Q&A for How to Whistle

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Can everyone whistle?

wikiHow Staff Editor
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Question

How do I tell what finger position to use?

Community Answer

Try them all out. See which works best and feels most comfortable.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Question

My 20-month-old granddaughter can whistle on demand. Is that unusual?

Community Answer

Yes, it is! ‍ ‍

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Question

How do I whistle when I have bunny teeth?

Community Answer

You can whistle with or without bunny teeth; you just need practice.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Question

I attempted to whistle, but it's not the perfect whistle. Why?

Community Answer

Because you haven't practiced enough. Besides, whistling doesn't have to be perfect.

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Question

Is it normal to whistle while blowing in air? I taught myself how to whistle, so maybe I learnt it wrong?

Community Answer

It's not unusual for someone to be able to whistle while either exhaling or inhaling through the mouth.

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Question

I have trouble whistling. I have been practicing for 5 years and I still cannot do it. It doesn't make sense. is there something wrong?

Community Answer

Nothing's wrong. You just need proper instructions. People learn at their own pace! Some people never learn it.

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Question

No matter what I try, I can't figure it out. Am I just incapable of whistling?

Community Answer

Maybe. Some people just can't do it. However, before you give up, try working your tongue into various configurations while you blow. That's really the key. Place the tip of your tongue firmly against the very bottom of the gums at the base of your lower front teeth, then pucker and blow. You don't have to blow hard. Also, some people can whistle when inhaling in addition to (or instead of) exhaling.

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