Q&A for How to Whistle

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  • Question
    Can everyone whistle?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    While some people can have great difficulty in learning how to whistle, it does seem that everybody can learn how to do it, though it can take a lot of practice.
  • Question
    Is whistling genetic?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    No, whistling doesn't seem to have any genetic component. Even if you've never been able to whistle your whole life, it's likely you can learn to whistle if you practice long enough.
  • Question
    I don't know if I have a problem or I need to see a doctor but no matter how hard I try, I can't whistle. Is there a disease which doesn't let you whistle?
    Community Answer
    No, of course not. Some people just have trouble whistling.
  • Question
    How do I tell what finger position to use?
    Community Answer
    Try them all out. See which works best and feels most comfortable.
  • Question
    How do I whistle with my mouth open?
    Community Answer
    Just pucker your lips tightly, then softly blow. It usually works better if you lick your lips before. Be sure to practice plentifully, as it takes time to master this skill.
  • Question
    What do I do when my voice cracks or breaks when I whistle?
    Community Answer
    Your voice does not crack when you whistle. If your lips aren't capable of holding the note, it may sound like your voice is cracking, but with practice it will not occur any more. The higher the note, the more likely it will sound like it's cracking.
  • Question
    How do I make a hole with my 'V' shaped fingers?
    Community Answer
    After placing your finger in the 'V' shape, rest them on your bottom row of teeth, with the tips of the fingers which form the 'V' about half way in from the tip to the first joint. Rest your tongue on top of the 'V', and close your lips over them. Blow gently but firmly, and move the 'V' up and down until you get a whistling sound, then work on making it a louder and more shrill whistle.
  • Question
    How do I make my whistle louder?
    Community Answer
    Just blow harder. It's not the position of your lips or fingers so much as the force of air coming out of your mouth that determines the volume.
  • Question
    If none of these methods work, do I need to blow softer, and then harder?
    Community Answer
    Blowing harder should only make the whistle louder, it's generally not the factor that produces the whistling sound. However, if you're blowing extremely softly, blowing harder may be the solution. The positioning of your tongue, lips, fingers, etc. is what actually makes the sound though, so prioritize finding the correct positions first.
  • Question
    How can I whistle with my lips for a longer time? I get tired very easily.
    Community Answer
    Take some deep breaths beforehand so that you can whistle longer. This will also help you to have a bit more energy.
  • Question
    I have long nails. Will that hinder my ability to whistle?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it probably will. It will affect the way your tongue moves, which will affect the sound of the whistle.
  • Question
    How come I can't whistle? I tried so hard, but I just can't!
    Community Answer
    Whistling takes some time and a little practice. You should try experimenting with different mouth, tongue, or finger positions; try blowing harder, softer, and other variables like that.
  • Question
    My 20-month-old granddaughter can whistle on demand. Is that unusual?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is! ‍ ‍
  • Question
    Which of the three methods is the easiest?
    Community Answer
    A lot of websites suggest to start with the fingered whistle and then move on to fingerless whistles. The fingerless ones require better muscle control, though there’s nothing wrong with learning fingerless ones first.
  • Question
    How do I whistle louder?
    King bob
    Community Answer
    If you blow harder, the pressure of the air flowing through your lips should make your whistle louder.
  • Question
    I have braces. Should that affect whistling with my fingers?
    Community Answer
    No, although it will be harder because your lips will be pushed out. When you get your braces off it will be easier to whistle.
  • Question
    How long does a person usually take to learn how to whistle?
    Community Answer
    There's no "average time". It depends on how often you practice. Just practice whistling whenever you get the chance, and you should get the hang of it before you know it.
  • Question
    How do I whistle when I have bunny teeth?
    Community Answer
    You can whistle with or without bunny teeth; you just need practice.
  • Question
    What do I do if my whistling is high pitched? I moved my tongue all around but I still whistled high pitched like a little girl screaming.
    Community Answer
    Try changing the position of your lips.
  • Question
    Where do you place your tongue to place your V-shaped fingers?
    Community Answer
    Make sure the V shape is on top of the bottom teeth, then place your tongue on top of the V.
  • Question
    What if I can only whistle when I pucker up and inhale?
    Community Answer
    That's not so strange; many people do whistle by inhaling, like me, because many people can make more sound by inhaling rather than exhaling.
  • Question
    How do I whistle accurate notes to a song?
    Community Answer
    Increase and decrease the size of the hole and your pitch will vary. You could also try to blow harder or softer, and practice. The more you practice, the easier it will be.
  • Question
    How do I make my whistle louder?
    Community Answer
    The harder you blow, the louder it is. Make sure to practice, so you can whistle really loudly.
  • Question
    Does whistling inwards count as whistling?
    Lucinda DiFiore
    Community Answer
    Yes, it does. Remember that there are different ways to whistle. And one way is the way that you do it.
  • Question
    Is it hard to whistle?
    Samuel Andrew Frias
    Community Answer
    It's quite hard to learn at first, but when you learned how to whistle, it is as simple as riding a bike.
  • Question
    Why is whistling so hard?
    Community Answer
    Keep practicing. Eventually you'll surprise yourself with a weak whistle, and it'll get better. Don't give up.
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