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Download today's featured exercise: Power Birls. This brand new exercise follows the same 8-4-2-1 pattern as the other exercises in the Power series. Birls are a unique piping embellishment — one that requires a good deal of deliberate practice to get it right and a good deal more to get it really perfected and consistent. There are several different ways to execute the birl, but all use the little finger on the bottom hand to play two quick low G strikes on Low A. For a comprehensive written description and video demonstration of how to play the birl, please check out this previous lesson: The Birl. Most top pipers play the "seven" style, particularly because it gives the best sound and is the most consistent birl played from the bottom hand notes. Today's exercise, Power Birls, includes birls from every note of the scale, including the bottom hand notes. Your goal is to keep the birl ...