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Tin Whistle Basics

Music > Tin Whistle

The Tin Whistle has two parts.

The Mouthpiece: This is where you blow gently into.

The Stem: This has 6 holes to put your fingers over.

4 things to remember when playing the tin whistle;

1. You use the first 3 fingers on each hand to play.

2. You put your left hand fingers over the top 3 holes and you right hand fingers over the bottom 3 holes. (we never use our little fingers)

3. You must always blow very lightly into the mouthpiece - it's more breathing than blowing.

4. Each finger must fully cover each of the holes when playing.


Beginning to Play


  • We use the letters of the alphabet to name the musical notes.


  • We use the letters A, B, C, D, E, F and G.


  • After the note G, we go back to A again.


  • We use a "D" Tin Whistle, which means that when you cover all 6 holes and blow gently through it, you play the note D.


  • The Scale of D is like walking up the Musical Stairs.


  • The Scale is D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D'




Copyright Karl Ó Broin | karlobroin@gmail.com

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