Crossing Noises

by Danny Vaughn
(United States)

Question:

I have a problem with crossing noises, as much time as I spend trying to correct this problem it still occurs. I normally do not hear it when I play, but the Judges do. Is there a better way to practice between E and D, a tune or exercise that would help with this problem. And, C doublings. The judges are of the opinion that my G grace note on C is not quite where it should be. I do practice on the areas they suggest but I still get gigged. Help!

Bills Reply:

Thank you, Danny, for your inquiry. When playing from D to E and back it is necessary to think and practice of the lifting motions i.e. from D what are the lifting finger? Yes, they are the upper hand E finger and the lower hand little finger. Hold a second or two then replace together the remaining three fingers of the lower hand. Returning to D is the opposite fingering - What note are you going to? Yes, it's the D, therefore the essential lifting first is of the lower hand D forefinger with the other finger together (thinking mainly of the forefinger clearance high enough with the other fingers), then replace the E finger and the lower hand little finger. Hold and repeat methodically/steadily until confident and speed up the exchanges thinking of the essential fingers that must lift cleanly to avoid unwanted crossing sounds and forefinger slurs.

High G grace note is most important in Piping to have it always clean and clear whether singly as in cuttings, tachums, straight on a note, or in doublings, G, D, E etc. Lateness of execution is a common bad fault that gives the impression of having fluffy fingering.

I suggest you look into out web site and click "Bagpipe Lessons". Scroll well down when opened until you get to fingering of single intervals D to E especially all on its own, then farther down to G grace notes single intervals and doublings both lower hand and upper hand (that has D to E with high G grace note) - all shown methodically and as played to help. There are more in that section too. To find some of the videos you have to look across the screen for the relevant heading.

Consider ordering my interactive DVD appropriate.

Best wishes,

Bill Robertson