Sorry to say it, but it's almost impossible to learn to play the Great Highland Bagpipe on your own. It has been tried, and by the anecdotal evidence I've seen, most of those making the attempt either gave up, or wound up having to relearn the things they learned incorrectly/incompletely once they started progressing further and taking instruction.

Learning correct finger technique, blowing technique (even on the practice chanter), and tuning technique (even on the practice chanter) requires direct, immediate feedback.

If you haven't read it yet, I recommend the 'So you want play bagpipes' thread here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...561/index.html

Knowing how to play other instruments can almost be detrimental because the GHB is just a different instrument - the only thing like it is another type of bagpipe! I started out as a guitar player as well (self-taught, played for about 20 years before starting the pipes). The only things that knowing guitar helped with was being able to control the fingers of both hands independently and being able to read treble clef. I could not have learned as quickly as I did (about 5 months on basic finger technique, another 5 months learning how to blow the drones properly), as well as I did, without an instructor.

All that being said, all is not lost! There are piping instructors providing lessons online via Skype, and by telephone and even cassette tape. All you need do is search them out. The instructor you decide on may have a preference for their students' practice chanter and tutorial book.

If you still choose to go it alone, I strongly suggest avoiding the inexpensive (US$35?) rosewood/cocus starter kit. Getting a Delrin (polypenco) practice chanter may be a little more expensive, but worth the cost in the long run. They're available for about US$90 or so (not including delivery). You can also find plenty of good advice by Google-ing 'practice chanter'. The 'College of Piping' green tutor is pretty much the standard, but there are other tutorials available (Logan's, Wilson's, Sandy Jones, et. al.).

Work slowly, read carefully, and continue to seek advice if you don't understand something.

Good luck!