Learn some tunes! A to F

I have now recreated all the links on this page.

Last updated : 21 March 2023. For a timeline of additions and revisions to the tunes in this page, see https://theirishmandolin.com/index-by-date/ Currently re-recording some of the earliest sound files, whose quality was below par or which were played through only once. From 10 June 2022 onwards I’ll no longer be routinely including links to the relevant tune at http://thesession.org (sorry, Jeremy!). Finding and copying the relevant link takes time which I can ill-afford.

In the fullness of time, the tunes in this collection are replicated on my YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVvlBAsMSlHMfjET8I2fQJg/

The Irish Mandolin Tunebook Volume 6 (December 2022) is now available to buy in e-book format by clicking this link. Volume 1 (March 2021), Volume 2 (May 2021), Volumes 3 &4 (January 2022) and Volume 5 (April 2022) are also available. Every sale helps with the costs of maintaining this site.

Jigs
249 To Wigton (DMin)
Aaron's Key (BMin)
The Achreidh Jig (DMix)
Adam And Eve (G)
The Almond House (D)
An Buachaillín Buí (D)
An Cailín Deas Donn (G)
An Caitín Bán (AMin)
An Paistin Fionn (D)
An Rogaire Dubh (AMix)
An Sean Duine (G)
An Seanduine Doite (D)
An t-Athair Jack Walsh (DMix)
Andy de Jarlis' (D)
The Angry Peeler (G)
Anthony Frawley's (G)
Apples In Winter (ADor)
Around Killavil (EMin)
Aunt Mary's Canadian Jig (D)
Ballyhooley (G)
The Ballymore Lasses (D)
Banish Misfortune (DMix)
The Bank Of Turf (D)
The Banks Of Lough Gowna (Bm)
The Banks Of Newfoundland (G)
The Banshee's Wail (G)
The Basket Of Eggs (G)
The Basket Of Turf (Em)
The Battering Ram (G)
The Beer Drinker (A)
The Bees In The Heather (D)
Behind The Bush In The Garden (ADor)
The Belfast Almanac (G)
The Belfast Boat (G)
The Belfast Ham (D)
The Besom In Bloom (Dmix)
The Best In The Bag (G)
Bibidigh-Bobidigh-Bú (G)
Biddy From Sligo (D)
Biddy The Bold Wife (A)
Big Barney's Jig (G)
The Bigamist (D)
Bill Harte's (DMix)
Billy Barlow (A)
Billy McCormick's (ADor)
Bímid Ag Ól Agus Ag Pógadh Na mBán (G)
The Birthday Jig (A)
The Birthday Jig (D)
The Black Frog (D)
The Blackthorn Stick (G)
The Blarney Pligrim (DMix)
The Blooming Meadows (G)
Bly's Jig (ADor)
The Bohola (D)
Boiled Goats Milk (G)
The Bottle Of Punch (D)
The Bow-Legged Tailor (G)
The Boy In His Pants (D)
Boylan's Jig (D)
The Boys Of Ballinafad (A)
The Boys Of Ballinamore (DMix)
The Boys Of Coomanore (D)
The Boys Of Tandragee (Em)
The Boys Of The Town (G)
The Boys Of Thomastown (G)
Brian O'Lynn (ADor)
Bríd Harper's (EMin)
The Bridal Jig (G)
The Bride's Favourite (G)
Bring Back The Child (G)
The Brisk Young Lads (Am)
The Buck In The Wood (G)
