Irish vs Scottish Bagpipes
Bagpipes, the almost forgotten musical instrument with a haunting sound, are often associated with the highlands and the rustic lifestyle found there. There are two main types of bagpipes in existence: Irish and Scottish. Although they may appear similar to the untrained eye, there are several key distinctions that set these instruments apart from one another.
Key Takeaways
- The Irish bagpipes, also known as the Irish Uilleann Pipes, are considered the most elaborate bagpipe in the world and were developed during the 1700s.
- The Scottish bagpipes, developed between the 1500s and 1800s, are the most well-known bagpipe in the world.
- The Irish bagpipe is more complex than the Scottish bagpipe, playing more than two complete chromatic octaves, whereas the Scottish bagpipe plays only one octave.
Irish Bagpipe
The Irish bagpipe, also known as the Irish Uilleann Pipes, is considered the most elaborate bagpipe in the world. Developed during the 1700s, the Irish bagpipe has been referred to as the union pipe and the organ pipe in the past, with the current name Uilleann being derived from the Irish word for elbow. The Irish bagpipe is not blown by mouth but is inflated using bellows. Its most distinct characteristic is its chanter, which is capable of playing more than two complete chromatic octaves, while most bagpipes can only play one. It is relatively quiet, with the loudness of about two fiddles. Irish bagpipes also have three drones, but the most remarkable characteristic of the instrument is its three oboes or more, shaped in the form of 1-octave, 4- or 5-note harmony pipes with keys that are operated by the wrist, allowing several chords to be played in accompaniment. It is typically played seated with one leg lowered.
Scottish Bagpipe
The Scottish bagpipe, perhaps the most well-known bagpipe in the world, is believed to have been developed in the Gaelic-speaking, mountainous western islands and the highlands of Scotland roughly around the 1500s. It features one high-pitched chanter capable of playing a small fixed scale of about nine notes and three large drones, all of which are connected to the bag held under the arm that contains the air blown by mouth through the blowpipe. The drones are tuned to B-flat and play a single constant bass/treble tone. The scale of the Scottish bagpipe runs from A to A but includes one note below the scale as well, usually a G or a 7th. Originally, Scottish bagpipes were used to play lengthy and slow pieces known as “Piobaireachd” or “pibroch,” colloquially referred to as “piper stuff.”
Difference Between Irish and Scottish Bagpipes
There is often confusion between the Irish and Scottish bagpipes, two of the most prominent bagpipes in the world, due to the limited knowledge about these instruments.
- The Irish bagpipes were developed in the 1700s, while the Scottish bagpipes were developed between the 1500s and 1800s.
- The Irish bagpipes play more than two complete chromatic octaves, while the Scottish bagpipes play only one octave.
- The Irish bagpipe is more elaborate and complex than the Scottish bagpipe and is known to be the most elaborate bagpipe in the world.
- However, the Scottish bagpipe is the most well-known bagpipe in the world.
- The Irish bagpipe is not blown by mouth but is inflated by bellows, while the Scottish bagpipe is blown by mouth.
