TWIN CITIES SLOW IRISH MUSIC SESSION
The new set for June:
Dusty Windowsills Jig
Cliffs of Moher Jig
Rose in the Heather Jig
WHAT AND WHO:
Twice monthly session to work on learning Irish traditional music (instrumental tunes, not songs) played at slow speeds, to prepare ourselves to play in regular sessions. Anyone is welcome on any acoustic instrument (bodhrans only for percussion), as long as you can control your volume to a reasonable amount to be able to hear other people playing. We'll start by learning tunes from Foinn Seisiún (FWEEN SESH-oon) book 1, which can be purchased here - https://comhaltas.ie/product/foinn-seisiun-1/
Or is available as a free pdf - https://sessionsintheshire.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Foinn-Seisiun-Book-I.pdf
These transcriptions have matching recordings available for purchase or free on youtube: youtu.be/IfOkXh2Cxyk?si=pikX5dYJQrpFCFFS
Like all youtube videos, you can slow the speed by clicking the gear icon in the lower right of the video.
The magic of this combination is that you can slowly develop your ability to learn tunes by ear while having written music to fall back on as needed. Learning music by ear is slow and uncomfortable at first, but over time you will learn tunes a lot faster and much better (particularly with the defining feature of the music - the rhythm). There are many discussions on the importance of learning this music by ear, here is one to get you started - https://www.alan-ng.net/irish/learning/
At our session we will go around the circle and anyone that wants to can lead a set by playing the melodies SLOWLY from our current repertoire (listed at the bottom of this email). If people are trying to play the melody and giving up due to speed, then we will start over slower (so the speed may vary each time based on the people present). We will play each tune twice (three times or more is typical at fast sessions, but at slow speeds this can take a long time). People are welcome to play melody or chords, mistakes are no problem, and trying to work out the melody by ear is encouraged (but everyone needs to play quietly enough to hear the leader of the set). For more info on how Irish traditional music sessions work, scroll to the bottom of this page.
WHEN AND WHERE:
First and third Tuesdays, 6-8 PM, American Legion #234, 3751 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406 - parking is in the small lot in the back or plenty of street parking. The front door may be locked but they'll buzz you in; the back door is open. Please consider buying stuff and/or tipping them as thanks for hosting us. No sign up needed, drop in any date that works for you, and feel free to come for all or just part of it.
LESSONS:
I teach lessons in Irish traditional music, entirely by ear, on fiddle, whistle, flute, tenor banjo, and mandolin; email me for details. I've started recording versions of our tunes at different speeds, in case it's helpful to anyone:
Fiddle: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLplajx9L3Rq1Wf72uJaPnbZ2YHcNXebc2&si=wAYczDfiY50QVGGa
Banjo: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLplajx9L3Rq3lVrhIISXyV2cK2twTA7P_&si=Dx72_28VkPVH6VHh
Mandolin: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLplajx9L3Rq06h1rLcg6B70QCVlFHv2tk&si=-TcOAd5fFxVWH5I8
Whistle: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLplajx9L3Rq2MfKMOR2qd-jQ5cYbstWRw&si=yxesMGwPRuTs3cp6
Flute: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLplajx9L3Rq07DtwtnIoVzj-mJ2CJVvvW&si=GTonPw-mLsUo16pG
CURRENT REPERTOIRE:
REELS
Maid Behind the Bar Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/1184/
Kilmaley (Glen Allen) Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/730/
Green Mountain Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/2336/
Concertina Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/1455/
Come West Along the Road Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/364/
Anderson's Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/72/ (transcription has A and B parts reversed, go with the recording)
Boyne Hunt Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/200/
Shannon Breeze Reel (Rolling in the Ryegrass) in Dmix, irishtune.info/tune/1697/
Red Haired Lass Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/2245/
Over the Moor to Maggie Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/1492/
Lady Ann Montgomery Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/1071/
Maude Millar Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/1237/
Bank of Ireland Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/114/
Woman of the House Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/2082/
Kerry Reel in Edor, irishtune.info/tune/776/
Silver Spear Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/1770/
Father Kelly's Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/617/
