Bagpipe Scale

Articles
March 17, 2024

The bagpipe, specifically the Great Highland Bagpipe, which is the most well-known type of bagpipes outside Scotland, typically uses a mixolydian scale.

The scale of the Great Highland Bagpipe has nine notes, ranging from G to A, one octave higher, with all the notes being natural except for F, which is sharp. Here’s how the scale looks:

Low G
Low A
B
C
D
E
F#
High G
High A

The bagpipe chanter (the melody pipe) does not have keys or valves, so the scale is fixed, and the chanter produces a continuous sound, with melody played by covering and uncovering the holes on the chanter. The mixolydian scale of the bagpipe gives it its distinctive sound, which is different from the major and minor scales commonly used in Western music.

The Mixolydian mode is common in non-classical harmony, such as folk, jazz, funk, blues, and rock music.

Kincardine Scottish Pipes Band

Pipeband

The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band celebrated its celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2008 and is believed to be the oldest street pipe band with unbroken service in Ontario. Founded in 1908, by Pipe Major William Young, the band first hit the street in late 1909 originally wearing the McKenzie Tartan and boasting a membership of 5 Pipers, 4 Drummers, and a Drum Major. For the first 20 years of their existence their ranks varied from 9-20 members and even included the renowned drummer, Albert Tucker, who had the honour of being chosen as the lead drum for the funeral of King Edward, in 1910.