Tablature
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Whistle Tutorial - Lesson 1.6
Tablature
Tablature is a method using symbols or numbers to help musicians who can't read music follow musical examples and tunes. It's useful when you're just starting out because you can tell where you place your fingers by looking at the diagrams. Look at the chart below...
Now try to play the notes indicated: the first note, labelled D, is shown by six black dots, meaning that you cover all six holes on the whistle. Blow steadily, not too hard, and make a clear note. now go on to the next note, E. The top five holes are covered, but the sixth hole is uncovered, so do this and blow. Next, the F sharp, and then G, with the top three holes covered. You'll find it easier to sound the notes by now, but don't worry: with practice it will all become easier. Keep going now with the A and B notes.
The second last note is C sharp. Notice that in the diagram C sharp (or C#) is shown with no holes covered. You can balance the whistle either by covering the sixth hole with the ring finger of your right hand (which will not affect the sound) or just below the sixth hole with your pinkie.
Finally the last note in the diagram is D. It is played with all holes covered, just like the first note, but this time you have to blow harder in order to make a higher note. This can be difficult at first, but with pratcice you'll soon master it. In my whistle tablature, any notes in the higher octave are marked by a cross above the six holes.