Are you interested in learning how to play the tin whistle, but afraid it may be difficult to learn?
The tin whistle is indeed an amazing instrument, with lovely expression and lots of possibilities to add decorations and emotion into your playing.
Check out my Complete Tin Whistle Course here
Is Tin Whistle easy or hard to learn?
In short: it is very easy to learn the basics on tin whistle, and even play tunes on. I would highly recommend the tin whistle as a music instrument for beginners.
Here are my top reasons: It is diatonic (tuned to 1 key), it is extremely easy to produce sounds and notes on, it is small and light, it is inexpensive, it is almost maintenance free, and it is very durable.
Tin Whistle Learning Chart
- Producing a Sound = Very Easy
- Playing 1st Octave Notes = Easy
- Playing 2nd Octave Notes = Intermediate
- Learning Tunes in Key= Intermediate
- Playing Chromatic Notes = Advanced
- Adding Decorations (cuts, taps, rolls etc) = Advanced
- Adding Expression (vibrato, legato etc) = Advanced
Which Tin Whistle to Buy as a Beginner?
In short: I recommend starting on a standard key tin whistle, which is a Tin Whistle in D. That will give you all notes of the D Major scale. But you only need to learn one single cross fingering to be able to play in E minor, G Major and A Major.
What are the best Tin Whistle Brands?
It depends on the tone you prefer, the response of the tin whistle, the material, mouth-piece etc. But here are some of the more common brands of tin whistles that are all of high quality:
- Phil Hardy Whistles (Busker etc.)
- Tony Dixon Whistles
- Wild Irish Whistles
- MK Whistles
- Killarney Whistles
- Lir Whistles
- Setanta Whistles
- Goldie Whistles
- Burke Whistles
- Sustato Whistles
- Sindt Whistles
- Karakaev Whistles