How To Fix Your Sloppy Strike Ins

Are your strike ins leaving you deflated? 

If you're struggling with messy starts on the pipes, you’re not alone.

Striking in cleanly is one of the most common frustrations for pipers at all levels.

Whether you're getting that dreaded squawk, uneven drone starts, or just can't seem to get everything going at once, there's good news – most strike-in issues are fixable with a few setup tweaks and practice habits.

Clean strike-ins come down to three things: setup, calibration, and consistency.

Start with a Solid Setup

Step 1 – let's go back to the very basics to troubleshoot this issue. Before blaming your technique, check your gear.

• Is your bag airtight? Even a small leak will make your strike-in unpredictable. Test for leaks regularly and patch them quickly.

• Are your joints secure? Loose stocks or poorly seated reeds cause airflow issues that sabotage your start.

• Is your bag too floppy? Floppy bags make it hard to control pressure. For most players – especially learners – a firmer bag helps build good habits and consistent pressure.

Bottom line: a clean strike-in starts with a well-maintained instrument. Don’t skip the basics.

Calibrate Your Drone Reeds

Calibration is the unsung hero of smooth strike-ins. Each of your drone reeds should be set to kick in at the same pressure. If one turns on before the others – or shuts off too soon – you’ll get a wobbly, unbalanced sound.

Here’s how to dial them in:

• Adjust shut-off pressure so each drone switches on with equal effort.

• Use efficient reeds that produce strong tone without requiring a ton of air.

• Test your blowpipe pressure to make sure you're striking in with consistent force.

Remember: your drones should be working with you, not against you. Take the time to get them aligned.

Want to learn how to calibrate your reeds? We have a course for that! Join Dojo U to learn how to set up your strike ins for success. 

Watch Out for Cane Reed Challenges

Cane drone reeds are gorgeous to listen to – but they can be tricky. They're very sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and altitude, which can wreak havoc on your strike-in. If you’re using cane, give yourself extra time to recalibrate when playing in new environments, especially during travel or seasonal changes.

If you're not ready for that level of maintenance, synthetic reeds are more forgiving and stable – especially for everyday playing.

Practice Your Pressure Control

Once your setup is dialed in, it’s time to work on control. Striking in isn’t just about brute force – it’s about applying pressure precisely.

Try this drill:

1. Start with your pipes fully tuned and warmed up.

2. Practice striking in 10 times in a row, aiming for:
   – No double-toning
   – All drones activating at once
   – Steady tone within the first second

3. Record yourself and listen back. Are your starts smooth? Are any drones late to kick in?

This kind of feedback helps you isolate pressure issues and build better habits.

Don’t Rush – Aim for Consistency

Every bagpipe setup is different – and so is every player. Instead of chasing perfection, focus on creating a repeatable strike-in that works for your gear and your style. Over time, muscle memory will kick in.

There’s no magic fix – just better understanding and consistent practice. Keep your gear in top shape, take time to calibrate, and be patient with your pressure control.

A clean strike-in isn’t far away – it’s just a few smart habits and adjustments away.

Check out this episode of Dojo Conversations for more detail about how to get consistently clean strike ins, every time you play.