I should have been more specific Rex. By the top hand I meant the second part of the tune where it goes up to the higher, or top notes on the chanter. It must sound strange to non pipers to hear a tune described as " hard on the bottom hand" or even a set of pipes not set up properly as "flat on the top hand".. The quick time in this dance was one of the most satisfying parts of all to play for, when it went right, never saw a bigger shambles when it didnt. Thanks for this thread Rex, it prompted me to play Ghillie Callum a few times before band practice last night. cheers, mcpiper