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Site updates
A new place for a few whistle notes
2026-10-21 · By Ken
Welcome to Whistle Notes! I’ve added this little corner of the site for the things that don’t quite fit on a tab sheet: news about the hymn collection, useful playing tips, and background on the whistles and resources you’ll find here.
There have also been a few helpful changes around the site. The Hymns & Tabs page now has a short guide to using the tabs, the Contact page welcomes resource suggestions and corrections, and the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use have been refreshed to reflect the site’s features.
I’ll add notes when there’s something useful to share. In the meantime, the hymn collection is ready whenever you are—open a tab, pick up your whistle, and enjoy a familiar melody.
Gear notes
A note about my Lír Original
2026-10-21 · By Ken
If you’ve wondered about the whistle I use, it’s a Lír Original high D. That model is no longer in production, so finding the exact same instrument may take some searching.
I’ve updated the Resources page with the Lír Pro Aluminium high D as a current option from the same maker. Lír describes it as a tunable, lightweight model with an aluminium body and a polymer mouthpiece. It is a different instrument, so its tone and playing response may differ from my Original.
You’ll also find Sean Cunningham’s review of the Pro and Stephanie’s earlier review of an older Lír D. The dates and models are identified so you can hear and read about the instrument each review actually covers.
You can use the tabs here with other makes of high D whistle, too. The brand on the whistle doesn’t need to match mine.
Playing tips
One set of tabs, different whistle keys
2026-10-21 · By Ken
Whistle Hymns tabs are prepared using a high D whistle. Sometimes a hymn is transposed so its melody fits the instrument comfortably. That means the tab may use a different key from the version you know from a hymnal or recording.
If you use a whistle in another key, the same fingering patterns will produce the melody at a different pitch. That’s fine when playing on your own. To play along with a recording or another musician, check that you are playing in compatible keys.
The example performances are guides to the melody, too. Phrasing, ornamentation, rhythm, or an occasional note may vary from the printed tab. Start with the tab at a comfortable pace, then use the performance to help you hear how the melody flows.
Hymn spotlights
An Advent melody for the music stand
2026-10-21 · By Ken
Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel is now part of the hymn collection. Its reflective melody makes it a lovely tune to spend time with as the season of Advent approaches.
The hymn expresses the longing for the promised Savior and the hope found in Emmanuel—God with us. Its combination of quiet yearning and joyful reassurance gives the melody a character all its own.
The entry includes a printable tab for high D whistle and a link to an example performance. Take it slowly at first and give the longer phrases room to breathe.
Hymn spotlights
Beautiful Savior joins the collection
2026-10-20 · By Ken
Beautiful Savior has joined the Whistle Hymns collection. The entry includes a printable tab, a short introduction to the hymn, and a link to an example performance.
This hymn’s images of the beauty of creation point us to the greater beauty and glory of Christ. Its gentle, familiar melody is well suited to a quiet moment of music at home or a little time with your whistle and music stand.
You can find it alphabetically under B, or browse the Praise and Worship themes on the Hymns & Tabs page. As with the other tabs, you can open the PDF on your screen or print a copy to keep nearby.
Site updates
A few places to keep learning
2026-10-19 · By Ken
There’s a new Resources page on Whistle Hymns. It brings together information about the whistle I use, places to find lessons, shops to explore, and other hymn and music collections.
The teaching links include Sean Cunningham at Whistletutor and Stephanie’s CutiePie channel and tab collection. There are also links to whistle makers and shops, along with resources such as Hymnary.org and The Cyber Hymnal for exploring hymn texts, tunes, and background.
Think of it as a few helpful starting points for your next step with the whistle. If you know a teacher, shop, or music resource that would be useful to fellow players, I’d be glad to hear your suggestion.