Rowan Tree — Bagpipe Sheet Music
Time Signature: 3/4 | Key: Two sharps (standard bagpipe key)
The Rowan Tree is a well-loved Scottish song, played on the bagpipe as a gentle slow air or waltz. It has a singable melody and is a favourite at Highland events. The tune stays largely in the middle and upper register of the scale.
Tune Structure
The Rowan Tree is arranged in two 16-bar sections, both played at a slow, singing tempo.
Note Sequence Guide
Section A: D . E | D B . | Low A B D | E . . | F . E | D E D | B . . | . . . | D E F | High G . . | High G E D | E . . | D E D | B . Low A | Low A . . | . . . | Section B: High G . E | D E D | B D E | D . . | E F High G | High A . . | High G E D | . . . | D E F | High G E D | E . . | . . . | D B Low A | B D . | Low A . . | . . . |
Tips for Learning This Tune
- Sing or hum the melody before playing it. Knowing the song helps your phrasing.
- The Low A at the end of each section should be a moment of rest, not a rush to the next phrase.
- This is a good tune for practicing smooth grace notes in a slow context.