Scottish Highland bagpipe

musical instrument

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The Scottish Highland bagpipe is a wind instrument characterized by two or more pipes, one for melody (chanter) and others for sustained notes (drones). Wind is supplied to the bag by mouth or bellows, and played by arm pressure. Melodies are articulated with rapid, interpolated notes called gracing. While bagpipes have ancient origins and are found globally, the Scottish Highland bagpipe features a specific scale and was historically used for pastoral and festive occasions, later adopted for military use in the 18th century. It is a recognized symbol of Scottish culture, often heard at Highland games and ceilidhs.12

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bagpipe
The Scottish Highland bagpipe has two tenor drones and a bass drone, tuned an octave apart; its scale preserves traditional intervals foreign to European classical music. It was once, like other bagpipes, a pastoral and festive instrument; its military use with drums dates from the 18th…
Read More
The Scottish Highland bagpipe has two tenor drones and a bass drone, tuned an octave apart; its scale preserves traditional intervals foreign to European classical music. It was once, like other bagpipes, a pastoral and festive instrument; its military use with drums dates from the 18th…
Read More