Getting Started Playing a Low D Whistle

In today's video we begin the process of learning to play the low D whistle. I am using my Howard Low D.

We learn how to hold the whistle, placing our fingers over the holes, and playing our first notes.

From here we play, play, play.

#Lowdwhistle
#irishwhistle
#Learnlowdwhistle

[decuevas]

Just received a "Dixon" low D. Ive searched for the sound in recorders, whistles, and thought the flute would give me that low earthy tone. My sister in law suggested the low d whistle. Man! That was the sound ive been after for 40 yrs!!!! I got fluent on the d whistle, and the change to a low d is far more than i anticipated.
Im completely greatful to have found you!!! Definitely worth a sub!!! Looking forward to your approach and teaching capacity. Thank you so much!!! 66carpenter

[sherry.berry.]

My first low D arrives in the mail in a few days, so excited! I've really been enjoying your low whistle journey series :)

[IsaHa-vs]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I'm a absolute beginner with low D whistle and your videos help me so much. It's very nice to accompany you on your journey, it gives me the feeling of not beeing alone on my own low D travel :)

[horned_Eschelon]

I just 3d printed a low d whistle. This really helped :) thank you

[pollyon]

ahh refreshing, i remember the constant squeaky hole phase, it passes faster than you think, but every now and then it reminds you not to relax too much

[dymphnaoherlihy]

Thank you so much. I found the d whistle so hard to play. I found your video brillant. I'm practising and practising

[antonvf]

Im about to receive my howard whistle- the exact same one you have, i so appreciate you sharing this! a question: as a sax player how is the use of breath and embouchure different on the low whistle? best wishes!

[karenringer]

Well I love the big D whistle . And my little hands don't reach the holes I have tried .
I play the flute . But just manage that .
I know you can use the puoees grip ?

[Argyll]

Glad to see you're having as much trouble as me blowing the low D. One look making you think this is going to be kids stuff. One blow and you'll know how important and if I may say so, critical breath control is on this simple looking instrument.

[kimlamb]

Not sure if you will see this comment. I am new to whistling and for yucks had the opportunity to buy a Whistlesmith Low D for $30. Can you tell me your impression of the Whistlesmith for someone with small hands? I am able to get notes to play and even the 2nd octave.

[aradaevyre]

My biggest problem is going from B to second octave d bc i need to put all my fingers at the right places down quickly and they usually dont cover all the holes so that dreaded squeak commences

[SamirCCat]

Great video, thank you for the grip explanation! I'm a girl who played a lot of classical music and in ensembles with my recorders as young, so I feel very home in the flute department - but with this new low whistle I just received in the mail, I can hardly play the Ds because of my fingers! I will continue trying to modify the grip, but it just ends up hurting and cramping. I'm so used to playing on smaller whistles and recorders where my fingers know exactly what to do and the drills come naturally. It seems like I need to learn to play the flute all over again, with new grips (Es and Ds)?? I even tried using the little finger for the last hole on D, but that messes me up completely and confuses my muscle memory greatly. How long will it take to learn a new grip when you're used to smaller flutes?

[jamesfogerty]

Hi, can you suggest a simple tune to start with? Kind of have “amazing grace “down, and just playing around trying some things… don’t read music, just listen.. thanks

[sasadjakovic]

Dear sir, I received my low d whistle today and I am interested in the sheet music for this instrument (do-re-mi...etc.) if you can help me. thank you very much

[marthaloss]

What should I do since I have very small hands and have trouble using piper grip with my right hand on the lower holes?