Miss Monaghan Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/1311/
Jackie Coleman's Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/905/
Mountain Road Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/1350/
Cregg's Pipes Reel (Craig's Pipes) in G, irishtune.info/tune/406/
Cooley's Reel in Edor, irishtune.info/tune/391/
Wise Maid Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/2079/
Bird in the Bush Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/156/
Teetotaller Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/1883/
St. Anne's Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/1819/
London Lasses Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/1147/
Drowsie Maggie Reel in Edor, irishtune.info/tune/545/
Glass of Beer Reel in Bm, irishtune.info/tune/727/
Toss the Feathers Reel (Em Version) in Edor, irishtune.info/tune/1957/
Toss the Feathers Reel (D Version) in Dmix, irishtune.info/tune/1960/
Miss McLeod's Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/1310/
Merry Blacksmith Reel in D, irishtune.info/tune/1272/
Sally Gardens Reel in G, irishtune.info/tune/1720/
JIGS
Humours of Glendart Jig (East at Glendart) in D, irishtune.info/tune/860/
Saddle the Pony Jig in G, irishtune.info/tune/1714/
Tobin's Favourite Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/1917/
Geese in The Bog Jig in Ador, irishtune.info/tune/710/
Connaughtman's Rambles Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/378/
Out on the Ocean Jig in G, irishtune.info/tune/1489/
Jerry's Beaver Hat Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/930/
Kesh Jig in G, irishtune.info/tune/1022/
Rambling Pitchfork Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/1644/
Haunted House Jig in G, irishtune.info/tune/2463/
My Darling Asleep Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/1386/
Club Ceili Jig (Kilfenora) in G, irishtune.info/tune/1027/
Jim Ward's Jig in G, irishtune.info/tune/955/
Blarney Pilgrim Jig in Dmix, irishtune.info/tune/175/
Cook in the Kitchen Jig in G, irishtune.info/tune/387/
Lilting Banshee Jig in Ador, irishtune.info/tune/1124/
Haste to the Wedding Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/809/
Maid on the Green Jig in G, irishtune.info/tune/1189/
Lark in the Morning Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/1091/
Humours of Ennistymon Jig in G, irishtune.info/tune/858/
Wandering Minstrel Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/2035/
Queen of the Fair Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/1623/
Pay the Reckoning Jig (Jackson's Bottle of Brandy) in G, irishtune.info/tune/908/
Carraroe Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/282/
Kid on the Mountain in Em, irishtune.info/tune/1023/
Morrison's in Edor, irishtune.info/tune/1343/
Leitrim Jig in Edor, irishtune.info/tune/1118/
Brendan Tonra's Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/221/
Kilavil Jig in Edor, irishtune.info/tune/1025/
Ship in Full Sail Jig in G, irishtune.info/tune/1765/
Dusty Windowsills Jig in Ador, irishtune.info/tune/564/
Cliffs of Moher Jig in Ador, irishtune.info/tune/338/
Rose in the Heather Jig in D, irishtune.info/tune/1704/
HORNPIPES
Sonny Murray's Hornpipe (Wicklow) in Dmix, irishtune.info/tune/482/
Home Ruler Hornpipe in D, irishtune.info/tune/844/
Kitty's Wedding Hornpipe in D, irishtune.info/tune/1060/
Boys of Bluehill Hornpipe in D, irishtune.info/tune/207/
Cork Hornpipe (Harvest Home) in D, irishtune.info/tune/808/
Cronin's Hornpipe in G, irishtune.info/tune/414/
SLIDES AND POLKAS
Brosna Slide in G, irishtune.info/tune/1973/
O'Keefe's Slide in Ador, irishtune.info/tune/1451/
Denis Murphy's Slide in D, irishtune.info/tune/488/
Ballydesmond Polka No. 2 in Ador, irishtune.info/tune/106/
Ballydesmond Polka No. 1 (No. 3) in Ador, irishtune.info/tune/107/
Peg Ryan's Polka in D, irishtune.info/tune/1567/
Britches Full of Stitches Polka in G, irishtune.info/tune/1447/
Armagh Polka (John Ryan's) in D, irishtune.info/tune/983/
Ballydesmond Polka No. 3 (Mist on the Glen) in G, irishtune.info/tune/1320/
Sweeney's Polka in A, irishtune.info/tune/1860/
Denis Murphy's Polka in D, irishtune.info/tune/487/
Maggie in the Wood Polka in G, irishtune.info/tune/2146/
Little Diamond Polka in D, irishtune.info/tune/1135/
Murroe Polka in G, irishtune.info/tune/2243/
Maids of Ardath Polka in D, irishtune.info/tune/1187/
OTHERS
John Doherty's Mazurka in D, irishtune.info/tune/973/
Vincent Campbell's Mazurka (Mooney's) in G, irishtune.info/tune/2833/
Sonny's Mazurka in D, irishtune.info/tune/1795/
Shoe the Donkey Mazurka in G, irishtune.info/tune/2099/ (transcription has an incorrect repeat for the B part, go with the recording)
Belltable Waltz in D, irishtune.info/tune/141/
Tabhair Dom Do Lamh March (Give Me Your Hand) in G, irishtune.info/tune/723/
The Long Note in D, irishtune.info/tune/3080/
CHORD GUESSES:
I'm not sure about any of these - if you have better or simpler versions please let me know.
