Low whistle grip" may be required due to the distance between the holes. They belong to the same woodwind instrument family of end-blown fipple flutes. Though the tone of this instrument varies subtly among makers, low whistles are generally characterised by a more breathy, flute-like sound than traditional tin whistles. While the precise history of the low whistle is often debated, it is known that various kinds of vertical fipple flutes have existed in antiquity. The fipple flutes developed during the 16th century were the ancestors of today's low whistle, carrying through from early transverse flutes the six-holed design tradition and conical
Tin whistle The most common whistles can easily play notes in the keys of D and G major. Since the D major key is lower these whistles are identified as "D whistles." The next most common whistle tuning is a "C whistle," which can easily play notes in the keys of C and F major. The D whistle is the most common choice for Irish and Scottish music. Although the whistle is essentially a diatonic instrument, it is possible to get notes outside the principal major key of the whistle, either by "half-holing" (partially covering the highest open finger hole) or by