Tin Whistle Blowing

Let's discuss the proper technique for blowing into a tin whistle to produce your first sound. It's easy to underestimate the importance of learning to blow the whistle correctly, even though it forms the foundation of playing. This won't happen overnight. However, with regular practice it's pretty easy to master.

Correct Your Tin Whistle Posture

To allow unobstructed airflow from your lungs and mouth to the tin whistle, it's important to maintain a relaxed but upright posture. You can either sit or stand, depending on your preference. If you hunch over it will crush your diagram, plus it looks a lot nicer when sitting up or standing up straight.

Avoid Overblowing Your Tin Whistle

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is blowing the tin whistle too hard, especially in the lower octave. Start with very low pressure and gradually increase until you hear a consistent, rich sound. It may be difficult to explain, but you will know when you have the right amount of air pressure. Many inexpensive tin whistles take very little air pressure as well, so they are even easier to over blow. 

How Hard Should I Blow a Tin Whistle

If you're wondering why the whistle sounds squeaky or unclear, don't worry. It can be challenging at first. Lower octave notes on a tin whistle require less air than upper octave notes, despite having the same fingering. This is how you move between octaves. Additionally, some whistles require more air than others, while some are more susceptible to overblowing. Mouthpiece types can also vary. Therefore, we suggest starting with the lowest note, usually D with all holes covered, as it serves as the air pressure threshold. The best advice is to just play it a bunch and you should find the sweet spot for how much air pressure you will need. If its squeaky, your blowing too hard.

Tin Whistle in the Second Octave

The fingering for the second octave is the same as the lower octave, but controlling the airflow on higher notes can be tricky for beginners. Remember that it takes time and practice to master the higher octave, so don't get discouraged if you don't sound great at first. To play in the higher octave, you need more direct air and slightly more pressure.