REELS
Maid Behind the Bar in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|Bm---|Em-A-|D---|D---|Bm-G-|DAD-|
B: |D---|D---|Em---|Em-A-|D---|D-A-|Bm-G-|DAD-|
Kilmaley (Glen Allen) in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|Am---|D7---|G---|G---|C---|D-G-|
B: |G---|G---|Am---|Am-D-|G---|G---|C---|D-G-|
Green Mountain in D (AABB)
A: |D-A-|D-A-|D-G-|D-A-|D-A-|D-A-|D-G-|A-D-|
B: |D---|D-A-|D-G-|D-A-|D---|D-A-|D-G-|A-D-|
Concertina Reel in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|Bm---|Bm---|D---|D---|D-G-|A-D-|
B: |D---|D---|Bm---|Bm---|D---|D---|Bm-G-|A-D-|
Come West Along the Road in G (AB)
A: |G---|C---|G---|D---|G---|C---|G---|D---|
B: |Em---|EmD--|C-G-|C-D-|Em---|EmD--|G-C-|C-D-|
Anderson's in D (AB - transcription has A and B parts reversed, go with the recording)
A: |D---|G-A-|D---|G-D-|D---|G-A-|D---|A-D-|
B: |D---|A---|D---|G-A-|D---|A---|D---|G-A-|
Boyne Hunt in D (AB)
A: |D---|D-A-|D---|A-D-|D---|D-A-|D---|A-D-|
B: |D---|G-Em-|D---|A-D-|D---|G-Em-|D---|A-D-|
Shannon Breeze (Rolling in the Ryegrass) in Dmix (AB)
A: |D---|G---|D---|G-AD|D---|G---|D---|G-AD|
B: |D---|G-D-|D---|G-A-|D---|G-D-|D---|G-A-|
Red Haired Lass in G (AB)
A: |G---|G-D-|G---|C-D-|G---|G-D-|G---|C-D-|
B: |G---|G-D-|G---|C-D-|G---|G-D-|C-G-|C-D-|
Over the Moor to Maggie in G (AABBCC)
A: |G---|G---|C---|C-D-|G---|G---|C---|D-G-|
B: |G-D-|C-G-|Am7---|Am7-D-|G-D-|C-G-|C---|D-G-|
C: |C-Bm-|Am7-G-|Am7---|Am7-D-|C-Bm-|Am7-G-|C---|D-G-|
Lady Ann Montgomery in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D-A-|D-G-|A-D-|D---|D-A-|D-G-|A-D-|
B: |D---|D-A-|D---|D-A-|D---|D---|D-G-|A-D-|
Maude Millar in G (AB)
A: |C-D-|G---|C-D-|Em---|C-D-|G--|C-D-|Em---|
B: |G---|C---|G---|D-C-|G---|C---|G-D-|Em---|
Bank of Ireland in D (AABB)
A: |Am---|G---|Am---|D---|Am---|G---|Am---|D---|
B: |D-A-|G-A-|D-A-|A-D-|A---|G-A-|D-A-|D---|
Woman of the House in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|D---|D---|G---|G---|D---|D---|
B: |Bm---|Bm---|Bm---|A---|Bm---|G---|G-D-|D---|
Kerry Reel in Edor (AABB)
A: |Em---|D---|Em---|D-Em-|Em---|D---|Em-Bm-|D-Em-|
B: |Em---|Bm-D-|Em---|Bm-Em-|Em---|D---|D-Bm-|D-Em-|
Silver Spear in D (AABB)
A: |D---|G-A-|D---|G-A-|D---|G-A-|G-D-|G-A-|
B: |D---|G-A-|D---|G-A-|D---|G-A-|G-D-|G-A-|
Father Kelly's in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|Am---|C-D-|G---|G---|G-C-|D-G-|
B: |G---|G---|C---|D---|G---|G---|C-G-|D-G-|
Miss Monaghan in D (AABB)
A: |D---|G-D-|D---|A---|D---|G-D-|D---|A-D-|
B: |D---|G---|D---|A---|D---|G---|D---|A-D-|
Jackie Coleman's Reel in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|Em---|G-A-|D---|D---|Em---|A-D-|
B: |D---|D---|A---|A---|D---|D---|G---|A-D-|
Mountain Road Reel in D (AB)
A: |D---|D-A-|D---|G-A-|D---|D-A-|D---|G-A-|
B: |D---|D-A-|D---|G-A-|D---|D-A-|D---|G-A-|
Cregg's Pipes Reel (Craig's Pipes) in G (ABC)
A: |G---|G-D-|G---|C-D-|G---|G-D-|G---|C-D-|
B: |G---|G-D-|G---|G-D-|G---|G-D-|G---|D-G-|
C: |G-C-|G-D-|G-C-|D---|G-C-|G-D-|G-C-|D---|
Cooley's Reel in Edor (AABB)
A: |Em---|Em---|D---|D---|Em---|Em---|D---|D-Em-|
B: |Em---|Em---|D---|D---|Em---|Em---|D---|D-Em-|
Wise Maid Reel in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|D---|G-A-|D---|D---|D-G-|A-D-|
B: |D---|D-A-|D-A-|G-A-|G-D-|D---|G---|A-D-|
