Bagpipe Doublings
A doubling is an embellishment that uses two grace notes — one above and one below the melody note — to mark the beginning of the note and add expression. Doublings are used constantly in bagpipe music.
The Structure of a Doubling
A doubling consists of:
- A grace note from above the melody note (High G for most upper notes)
- The melody note itself
- A grace note from below the melody note
The two grace notes frame the melody note. They should be equally fast and equally clean.
Doublings on Each Note
| Melody Note | Upper Grace Note | Lower Grace Note |
|---|---|---|
| High A | High G | E (or F) |
| High G | High A | F (or E) |
| F | High G | E |
| E | High G | D |
| D | High G (or E) | C |
| C | D | B |
| B | C | Low A |
| Low A | B | Low G |
Practice Method
Isolate each doubling and practice it as a three-note pattern: upper grace note, melody note, lower grace note. The melody note must be heard clearly between the two grace notes. Practice very slowly until the motion is comfortable, then gradually build speed.
The doubling on D is particularly important because D is one of the most common
melody notes. Work on your D doubling until it is second nature.