Bold, loud, and unmistakable—bagpipes have a rich history, are still handmade, and take serious skill to play. Love them or not, they’re here to stay!
Love them or hate them, there’s no mistaking the sound of bagpipes. Depending on how they’re played, they can move you to tears or clear a room in record time. But despite their divisive reception, bagpipes remain one of the world’s most unique instruments.
Still crafted by hand, bagpipes have been around for centuries. While most associate them with Scotland (and rightfully so), variations of the instrument have appeared in cultures across the globe, from Ireland to North Africa to even parts of Asia.

Learning to play the bagpipes isn’t for the faint of heart. Unlike most wind instruments, they require constant air pressure, so players use a bag to store air. At the same time, they squeeze with their arm—basically turning themselves into a human bellows. And then there’s the chanter, which controls the melody, or the drones, which create that deep, humming backdrop.
But for those who take on the challenge, bagpipes offer something truly special—a connection to history, tradition, and a sound unlike anything else in the world. Whether at a highland gathering, a wedding, or a moving tribute, the bagpipes always make an impression. Just maybe practice in a soundproof room first.