Bird in the Bush Reel in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G-Em-|Am---|Am-D-|G---|G-Em-|G---|D-G-|
B: |Bm-Em-|D-C-|Bm-Em-|D-G-|G-D-|C-G-|G---|D-G-|
Teetotaller Reel in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|Em---|Em---|G---|G---|Em---|D-G-|
B: |Em---|Em---|D---|D---|Em---|Em---|Em---|D-G-|
St. Anne's Reel in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|G---|D-A-|D---|D---|G-A-|D---|
B: |D---|G---|A---|D---|D---|G---|A---|D---|
London Lasses Reel in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|G---|G---|G---|G---|C--|C---|
B: |G---|G---|C---|C---|G---|G---|C--|C---|
Drowsie Maggie in Edor (AB)
A: |Em---|Em-D-|Em---|G-D-|Em-D-|Em-D-|Em---|G-D-|
B: |D-A-|D---|D-A-|G-A-|D-A-|D---|D-A-|G-D-|
Glass of Beer in Bm (AABB)
A: |Bm---|Bm-A-|Bm-D-|D-A-|
B: |D---|D-A-|D---|D-A-|
Toss the Feathers (Em Version) in Edor (AAB)
A: |Em---|Em-D-|Em---|C-D-|
B: |Em---|D-Bm-|Em---|D-Bm-|Em---|D---|G-D-|C-Bm-|
Toss the Feathers (D Version) in Dmix (AABB)
A: |D---|D-C-|D---|D-C-|D---|D-C-|C-D-|D-C-|
B: |D---|D---|A---|A---|A-D-|D---|C-D-|D-C-|
Miss McLeod's Reel in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|G---|D---|G---|G---|C---|D---|
B: |G---|G---|G---|D---|G---|G---|D--|G---|
Merry Blacksmith Reel in D (AABB)
A: |D-A-|D-A-|D---|G-A-|D-A-|D-A-|D---|A-D-|
B: |D-A-|D-A-|D---|G-A-|D-A-|D-A-|D---|A-D-|
Sally Gardens Reel in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G-D-|G---|C-D-|G---|G-D-|G-C-|D-G-|
B: |G---|G---|Am---|C-D-|G---|Em-C-|G-C-|D-G-|
JIGS
Humours of Glendart (East at Glendart) in D (AABB)
A: |D-|D-|D-|A-|D-|D-|GA|D-|
B: |D-|A-|D-|Em-|D-|AG|DA|D-|
Saddle the Pony in G (AABB)
A: |G-|G-|G-|D-|G-|G-|CG|DG|
B: |Em-|DG|Em-|D-|Em-|DG|CG|DG|
Tobin's Favourite in D (AABB)
A: |D-|A-|DG|A-|D-|A-|DG|AD|
B: |D-|A-|D-|A-|D-|A-|DA|AD|
Geese In The Bog in Ador (AABB)
A: |C-|C-|C-|Am-|C-|C-|C-|Am-|
B: |CG|Am-|CG|Am-|CG|Am-|CG|Am-|
The Connaughtman’s Rambles in D (AABB)
A: |D-|G-|D-|G-|D-|GD|EmBm|BG|
B: |Bm-|D-|Bm-|DA|Bm-|D-|GD|G-|
Out On The Ocean in G (AABB)
A: |G-|GD|G-|CD|G-|GD|C-|DG|
B: |Em-|Em-|Bm-|CD|G-|CD|G-|CG|
Jerry's Beaver Hat in D (AABB)
A: |D-|G-|D-|A-|D-|G-|D-|AD|
B: |D-|GD|D-|A-|D-|GD|GD|AD|
Kesh in G (AABB)
A: |G-|D-|G-|D-|G-|D-|G-|D-|
B: |G-|CG|G-|Am-|G-|CG|CD|G-|
Rambling Pitchfork in D (AABB)
A: |D-|D-|G-|A-|D-|D-|G-|AD|
B: |D-|A-|G-|DA|D-|A-|G-|AD|
Haunted House in G (AAB)
A: |GD|EmC|GC|CD|GD|EmC|GC|DG|
B: |GC|C-|G-|G-|C-|C-|GC|DG|
|GC|C-|G-|G-|GD|EmC|GC|DG|
My Darling Asleep in D (AABB)
A: |DA|GD|D-|GA|D-|D-|D-|GA|
B: |D-|D-|D-|GA|DA|GD|D-|AD|
Club Ceili (Kilfenora Jig) in G (AABB)
A: |G-|G-|G-|GD|G-|G-|GD|G-|
B: |GD|CG|G-|G-|GD|CG|D-|G-|
Jim Ward's in G (AABB)
A: |G-|Am7-|C-|D-|G-|Am7-|C-|D-|
B: |Am7-|D-|Am7-|D-|Am7-|D-|C-|D-|
Blarney Pilgrim in Dmix (AABBCC)
A: |G-|D-|G-|CD|G-|D-|GC|D-|
B: |G-|D-|G-|DG|G-|D-|G-|CD|
C: |D-|D-|G-|CD|D-|D-|GC|D-|
Cook in the Kitchen in G (AABBCC)
A: |G-|F-|G-|D-|G-|F-|CD|G-|
B: |G-|D-|G-|D-|G-|D-|CD|G-|
C: |D-|D-|CD|GD|D-|D-|CD|G-|
Lilting Banshee in Ador (AABB)
A: |Am-|G-|Em-|D-|Am-|G-|Em-|DAm|
B: |Am-|G-|Em-|D-|Am-|G-|Em-|DAm|
Haste to the Wedding in D (AABB)
A: |D-|A-|D-|GA|D-|A-|DA|D-|
B: |D-|G-|D-|A-|DA|GA|DA|D-|
Maid on the Green in G (AABB)
A: |GC|GD|G-|GD|GC|G-|GD|G-|
