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.

Step 1: Pick a blade of grass Pick a flat blade of grass that’s as long as your thumbs.
TIP: You’ll get more sound from wide, slightly coarse grass than from thin, fine grass.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Pull the grass taut Pull the grass taut, so there are no kinks. You should see the edge of the blade centered in a gap between the base of your thumbs and your knuckles.
Step 4: 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.
TIP: By cupping your hands, you can make the pitch of your whistle higher or lower.
Step 5: 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.