Glossary of Bagpipe Terms - G

G

GDE Gracenotes

On the Highland bagpipe, a frequently used gracenote sequence, appearing in every type of music. It consists of a G, D, and E gracenote on any lower note.

Grace note

Whereas in classical music a gracenote would be taken to mean a note that has melodic significance, in piping, it means a very short note, perhaps not dissimilar to the acciaccatura.

Grades

For competition purposes, pipe bands are usually organised into grades, usually from 1 to 4, with grade 1 being the highest level.

Grip

A percussive Highland bagpipe embellishment, called leamluath in Gaelic, and sometimes called a throw if used to go to a higher note, e.g. B to C or A to E.

Ground

The melody on which the variations of a piobaireachd are based. Also known as the Urlar.

Goose

A set of highland bagpipes without the drones. Used to help learners get used to the bag once they have some experience on the chanter.

Gooseneck bag

A bag with a long neck or "gooseneck" to the chanter stock. It is more comfortale for pipers with long arms.