B: |GD|GD|GA|D-|GB|C-|GD|G-|
Lark in the Morning in D (AABBCCDD)
A: |D-|G-|D-|GA|D-|G-|DA|D-|
B: |D-|GD|D-|Bm-|D-|GD|GD|A-|
C: |D-|D-|D-|Bm-|D-|D-|GD|A-|
D: |D-|G-|D-|G-|D-|GD|GD|A-|
Humours of Ennistymon in G (AABBC)
A: |G-|CD|G-|CD|G-|CD|D-|DG|
B: |D-|D-|G-|D-|D-|D-|GC|DG|
C: |G-|Am-|G-|CD|G-|Am-|GC|DG|
|G-|Am-|G-|CD|G-|CD|D-|DG|
Wandering Minstrel in D (AABBC)
A: |DG|DG|DG|A-|DG|DG|DA|D-|
B: |DA|GD|GD|DA|DA|GD|GA|D-|
C: |D-|G-|D-|A-|D-|G-|DG|AD|
Queen of the Fair Jig in D (AABBC)
A: |D-|D-|A-|A-|D-|D-|GA|D-|
B: |DA|D-|D-|A-|DA|D-|DA|D-|
C: |D-|D-|AG|DA|D-|D-|EmA|D-|
Pay the Reckoning Jig (Jackson's Bottle of Brandy) in G (AABB)
A: |G-|Bm-|G-|C-|G-|Bm-|G-|C-|
B: |G-|D-|G-|C-|GAm|EmD|AmG|D-|
Carraroe Jig in D (AABB)
A: |D-|D-|G-|DA|D-|D-|GD|DA|
B: |D-|GA|D-|GA|D-|G-|EmD|GA|
Kid on the Mountain in Em (AABBCCDDEE)
A: |EmDEm|Em--|EmDEm|GD-|
B: |GDG|G--|GDG|G-D|
C: |Em--|Em-D|Em--|GD-|
D: |Em--|Em-D|Em--|C-D|
E: |GDG|G--|GDG|GD-|
Morrison's in Edor (AAB)
A: |Em-|EmD|Em-|GD|Em-|EmD|G-|D-|
B: |Em-|Em-|Em-|CD|Em-|Em-|G-|D-|
|Em-|Em-|Em-|D-|G-|DG|AmBm|CD|
Leitrim Jig (Leitrim Fancy) in Edor (AABB)
A: |EmD|Em-|C-|D-|EmD|Em-|C-|D-|
B: |G-|G-|C-|D-|G-|GBm|C-|D-|
Brendan Tonra's Jig in D (AABB)
A: |D-|DA|DG|A-|DA|DA|DG|AD|
B: |D-|Em7Bm|D-|A-|D-|Em7Bm|DA|AD|
Kilavil Jig in Edor (AABB)
A: |Em-|Em-|D-|D-|Em-|Em-|D-|DEm|
B: |Em-|Bm-|D-|D-|Em-|Bm-|D-|DEm|
Ship in Full Sail Jig in G (AABB)
A: |G-|G-|CG|AmD|G-|G-|CG|DG|
B: |G-|DG|G-|CD|G-|DG|CG|DG|
Dusty Windowsills Jig in Ador (AABBCC)
A: |Am-|Am-|G-|G-|Am-|Am-|AmG|EmAm|
B: |Am-|Em-|G-|Em-|AmG|EmAm|Em-|EmAm|
C: |Am-|Am-|G-|Em-|Am-|Am-|G-|EmAm|
Cliffs of Moher Jig in Ador (AAB)
A: |Am-|G-|F-|GAm|Am-|Em-|F-|GAm|
B: |Am-|Am-|G-|G-|Am-|Am-|G-|Am-|
|Am-|Am-|G-|G-|Am-|FG|Em-|EmAm|
Rose in the Heather Jig in D (AABB)
A: |DA|D-|G-|A-|DA|D-|GD|AD|
B: |D-|D-|G-|Em-|D-|D-|GD|AD|
HORNPIPES
Sonny Murray's Hornpipe (Wicklow Hornpipe) in Dmix (AABB)
A: |D---|D-C-|D---|G---|D---|D-C-|D---|D---|
B: |D-A-|G---|D-A-|D-G-|D---|D-C-|D---|D---|
Home Ruler in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D-G-|D---|D-G-|D---|D-G-|D---|D---|
B: |D---|D---|A-G-|D-GD|D---|D---|A-G-|DAD-|
Kitty's Wedding in D (AABB)
A: |DGD-|GAD-|G-D-|D-A-|DGD-|GAD-|G-D-|A-D-|
B: |D-G-|D-G-|D---|G-A-|D-G-|D-G-|D---|A-D-|
Boys Of Bluehill in D (AABB)
A: |D---|G-A-|D-A-|D-G-|D---|G-A-|D-A-|D---|
B: |D---|G-A-|D-A-|D-G-|D---|G-A-|D-A-|D---|
Cork Hornpipe (Harvest Home) in D (AABB)
A: |A-D-|D---|A---|Em-A7-|D---|D---|A7---|D---|
B: |A-D-|A7-D-|A---|Em-A7-|D---|D---|A7---|D---|
Cronin’s Hornpipe in G (AABB)
A: |G---|C-G-|Em---|D---|G---|C-G-|Em-D-|G---|
B: |D---|Em---|G---|D---|G---|C-G-|Em-D-|G---|
SLIDES AND POLKAS
Brosna Slide in G (AABB)
A: |G---|D---|G---|D-G-|
B: |G-D-|C-D-|G-D-|CDG-|
O'Keefe's Slide in Ador (AABB)
A: |Am-G-|Am-G-|Am-G-|G-Am-|
B: |Am---|Am---|G---|G-Am-|
Denis Murphy's Slide in D (AABB)
A: |D---|G-A-|D---|GAD-|
B: |D-GD|GDA-|D-GD|A-D-|
Ballydesmond Polka No. 2 in Ador (AABB)
A: |Am-|Am-|G-|G-|Am-|Am-|CG|Am-|
B: |Am-|Am-|G-|G-|Am-|Am-|CG|Am-|
Ballydesmond Polka No. 1 (No. 3) in Ador (AABB)
A: |AmG|Am-|G-|G-|Am-|G-|E7-|Am-|
B: |Am-|G-|Am-|G-|Am-|G-|E7-|Am-|
Peg Ryan's in D (AABB)
A: |D-|D-|D-|A-|D-|D-|D-|A-|
B: |D-|Em-|G-|A-|D-|Em-|G-|A-|
