The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #39658   Message #563818
Posted By: Hilary
02-Oct-01 - 08:20 PM
Thread Name: Which Key of Whistle?
Subject: RE: Which Key of Whistle?
Hia,

As already said, D & C will cover a lot of tunes, on CDs as well as in sessions. . I like Shaw (Clarke's) whistles as much as the tin whistles, but they are harder to locate, especially in the wierder keys. I've recently found an E flat Shaw whistle which I love. . I've seen other whistle players with B flat - but never seen one actually used.

I can play a G below C with a bit of concentration & stretching of fingers, but Low D is out of my reach (both fingers & finances ). A top G tin whistle is great fun, but I haven't found a serious use for it yet. . Playing the same tune in different keys doesn't just alter the pitch ( and loads of guitar players can cope with just about any key) but affects the feel of a song. Compared to D, C seems calmer/quieter/sadder, while E flat is cheerful & lively & the tunes just float out. . Have fun, & keep practicing, . H