Unlike most modern instruments, the Great Highland Bagpipe (GHB) operates on a fixed scale that defies standard Western equal temperament.
Part 2 - How I recorded Bagpipes for this anirudh song ... - Facebook Bagpipe, Pt. 2
: Proper tuning relies on aligning the chanter notes with the steady drone of the three pipes (two tenors and one bass). Understanding these mysterious overtones is critical for achieving a stable, "locked-in" sound. Composition and Structure Unlike most modern instruments, the Great Highland Bagpipe
: The GHB chanter produces only nine notes: low G, low A, B, C, D, E, F, high G, and high A. While written without a key signature, the C and F are naturally sharp, creating an A Mixolydian scale. Bagpipe music follows rigid traditional structures
Bagpipe music follows rigid traditional structures, particularly in competitive pipe band and solo settings.
: Traditional piping music often utilizes "dual tonics," where phrases shift between A and G, as seen in classic tunes like "The Devil in the Kitchen".