One of the first questions every new trad player asks is: what tunes should I learn? The repertoire is vast \u2014 there are tens of thousands of tunes in the tradition \u2014 and the prospect of choosing where to start can be paralysing.<\/p>\n
The answer is simpler than you think: learn the tunes that everyone knows. The tunes listed here are common session standards \u2014 tunes you\u2019ll hear at sessions everywhere, that most musicians can join in on, and that are melodically accessible without being simplistic. Learn a handful of these and you\u2019ll have a passport to your first session.<\/p>\n
All of these tunes appear regularly on Radio Siamsa. Listening to how they sound before you try to play them is the most important step. Get the melody in your ear first. Then pick up your instrument.<\/p>\n
Reels are the most common tune type in sessions. Start with these:<\/p>\n
One of the most popular session reels in the world. The melody is strong and memorable, with a shape that makes it easy to follow. It\u2019s in the key of D, which suits most instruments. You\u2019ll hear this at virtually every session you attend.<\/p>\n
A classic reel in E minor. The melody is catchy and the tune has a distinctive, slightly melancholy character that sets it apart. It\u2019s a great tune for building confidence with minor keys.<\/p>\n
A standard D reel with a melody that flows naturally under the fingers. It\u2019s one of those tunes that seems to play itself once you\u2019ve learned it. A perennial session favourite.<\/p>\n
Another D reel, slightly more challenging than the previous three but still very accessible. The B part has a lovely lift to it. Learning this one gives you a tune that transitions well into sets with the reels above.<\/p>\n
Jigs are the second most common tune type. Their bouncing 6\/8 rhythm is one of the most distinctive sounds in Irish music.<\/p>\n
Possibly the first tune every trad musician learns. Simple, catchy, instantly recognisable. It\u2019s in G major and sits comfortably on every instrument. If you know one jig, make it this one.<\/p>\n
A beautiful jig in G that\u2019s slightly more melodically interesting than The Kesh. The tune has a gentle, rolling quality that captures the jig rhythm perfectly.<\/p>\n
A D major jig with a buoyant, optimistic melody. It\u2019s been recorded by everyone from The Chieftains to L\u00fanasa. A session staple.<\/p>\n
In E minor, Morrison\u2019s has a more complex melody than the jigs above, but it\u2019s hugely popular at sessions and well worth the effort. It\u2019s often played as the opening tune in a set of jigs.<\/p>\n
Polkas are simpler melodically than reels or jigs, which makes them excellent for beginners. They\u2019re particularly popular in Kerry and Cork.<\/p>\n
You might recognise this from the film Titanic (the dance scene below decks) or from the children\u2019s show Bluey. It\u2019s a universally known polka that\u2019s easy to play and impossible not to enjoy. A perfect first polka.<\/p>\n
Another popular beginner polka with a catchy, rhythmic melody. Pair it with John Ryan\u2019s for your first polka set.<\/p>\n
Named for the great Sliabh Luachra fiddler. A slightly more interesting melody than the two above, but still very accessible.<\/p>\n
Once you have a few reels, jigs and polkas under your belt, try these:<\/p>\n
The most famous slip jig in the tradition. Its 9\/8 time signature gives it a graceful, flowing quality that\u2019s different from the bounce of a regular jig. The melody is beautiful and not too difficult. It\u2019s a tune that makes you feel like a musician.<\/p>\n
A classic hornpipe with a swinging rhythm and a memorable melody. Hornpipes are played slower than reels, which gives you more time to think \u2014 but the dotted rhythm takes some getting used to.<\/p>\n
A well-known slow air (though it also exists as a jig) with a gentle, flowing melody. Playing slow airs is a different skill from playing dance tunes \u2014 it\u2019s about expression, breath and taking your time. This is a good one to start with.<\/p>\n
A haunting slow air whose title means \u201cI Am Asleep.\u201d More challenging than The Lark, but deeply rewarding. If you can play this with feeling, you\u2019re a musician.<\/p>\n
Read our guide to learning Irish traditional music<\/a><\/p>\n Read our guide to types of Irish tunes<\/a>.<\/p>\n Listen to these tunes on Radio Siamsa<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Kesh Jig is often cited as the very first tune most trad musicians learn. John Ryan\u2019s Polka is another excellent starting point.<\/p>\n A handful \u2014 five or six is enough to start. You won\u2019t play on every set, but knowing a few common tunes gives you enough to contribute. Your repertoire will grow naturally from there.<\/p>\n Ideally, by ear \u2014 listening to recordings and working out the melody on your instrument. Notation is a useful aid but it can become a crutch. The tradition is oral; the more you learn by ear, the deeper your musical understanding.<\/p>\n 1. The Maid Behind the Bar<\/p>\n 2. Drowsy Maggie<\/p>\n 3. The Bucks of Oranmore<\/p>\n 4. The Silver Spear<\/p>\n 5. The Kesh Jig<\/p>\n 6. The Connachtman\u2019s Rambles<\/p>\n 7. Out on the Ocean<\/p>\n 8. Morrison\u2019s Jig<\/p>\n 9. John Ryan\u2019s Polka<\/p>\n 10. The Britches Full of Stitches<\/p>\n 11. Denis Murphy\u2019s Polka<\/p>\n 12. The Butterfly (Slip Jig)<\/p>\n 13. The Boys of Bluehill (Hornpipe)<\/p>\n 14. The Lark in the Morning<\/p>\n 15. T\u00e1imse im\u2019 Chodladh<\/p>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
What is the easiest Irish tune to learn?<\/h3>\n
How many tunes do I need to join a session?<\/h3>\n
Should I learn from notation or by ear?<\/h3>\n
Notes<\/h2>\n
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