Explore the D scale
Bring in the lower hand and find the seven notes of D major.
By the end of this lessonPlay from low D to C♯ and back with reliable hole seals.
Build down from G
With the top three holes closed for G, add your right index finger for F♯, your right middle finger for E, then your right ring finger for D. D has all six holes closed. Lift those fingers in reverse order to return to G.
Climb the scale
The notes of D major are D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, then a higher D. F♯ and C♯ are part of this scale. Leave the higher D until the upper-octave lesson; today we will climb only to C♯ and return.
Balance the open fingering
C♯ uses six open holes. Keep the instrument balanced with your thumbs and, if needed, a light touch from the right little finger on the tube beside the holes. Avoid accidentally covering a hole as you lift the left index finger from B.
Two small ladders
- Practise G–F♯–E–D slowly. If D will not speak, check all six seals and use gentler breath.
- Play D–E–F♯–G, pause, then G–A–B–C♯. Allow two counts per note.
- Join the two groups. Come back down at the same pace, breathing whenever you need to.
Listen & find the fingering
Tap a note, then echo it on your high D whistle. These are individual pitch examples.
Up and down the lower scale
Allow two counts per note. Use the rests to breathe before changing direction.
Practice
Tap a staff note or finger tab to hear a note and practise from there. The staff and tabs follow the same beat.
Your self-check
I can play up and down the lower notes without losing the bottom-hole seals.
Take your time. You can revisit any lesson, completed or not.