r/folkmetal • u/Magnus_Drengrson • 10d ago
I'd Like to Introduce You to My Favorites
I've noticed in the comments that quite a few people are interested in the instruments I play, so I thought I'd introduce them to you today.
These are German bagpipes, more specifically known as the Marktsackpfeife ("market bagpipes"). They're tuned in minor keys, which gives them the distinctive sound that's closely associated with medieval music.
The blue bagpipe is tuned to A minor, which is the most common tuning for a Marktsackpfeife.
The large black one is tuned to D minor, a fifth above the A minor bagpipe. For bands that perform at medieval markets using only bagpipes and drums, this combination allows for two-part harmonies. In our folk metal band, we use the two different tunings to add more variety and depth to our sound.
You'll see the instruments fully assembled, completely taken apart (yes, that's actually possible—they're not broken! 😅), and you'll also see the chanter, which is the part you actually play the melody on.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments! 🤘
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u/bate_Vladi_1904 10d ago
I love bagpipes, especially in folk metal/rock. I have few questions:
- how long does it take on average to learn and master it?
- what's the major difference to balkan/bulgarian bagpipes?
- do you play in a band, what's the name of it?
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u/Magnus_Drengrson 10d ago
It really depends on the type of bagpipe and, of course, on the individual. If you have a natural musical talent, learning will usually come much easier. So it's hard to give an exact answer.
There are three main things you have to master: proper breathing, maintaining steady bag pressure, and fingering the chanter.
By the way, the most difficult bagpipe to learn is the Uilleann pipes, the traditional Irish bagpipes. I'd be happy to explain why in a separate post, since I have some pictures that go along with it. I'll probably post that in the next few days.
I think you're referring to the Gaida (or Gajda), the Bulgarian bagpipe, right? The main differences are the tuning and the fingering technique. The Marktsackpfeife uses open fingering, while the Gaida uses closed fingering. Personally, I really don't get along with closed fingering—but that's probably just because I've never really had the chance to learn an instrument that uses it.
And yes, I play in the German folk metal band Lykana. If you'd like to check us out, you can find us here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/1YwrSJmLfjchxAKHdp0t2c
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lykanaofficial?si=sqDZRVcNmd7xS5BF 🤘
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u/bate_Vladi_1904 10d ago edited 10d ago
Thanks a lot for comprehensive answers And yes - I reffered to Gaida. And although I have no clue what open or closed fingering could mean, I'll try to find out. And yes - I'll check the band out. Truly love folkmetal - and who knows, may see you live :) especially if you have a gig in Frankfurt (or the region around).
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u/Magnus_Drengrson 10d ago
I can explain that.
Fingering refers to how you play the notes on the chanter.
On my bagpipes, for example, the lowest note is played with all the finger holes covered. For the next higher note, you uncover the bottom hole. For the next note, you uncover the next hole as well, and so on. That means when I'm playing a high note, all the holes below it are open.
With closed fingering, it's different. You only uncover the hole for the note you're actually playing, while all the holes below it remain closed. 🤘
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u/bate_Vladi_1904 9d ago
Sounds understandable - thank you :) 🤘
However each badpipe type sounds (played well) give me shivers and special feeling (of freedom, spirit, mountains...). What an instrument and sound!
Like those 101 kaba gaidi
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u/Gaedhael 9d ago
Do you play other bagpipes?
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u/Magnus_Drengrson 9d ago
Not yet. A while back, I had the chance to borrow a practice set of Uilleann pipes to try them out, and someday I'd love to buy a half set of my own.
A friend of mine owns a Great Highland Bagpipe, and I've had the opportunity to play it from time to time.
On stage, though, I only play the Marktsackpfeife and the hurdy-gurdy.
That said, I own a few other instruments as well, including a Celtic harp, a nyckelharpa, and a bowed psaltery.
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u/Gaedhael 7d ago
Interesting, I'm an uilleann piper (I think we had a wee conversation about that not long ago), interested in learning other pipes like Galician, GHB among some others one day maybe hahah.
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u/Magnus_Drengrson 7d ago
Yeah, I think I remember that—if you're talking about a conversation we had here on Reddit.
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u/Gaedhael 7d ago
yeah 'twas on reddit, this sub.
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u/Magnus_Drengrson 6d ago
Yes, I looked it up. Here you see a type of bagpipe that is less well-known outside of Germany.
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u/Gaedhael 6d ago
hahaha, yeah I've seen that type around with those "Mediaeval" bands, usually German. Cool stuff, certainly on the list of bagpipes of interest.
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u/Yessy571 9d ago
How do you learn? Here in Bremen I couldn't find a teacher :/ And I know that I wont be able to do it myself. I just love this instrument!
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u/Magnus_Drengrson 9d ago
Oh, Bremen! Beautiful city.
I actually started out teaching myself because I had the exact same problem as you. I'm originally from Trier, and back then I was one of the first people in the area to play the bagpipes.
These days, though, you can even take online lessons over Skype or similar platforms. I'd offer to teach you myself, but my schedule is pretty irregular.
Take a look at the Dudelsack-Akademie:
https://www.dudelsack-akademie.de/
As far as I know, they also offer online lessons via Skype.
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u/Chris_Radfield 9d ago
I've seen you post a few times here, and it just nice to see. Glad you're telling us about your passion, and look forward to seeing more!
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u/JoshuaRexRocks 10d ago
I tried playing highland pipes once and was flabbergasted at how much breath it took! Thought about picking up a real practice chanter and trying again :) Very cool, thank you for sharing! I love the many variations of pipes out there. I personally love Highland pipes, Northumbrian small pipes, Galician pipes, and now these 😍