Britches Full of Stitches in G (AABB)
A: |G-|G-|G-|C-|G-|G-|C-|D-|
B: |G-|G-|G-|DG|G-|G-|C-|D-|
Armagh Polka (John Ryan's Polka) in D (AABB)
A: |DG|D-|DG|DA|DG|D-|DA|D-|
B: |D-|GA|D-|DA|D-|GA|DA|D-|
Ballydesmond Polka No. 3 (Mist on the Glen?) in G (AABB)
A: |G-|G-|Am-|D-|G-|G-|AmD|G-|
B: |Am-|Am-|G-|G-|Am-|Am-|EmG|Am-|
Sweeney's Polka in A (AABB)
A: |A-|A-|A-|DE|A-|A-|DE|A-|
B: |A-|A-|A-|DE|A-|A-|DE|A-|
Denis Murphy's Polka in D (AABB)
A: |D-|D-|G-|A-|D-|D-|GA|D-|
B: |D-|G-|D-|GA|D-|G-|A-|D-|
Maggie in the Wood in G (AAB)
A: |G-|Em-|G-|D-|G-|EmC|GD|G-|
B: |Em-|C-|G-|D-|Em-|C-|GD|G-|Em-|Am-|G-|D-|G-|EmC|GD|G-|
Little Diamond Polka in D (AABB)
A: |D-|D-|D-|A-|D-|D-|A-|D-|
B: |DA|D-|D-|A-|DA|D-|DA|D-|
Murroe Polka in G (AABB)
A: |G-|G-|D-|C-|G-|G-|D-|G-|
B: |G-|G-|D-|CD|G-|G-|D-|CG|
Maids of Ardath in D (AABB)
A: |D-|D-|A-|D-|D-|D-|A-|D-|
B: |A-|A-|A-|EA|A-|A-|E-|A-|
OTHERS
John Doherty's Mazurka in D (AABB)
A: |D---|G---|A---|D---|D---|G---|A---|D---|
B: |D---|G---|A---|D---|D---|G---|A---|D---|
Vincent Campbell's Mazurka (Mooney's) in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|C---|G---|G---|G---|C-D-|G---|
B: |G---|C---|D---|G---|G---|C---|D---|G---|
Sonny's Mazurka in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|G---|D---|D---|D---|G-A-|D---|
B: |D---|A---|Bm---|A---|D---|A---|D-A-|D---|
Shoe the Donkey in G (AABB) (transcription has an incorrect repeat for the B part, go with the recording)
A: |G---|G---|G---|D---|D---|D---|D---|G---|
B: |G---|D---|D---|G---|G---|C---|D---|G---|
Belltable Waltz in D (AABB)
A: |D--|G--|D--|D--|Em--|A--|A--|D--|
B: |D---|D---|Bm---|Bm---|Em---|A---|A---|D---|
Tabhair Dom Do Lamh (Give Me Your Hand) in G (A)
A: |C--|G--|C--|G--|C--|G--|Bm--|Em--|
|Am--|G--|Am--|C--|C--|G--|C--|G--|
|C--|Em--|D--|G--|C--|G--|Bm--|Em--|
|Am--|G--|Am--|C--|G--|Em--|C--|D--|
|G--|Em--|C--|G--|G--|Em--|Am--|D--|
|C--|G--|Em--|D--|G--|F--|C--|Am--|
|G--|Em--|D--|G--|
The Long Note in D (AAB)
A: |D---|G---|D---|A--D|
B: |D---|G---|D---|A--D|
|D---|G---|D---|A--D|
|A---|Em---|G---|A--D|
|A---|Em---|G---|A--D|
JOINING AN IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSION
FIRST TIMER WALK THROUGH
If you enjoy listening to and playing Irish traditional music, then playing in a session can be a ton of fun. However, getting started can be confusing, because it's often not clear how sessions work from the outside looking in. Every session can be a little different, but I'll try to explain how things usually work with a "walk through" from the perspective of someone coming to one for the first time. This guide will be a work-in-progress, and any suggestions for improvement would be welcome. Irish traditional music is often referred to as "trad," and I'll use that, too. If you have experience with bluegrass or multi-genre jams where folks mostly sing songs and take instrumental solos, then a trad session will seem very different. At a session singing is rare, and instead of instrumental solos most everyone will be playing melodies together.
FINDING A SESSION
