Bagpipe is a wind instrument that consists of a leather bag fitted with one or more pipes. Bagpipes produce a continuous flow of penetrating, somewhat shrill tones. There are many varieties of bagpipes. Practically all types produce melodies within a range of nine notes. Bagpipes are used as solo instruments—often to accompany folk dances—and in military bands.
The most common type of bagpipe is the Scottish Highland pipe, a famous symbol of Scotland. The Highland pipe has five pipes: a blowpipe, a chanter, and three drones. A player blows air through the blowpipe into the bag which is held under one arm. The player presses on the bag to force air through the other pipes, creating sound. The melody is played on the chanter, which has a double reed and eight finger holes. Each drone produces a single, steady note. Two drones sound one octave below the tonic note of the chanter, and the other drone sounds two octaves lower.
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The bagpipe dates back thousands of years and is one of the oldest instruments still in use. Its origin is unknown. Different forms of the instrument evolved in various places.
