Glossary of Bagpipe Terms - D

D

Dirk

A dagger, approximately 12 inches (300 mm) long, normally only worn by Highland bagpipers in full dress.

Dithis

Piobaireachd variation. Pronounced: "jee-es", though this depends on the speaker's accent. Literally meaning two, or a pair, it is a variation of the Urlar or theme of the Piobaireachd. Sometimes used interchangeably with the variation referred to as Siubhal, though the terms do have distinct meanings. The Dithis generally consists of a series of longer theme notes, separated by short lower notes. It is generally followed by a doubling where the long theme note is repeated, but with the same rhythmic pattern as before.

Double Chanter

A chanter with two bores and two sets of finger holes. On some, both bores have the same finger hole spacing and sound in unison. On others, one bore may have only a single finger hole and is used as a sort of alternating-tone drone.

Double Gold Medal

Winning the two premier Highland bagpipe competitions (Oban and Inverness) in the same year. A feat only rarely achieved.

Double Tone

When starting the bagpipes, as the pressure is increased, the drones initially sound at a higher pitch, perhaps a semitone or tone higher than normal. As the pressure continues to increase, the drones fully strike in at a normal and smoother pitch. This is deemed to be indicative of a higher quality reed.

Doubling

(i) Two gracenotes preceding a melody note, bracketing a short gracenote at the same pitch as the melody note (thereby doubling the melody note). (ii) A restatement of a variation in piobaireachd. Usually slightly uptempo and simpler in form.

Drone

Drone Switch

A drone switch, set in a common stock, allows the player to start and stop the drones at will.

Drum Major

Traditionally, a Drum Major was the senior drummer in a pipe band and commanded the band on parade, rather paradoxically without a drum. Their role was to control the band when on parade. Nowadays Drum Majors continue to fill these roles, but are not necessarily trained musicians.