Finding a trad session may be the hardest part of getting started. If you live in a big city, you may have many to choose from, and maybe even the rare beginner or "slow" session. Otherwise, you may only have one anywhere near you, or you may have to travel to find one. Try searching online for your area and "irish music" or irish session". The website The Session (thesession.org/sessions) has a list of sessions, but the information is often out of date. You can try checking websites and/or visiting Irish pubs in your area and asking around if anyone knows of any sessions. Instrument shops selling violins might know something, and they might be able to point you to music teachers that play Irish music, who would be most likely to know. Worst case scenario, you might need to start your own, but you will likely be pleasantly surprised at how many other people would be interested.
INSTRUMENTS
There are certain instruments that are pretty much always welcome at trad sessions: fiddle, tenor banjo, accordion, concertina, whistle (also called the tin or penny whistle), wooden flute, and the uilleann pipes (also called the Irish bagpipes). At most sessions, any other acoustic melody instrument would also be welcome, but you should ask first.
Rhythm instruments (playing chords) and percussion are variably welcome. My understanding is that they were initially rare at sessions, but are now common, and folks have different opinions about how much of this is too much. Guitar is the most common rhythm instrument, followed by the bouzouki. The Irish drum called the bodhran is usually the only percussion at sessions, and having multiple people playing this simultaneously is often frowned on, but it never hurts to ask.
Bring a tuner and tune your instrument before starting, and check it again at least once during the session. If you are out of tune, it can make it hard for other people near you to play.
WALKING IN
Trad musicians are on a spectrum from relaxed and easy-going to unforgiving sticklers for etiquette; assume the latter and you'll usually be pleasantly surprised. The first step is to walk up, introduce yourself, and ask if you can join in the session. Some sessions are closed, meaning they are invitation only, but most sessions are open, in which case they will say yes, after they look at your instrument first to make sure they agree with what you brought. Some sessions get big enough that an outer circle forms around an inner circle, in which case you want to sit on the outside. If you are lucky enough to live where there is a slow beginner session you can skip all that, because everyone there will be in the same boat as you, and all will be welcome.
TUNES AND SONGS
Most trad sessions only play tunes (the term used for instrumental music without singing) and not songs (the term used for music with singing). Some trad sessions include the occasional song, which is usually sung as a solo by one person. What tunes are going to get played? Well, that is always the big question. At a beginner/slow session, there may be a list of tunes so that you have some idea what is coming. At an advanced session, any of the thousands of trad tunes may get played, and there will often be a mix of common and less common tunes. If you keep going to the same session, over time you'll start to get a feel for the repertoire of each of the regulars, and folks will tend to have favorites that they call often.