Bundle And Go (EMin)
Burke's Jig (D)
The Bush On The Hill (G)
The Butcher's March (G)
Caherlistrane (A)
Calliope House (D)
The Cape Breton Favourite (G)
A Cape Breton Jig (D)
Captain McDonald's Favourite (G)
Carolan's Fancy (G)
The Carraroe (D)
Casey's Fiddle (D)
Castle Donovan (G)
The Castle Street Jig (G)
The Castlebar Races (G)
The Castleblaney Piper (D)
The Castlebridge Jig (D)
The Cat And The Bacon (D)
The Cat In The Corner (DMix)
The Cat That Ate The Candle (G)
The Cat's Meow (D)
Catriona's (G)
Cavehill (G)
The Chapel Bell (EDor)
Charlie Hunter's (D)
The Charming Young Widow (D)
Cherish The Ladies (D)
Christy Barry's No. 1 (G)
The Church Of Dromore (ADor)
Cis Ní Liatháin (ADor)
The Clare Island Boat Song (EDor)
The Cliffs Of Moher (ADor)
Coleman's Cross (EDor)
The Coleraine (Am)
The Collier's (DMix)
Come Along With Me (G)
Come To Dinner (ADor)
Con Curtin's Big Balloon (EDor)
Condon's Frolics (ADor)
Conlon's (G)
Conlon's (D)
The Connaughtman's Rambles (D)
Connie O'Connell's (G)
The Cook In The Kitchen (G)
The Cordal Jig (D)
The Cowboy Jig (A)
The Cricket's March Over The Salt Box (D)
Cronin's Favourite (ADor)
The Custom House (D)
Da Foula Reel (G)
The Dairy Maid (G)
Dan Collins' Father's (D)
Dancing Eyes (G)
Dandy Bash (G)
Daniel O'Connell (D)
Darby Carey (D)
Darby Gallagher's (AMix)
The Day After The Fair (EMin)
Delaney's (DMix)
The Derrytavrane Jig (G)
The Devil In Dublin (G)
Diarmuid's Jig (G)
Dineen's Fancy (D)
Dinny O'Briens Jig (G)
The Doberman's Wallet (D)
Dominic's Farewell To Cashel (G)
Domhnall na Greine (Daniel Of The Sun) (D)
Donnybrook Fair (G)
Don't Be Teasing (D)
Dooney Rock (ADor)
Down The Back Lane (DMix)
Down The Meadow (D)
Down The Road (A)
Down With The Tithes (G)
Doyle's Castle (D)
The Drimcong (ADor)
Drimroe Cross (DMix)
Dromey's Fancy (EMin)
The Drowning At Bruckless (G)
The Drunken Gauger (G)
The Dusty Windowsills (ADor)
Eadails (G)
The Eavesdropper (G)
Eddie Kelly's (Em)
Elizabeth Kelly's (Am)
Ellen O'Leary's Favourite (D)
Emmett's Hedgehog (ADor)
The Empty Chair (BMin)
The End Of The Day (G)
The Fairhaired Boy (ADor)
Farewell To Gurteen (D)
Farewell To The Troubles Of The World (D)
Fasten The Legging (G)
The Fat Man's Fancy (G)
Father Hanley's (A)
Father O'Flynn (D)
Father Quinn's Favourite (EDor)
The Fermoy Lasses Jig (EMin)
The Fiddler's Return (D)
The Firefly (G)
The First Night In America (G)
The Fisherman's Widow (D)
Fitzmaurice's Trip To Roslin Castle (G)
The Flitch Of Bacon (G)
The Flowers Of The Burren (G)
The Fly In The Pint (Dmix)
The Flying Wheelchair (G)
Foxy Mary (D)
Foxy Mary (DMix)
Fraher's (DMix)
Frank McCollum's (D)
The Frieze Breeches (D)
The Frog In The Well (Em)
The Frost Is All Over (D)

