Chapter 4 - Embellishments

Besides gracenotes, the bagpipes have no way to separate notes. Unlike other woodwind instruments or string instruments, we can’t tongue or bow our notes to produce articulation and expression. On top of that, we have no dynamic range, meaning we can only play one volume (loud!). For these reasons, one might be tempted say that the bagpipe is a restrictive instrument.

However, our restrictions force us to be truly creative with the tools we have, and one of the aspects of piping that is most creative is the system of embellishments that we utilize in our music.

Embellishments are common groups of gracenotes that we use to produce effects in our playing. They produce complex, unique rhythms, and rich textures in our music. When properly used, embellishments can give us far more interesting articulations than other well known instruments.

Here are the 16 Classic Tunes you will learn in Chapter 4, Fully Embellished:

Scot's wa' Hae, Amazing Grace, Going home, Robin Adair, Minstrel Boy, Rowan Tree, Wings, Scotland the Brave, Bonnie Galloway, Green Hills of Tyrol, When the Battle's O'er, Steamboat, Bonnie Dundee, High Road to Gairloch, Murdo's Wedding, Lochanside