Traditional Music >> The Scottish Whistle >> Tutorials >> Tutorial 2.3

The Scottish Whistle

Traditional Music

Whistle Tutorial - Lesson 2.3

The Upper Octave

We've now learned the high D, which is obtained by using the same fingering as low D, and blowing a bit harder. In fact all the notes higher than high D are obtained by the same method: simply blowing harder, and these notes are known as the upper octave. Now try sounding other notes in the upper octave: start off with D then blow high D; then E and high E, and so on (note: the high B is quite difficult at first, and can often sound grating).

In all the music examples that I give from now on, any note name in the upper octave will be marked with a small dot above it. This should help distinguish between the lower and upper octaves. Note that with the high B, the lowest hole is also covered. This is to steady the whistle and make it more secure in your hands. This fingering is also useful for the low B.