular practice, you get better.

I play the concert flute. I'm getting back into it after a twenty year hiatus (I used to be very good), and I'm suffering from the same thing; after so long, my lips just lose it, and I can't focus the air for that upper range anymore.

**Macman** · 11th April 06, 08:46 AM

Porrick, I've been on the practice chanter for about a year, and I have found the same thing as you. I've just gotten real pipes, and it's the same issue. For me, the lips are the limiting factor. I practice for as long as I can, and by the end I'm blowing more air out the sides than down the chanter/blowpipe. All I can say from my limited experience is that if you just keep at it, gradually your embouchure gets stronger and stronger. I sometimes approach it like weight training: practice until your lips fail, take a 30 or 60 second break, then go at it again; practice, fail, then break, etc. Good luck!

**highlander_Daz** · 11th April 06, 08:48 AM

As far as the PC goes Id reccomend that you make it a priority to practice your scale once up and down and rest a second, listen for passing notes
this will start to make your lips stronger, then practice G Grace note befor your melody note, practice the whole scale with G grace note then D then E resting in between, each run. Forget AG, practice the scale, grace notes and doublings from every melody note, until you crack this you wont progress, and youll be that busy concentrationg you wont notice your lips!! make sure you have a couple of seconds break before you perform each excercise. PM me if you need more advice

**Kilted KT** · 11th April 06, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by porrick

I know there are bagpipe forums, but nothing beats X Marks for speedy replies

I have just started out on the prcatice chanter, and with no previous experience of playing any instrument, I am quite happy with getting through Amazing Grace after a couple of weeks.
But, I can't get through more than two or three phrases before my lips pack it in.

I have plenty of air, but how can I build up stamina for my lips?

Thanks

I've a practice chanter myself, but nothing to show me how to play it. What are you using to learn to play, a book, a DVD, a mail-away scot tutor?

**highlander_Daz** · 11th April 06, 09:22 AM

Kilted you need to find a teacher, or you can get a good dvd off ebay, dont try and teach yourself -please

**Kilted KT** · 11th April 06, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by highlander_Daz

Kilted you need to find a teacher, or you can get a good dvd off ebay, dont try and teach yourself -please

don't worry about that. A few minutes into trying to figure it out I realized that I had a better chance of attracting a rogue moose than playing music...

**Colin** · 11th April 06, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Kilted KT

don't worry about that. A few minutes into trying to figure it out I realized that I had a better chance of attracting a rogue moose than playing music...

There are some good sources of teachers around. PM me a location and I will see what I can turn up.

I was supposed to start lessons this month, but my teacher had to move away for work. So I am looking for either a new teacher, or a fiddle teacher. I have never played an instrument (except the recorder in elemetry school) so i just want to learn right now.