Learning how to play the bagpipes may seem complex, but the task is a little easier with books that provide step-by-step instructions.
If you’re searching for the best bagpipe books, the best thing to do is get online, where there are hundreds of books available to teach you how to be a better player.
Below are just some of those bagpipe instruction books.
Contents:
1. College of Piping Bagpipe and Practice Chanter Tutor Books
- Seumas MacNeill (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 70 Pages - 06/15/1973 (Publication Date) - The College of Piping (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Books 1-4 are included in this set, so it can suit not only beginners but also more advanced players. There is also a DVD and online tutorial assistance available.
These are spiral-bound books, so they are well made. The books cover everything from the basics on up, so you should be able to use them for a while.
The pros of the books include:
- They cover a lot of material in each book;
- They are suitable for players of all experience levels;
- The DVD and online assistance help you learn faster.
The cons of the book include:
- At almost $100, it is a bit pricey for some customers, but the product worth the money.
2. Best Bagpipe Books: Hal Leonard Bagpipe Method
- Book/Online Audio
- Pages: 40
- Instrumentation: Bagpipes
Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a beginner’s guide with very easy-to-understand instructions and an accompanying DVD to make learning the instrument even easier. Naturally, this bagpipe music book corresponds with the DVD.
It teaches you about scales, technique, embellishments, and much more. It even helps you learn how to buy the perfect set of bagpipes.
The pros of the books include:
- It is extremely comprehensive;
- It is very inexpensive, starting at under $10;
- The DVD and book work great together.
3. Simple Jigs for Beginner Pipers Bagpipe Book
- Davidson, Lindsay (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages - 03/28/2014 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specifically made for beginning bagpipers, this essential bagpipe music book contains over 50 easy and fun songs to play. It is Volume 1 in a series, so the songs are simple, and the book is easily carried from one place to another.
This means that you can take your tunes with you wherever you go. It is the perfect book that should be on your list of the best bagpipe books available!
The pros of the books include:
- There is a good variety of music included;
- All of the songs are made for beginners;
- It is simple but not boring to play.
The cons of the book include:
- Some customers have complained about the very small print.
4. Bagpipe Tutor Book for the Great Highland Bagpipes
- Davidson, Dr Lindsay S. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 60 Pages - 05/25/2013 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Written concisely and in an easy-to-understand fashion, this bagpipe tutor book has been used by many musicians wanting to teach themselves the bagpipes.
It is very effective and has even been updated for ease of use and clarity. It is especially good for teachers.
The pros of the books include:
- Affordable for everyone at only $10;
- It uses proven methods that make learning the bagpipes simple and fast.
- It has been used successfully by thousands of people since its inception.
5. How to Play Bagpipe for Method
- Tony Santorella (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 48 Pages - 12/31/1998 (Publication Date) - SANTORELLA PUBLICATIONS, Ltd (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a set that comes with the songbook and a CD to make learning easier. It consists of very basic knowledge and is therefore perfect for beginners.
It teaches not only how to play the bagpipes but also about music basics, making it one of the best bagpipe books on the market today.
The pros of the books include:
- Covers music theory, grace notes, fingerings, and more;
- Affordable at around $15;
- It contains 30 songs to master.
The cons of the book include:
- Some customers claim that there is incorrect information in the book.
6. A Piper’s Book of Irish Tunes
- Used Book in Good Condition
- de Lange, PM Ray (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you love Irish tunes and wish to play them, this book is for you.
There are over 50 of the 100 best-loved Irish tunes inside, including Down by the Sally Gardens, Abbey Reel, and Jenny’s Chickens, to name only a few.
The pros of the books include:
- There are so many tunes that you’ll never get bored with them;
- It is a steal at under $20;
- Other tunes are also included, such as Welsh and Scottish tunes.
The cons of the book include:
- Some customers have complained about the print quality of the book.
7. The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes
- Hardcover Book
- Keene, Carolyn (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is not a how-to music book but a Nancy Drew book describing one of her mysteries. Young girls love Nancy Drew, and this book is no exception.
When Nancy travels to the Scottish Highlands with her family, she is forced to solve the mystery of a family heirloom. True to Nancy Drew fashion, the book does not disappoint mystery lovers.
The pros of the books include:
- The book consists of a lot of details on the beautiful Scottish countryside;
- It is a lot of fun to read;
- It is enjoyable for girls of all ages.
The cons of the book include:
- Some readers felt that the book was boring for anyone who isn’t a preteen.
8. The College of Piping Highland Bagpipe Tutor – Part 1
Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Made for beginners, this book comes with a way to learn through your computer or phone apps.
It teaches various methods and techniques, and it is a very comprehensive book. It should definitely be considered when looking for the best bagpipe books!
The pros of the books include:
- You don’t have to read music to learn to play;
- It offers a simple and fun way to play;
- It is more thorough than a lot of other books.
9. Bagpipes for Beginners: A Fast Track to Play the Great Highland Bagpipe
- Guth, Gary A (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 102 Pages - 01/01/2017 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This book is very easy for beginners, and you can even purchase three CDs to go with the music taught in the book.
If you love the music at Highland Games, you’ll love this book. It includes everything you need to master over 100 great tunes.
The pros of the books include:
- It is very thorough and comprehensive;
- A logical and easy approach to learning the bagpipes is used;
- You can find the 100+ tunes online.
The cons of the book include:
- The CDs do not come with the book.
10. The Highland Bagpipe Tutor Book: A Step-by-Step Guide
- English (Publication Language)
- 105 Pages - 08/10/2001 (Publication Date) - The Piping Centre (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
No list of the best bagpipe books would be complete without this one. It is a replica of lessons taught at the Piping Center in Scotland in August of 2001.
Teachers even recommend it for beginning students.
The pros of the books include:
- Very thorough and easy to understand;
- It is taught by a master of the bagpipes;
- It comes complete with a CD.
The cons of the book include:
- At around $50, it is a bit pricey for some people.
