How Do You Play Uilleann Pipes?
The uilleann pipes take their name from the genitive form of the Irish word “uille” which means “elbow”. The pipes are attached to an air bag bellows strapped under the right arm and squeezed with the right elbow. This allows the player to maintain steady air pressure through the pipes. Uilleann pipes have a sweeter tone than other bagpipes and a wider range of notes, stretching two octaves including sharps and flats. The chanter provides melody notes supported by drones and regulators, giving uilleann pipes their unique character. Sit down in a chair and strap the bellows and air bag around your waist with the bellows under your right elbow so your elbow rests atop the bellows and can be played by squeezing your elbow against your ribs. It is virtually impossible to play the uilleann pipes standing up as you can with other types of bagpipes. Lay the drones and the regulators across your lap. The regulators are chanters that are either stopped or keyed with your wrists. Regulators make
