How to Whistle with a Blade of Grass

Next time you're outside, pluck a blade of grass for an easy way to entertain yourself – and annoy your friends.

Pick a Blade of Grass

Pick a flat blade of grass that's as long as your thumbs.

You'll get more sound from wide, slightly coarse grass than thin, fine grass.

Put the Grass Between Your Thumbs

Press your thumbs together at the knuckles with your fingernails facing you. Put the grass lengthwise between your thumbs.

Pull the Grass Taut

Pull the grass taut so there are no kinks. You should see the blade's edge centered in a gap between the base of your thumbs and your knuckles.

Blow

Purse your lips, put your mouth to your thumbs, and blow. You may have to move your lips or thumbs slightly to make a sound, so keep trying.

By cupping your hands, you can make the pitch of your whistle higher or lower.

Experiment with Sounds

Play around with different kinds of grasses and reeds. You can make as many different sounds as there are blades of grass on your lawn.

Fact: A grass whistle isn't technically a whistle; it's a reed instrument.