Editing Uilleann pipes (section)

===Practice set===
Because of the instrument's complexity, beginning uilleann pipers often start out with partial sets known as '''practice sets'''. [[Image:Uilleann pipes-practice set.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Starter or practice set]] A practice set consists of only the basic elements of pipe bag, bellows and [[chanter]], with no drones or regulators. The chanter is available in keys ranging from the "concert pitch" D chanter in half-note steps downward to a B{{music|b}} chanter, the latter being regularly referred to as a "flat set" (as are any sets below the key of D).

To play the uilleann pipes effectively, students must learn to pump the bellows steadily while controlling the pressure on the bag and playing the chanter simultaneously. So beginners often play on practice sets until they become comfortable with those basic mechanics. Despite their name, however, practice sets are used not only by beginning players but also by some advanced players when they wish to play just the chanter with other musicians, either live or in recording sessions. In these instances, the practice sets can be tuned to [[equal temperament]] if needed.