Pennywhistle Fingering Chart printable pdf download

Pennywhistle Fingering Chart

Pennywhistle Instructions

Note: These pennywhistle instructions were written to accompany the Christmas Carol diagrams

found at “A Pennywhistle for Christmas.” ( )

If you would like to play these Christmas songs on the pennywhistle, here’s how to start.

1 - You’ll need a pennywhistle. I suggest one in the key of D. There are many models available. For

beginning students, I usually recommend the Sweetone or the Meg. (When I’m buying them for my

students, I order from I’m not affiliated with them, but I like looking at

what they have to offer.)

2 - There are six holes which you will cover with your index, middle and ring fingers of each hand.

Allow your fingers to be relaxed. Your left hand is closer to your mouth than your right hand. The

fingers in order are left index, left middle, left ring, right index, right middle, right ring.

Ring Finger - Right Hand

Middle Finger - Right Hand

Index Finger - Right Hand

Left Hand - Ring Finger

Left Hand - Middle Finger

Left Hand - Index Finger

3 - The pennywhistle plays in two major keys. D whistles can be played in the “main key” (D) and

in the “alternate key” (G). The key of D is quite easy to learn. (The key of G has one note that

takes a little extra work.)

4 - The first challenge, especially for younger students, is making sure the holes are covered

completely. Even a small part of a hole not quite covered will change the pitch of the note being

played. The second challenge is blowing softly enough to get the lowest notes to sound. Here is an

exercise to help with these two challenges. Blow softly and play the following sequence of notes.

Key of D - Exercise 1

Practice this a few times until you begin to feel comfortable. Then move on to Exercise 2.

Pennywhistle Fingering Chart