There are a couple resources that can point you in the direction of tunes that are widely popular at sessions:
thesession.org/tunes/popular
irishtune.info/session/tunes.php
Tunes are rarely played one at a time, instead they are combined into groups called sets, which are played without a pause between them. Advanced players may decide to group tunes into sets because they like how they sound together, or they may play sets from particular recordings. A great resource for learning individual tunes and good sets is Foinn Seisiún (FWEEN SESH-oon), which are books of written music with matching recordings produced by Comhaltas (COAL-tas), a group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music: https://comhaltas.ie/product-category/books/
Trad has lots of types of tunes, defined by different rhythms. Reels and jigs are the most common tune types played at sessions, but any type may get played. How many types of tunes there is open for debate, as discussed here: irishtune.info/rhythm/
LEARNING TUNES
All advanced players agree that the best way to learn Irish tunes is by ear, and all beginners agree that it sounds too hard, so they start learning from written music. At least, that is what I did, and it added many years of pain and frustration to my journey, which was time wasted that I could have spent having fun playing in sessions! Instead of thinking of it as a binary choice, think of it as a spectrum. Consider starting with spending 1% of your practice time learning by ear, and gradually increasing that over the years until one day you won't need written music anymore.
The Foinn Seisiún books and matching recordings are a great place to start with this. There are lots of YouTube videos with people teaching particular tunes, often slowed down and taught phrase by phrase, sometimes with matching written music. A great paid option is The Online Academy of Irish Music (oaim.ie) which has a huge range of video lessons and other resources. Of course, it is hard to beat a good teacher, and there are lots of those both in person or online. If you can find a teacher that also plays in local sessions, they can teach you tunes and help you start playing them in sessions.
PLAYING
So, you've found an open session, and you've asked and been invited to sit in, what happens next? After the obligatory chatting and catching up, someone will start playing a tune. If you are new, even if you know the tunes they play, it would be smart to not play at first, at least for a while, and instead just watch and listen. Every session is a little different, and you can figure out a lot about a particular session's quirks by observing how it operates for the first few sets.
Some sessions will have a strict hierarchy with either one established leader or a handful of players that have been around since the snakes were driven out of Ireland, and usually one of these folks will most often be starting the sets. At a lot of sessions, after a few sets go by, one of these folks may invite you to start a set. If you're up for it go for it! If not you can either pass, or you could tell them you're not ready to start one but ask if they'd be willing to start one that you know (although they may play it much faster than you would like).
Each tune will be repeated some number of times before switching to the next tune in the set. Three repetitions is probably the most common, and some sessions will do this consistently the whole time. Some sessions will play more repetitions for shorter tune types (like single reels) and/or less repetitions for longer tune types (such as hornpipes). At some sessions this will be at the discretion of the person that started the set, and it may vary every time based on how the set is feeling. In this case, it can be a bit mystifying how they communicate the tune change to everybody else, but it's often with a glance, or with a sound such as "hup!"
The number of tunes in a set can also vary, again with three probably being the most common. Sets usually have the same types of tunes, such as all reels or all jigs, but the key can change with each tune.
If a tune comes up that you know, and at a speed you can play, go for it, but it's a good idea to play quietly. If you play loudly as a newcomer, and drown out the other players, you could wear out your welcome pretty quickly. Also, you would be missing the point of a session, which is that everyone is listening to each other and trying to blend together and get a good groove going. Trad involves lots of subtle rhythmic elements that you won't know how to play as a beginner, which is another reason to listen a lot and play a little when you're getting started.
If the tunes are going too fast, or if you just don't know many tunes yet, there is nothing wrong with just sitting and listening the whole session. The tunes and rhythms will start working their way into your brain, and the more you listen to tunes at sessions or from recordings the closer you will be to joining in. Even better is to make an audio recording of the session - always ask first, but most folks will be happy for you to do that, because many of them will have done that, too. At home you could use software to slow down the recordings and use them to start learning the tunes by ear. Since each session has its own favorite sets, learning directly from recordings of the session would be the fastest way to learn that specific repertoire. One commonly used program to slow down recordings for learning by ear is the Amazing Slow Downer (ronimusic.com).
Sitting out tunes you're not ready for, and playing quietly, goes double for rhythm instruments and bodhrans. A lot of sessions have had bad experiences in the past of these instruments being played loudly and/or poorly, thereby wrecking the fun for everyone else. Playing chords in trad can be more difficult than jams involving other music genres because there are lots of keys (including modes) and often rapid chord changes. Fairly or not, players of these instruments may be considered guilty until proven innocent, so it's a great idea to err even more on the side of caution to make sure that you will be welcomed back.
MOST IMPORTANT
Be nice, relax, and have fun. Thank everyone for letting you sit in and/or record the session. It can also be a great idea to ask for advice from the experienced players on things you can do as a beginner, because they've all been there, and sometimes folks will take you under their wing to help you along.