Slip Jigs
Another Jig Will Do (D)
The Arragh Mountains (ADor)
Barney Bralligan (D)
Bean Pháidín (G)
Betty Come Trip With Me (G)
Black Rock (AMix)
Boys Of Ballisodare (G)
The Butterfly (Em)
Ciaran Benson's Delight (ADor)
The Cock And The Hen (EDor)
Comb Your Hair And Curl It (EDor)
Come Upstairs With Me (G)
Crossing The Channel (D)
Cucanandy (EDor)
Dever The Dancer (EDor)
Don't Leave Me Alone (D)
Down In Abbey (G)
Dress Her Out In Fine Clothes (D)
The Drink Of Brandy (G)
Drive The World Before Me (D)
The Drops of Brandy (two versions - in G and in D)
Dublin Streets (EMin)
The Dusty Miller (G)
Elizabeth Kelly's Delight (Am)
Ellen O'Grady (AMix)
The Exile's Jig (EDor)
A Fig For A Kiss (EDor)
The Fisherman's Lilt (D)
Follow Her Over The Border (D and G)
The Foxhunter's (D)

Hornpipes
Aggie Whyte's (G)
Alexander's Favourite (D)
An Comhra Donn (D)
An Seanbhean Bhocht (ADor)
Ballincollig In The Morning (G)
Barrow Banks (G)
Beautiful Blackwater (G)
The Belfast (D)
Ben Hill (G)
The Bird's Hornpipe (ADor)
The Blackbird (D)
The Blackbird (DMix)
Bolger's (G)
The Boys Of Ballycastle (EMin)
The Boys Of Bluehill (D)
The Brigade (D)
Brigid Of Knock (G)
The Broadway (G)
The Bunch Of Rushes (Dmix)
The Bush (ADor)
Butcher's Row (G)
By The Old Fairy Fort (D)
Byrne's (G)
Caislean An Oir (ADor)
Captain Dunne's (G)
Captain John's (D)
Charlie Mulvihill's (G)
Chief O'Neill's Favourite (D)
The Cliff (D)
The Clover Blossom (A)
Cronin's (G)
Cronin's Rambles (A)
The Cuckoo's Nest (G)
Dance Of The Honeybees (D)
Dick Sands' (G)
Down The Glen (D)
Dunphy's (G)
The Fair Maidens (G)
The Fairies' (G)
The Fairy Queen (D)
Father Walsh's (G)
The First Friday (D)
The First Of May (ADor)
Fisher's (aka The Fisherman's Lilt) (D)
Flaherty's (D)
Flowers At Springtime (D)
The Flowers Of May (G)
The Flowing Tide (G)
The Friendly Visit (G)
Frost And Snow (ADor)
From Galway To Dublin (EDor)

Polkas
The 42 Pound Cheque (D)
The Anascaul (ADor)
The Annaghbeg (D)
Art O'Keeffe's (G)
As I Looked East And I Looked West (G)
The Ballydesmond No. 2 (ADor)
The Ballygow (D)
The Ballyhoura Mountains (A)
The Ballyvourney (EDor)
The Banks Of The Quay (G)
The Barren Rocks Of Aden (D)
The Belfast Polka (G and D)
The Blackwater (D)
Bourrée Entre La Sacoche Et La Valise (AMin)
The Britches Full Of Stitches (A & G)
Buddy Furey's (A)
Captain Byng (G)
The Carramore Polka (G)
The Cascade (G)
Cashman's Favourite (2 settings, G and D)
The Castle Danger Number 1 (G)
The Castle Danger Number 2 (C)
Charlie Harris' (D)
The Church Street Polka (G)
Connie In The Pool (A)
The Cuil Aodh (A)
Dálaigh's (EDor)
Dálaigh's No. 2 (ADor)
Dan Coakley's (G)
Dan O'Connell's (D)
The Dark Girl Dressed In Blue (D)
Denis Murphy's (D)
Des Carthy's (A)
Dick Tobin's (ADor)
Din Tarrant's (D)
Egan's (D)
Eileen O'Keefe's (G and A)
Eileen O'Riordan's (BMin)
Ellen Murray's No. 1 (D)
Ellen Murray's No. 2 (BMin)
Ellen Murray's No. 3 (G)
Farewell To Whiskey (G)
Fergus Keane's (D)
Finbar Dwyer's (G)
The Finnish Polka (BMin)
Forde's (D)

Reels
The Abbey (ADor)
The Achonry Lasses (G)
Ah, Surely (G)
All Round The Room (D)
All The World Loves Me (G)
Always Welcome (A)
Anderson's (D)
Annamaculeen (ADor)
The Antrim Rose (D)
Anything For John Joe (D)
Apples In Winter (ADor)
Around The World For Sport (Em)
Austin Tierney's (D)
Autumn Leaves (EDor)
The Ashplant (EDor)
The Avonmore (G)
The Bag Of Spuds (ADor)
The Ballinafad (D)
The Ballintore Fancy (G)
The Ballygow Reel (G)
Ballykett Courthouse (G)
The Ballykett Reel (D)
The Ballymagan Fairies (D)
The Baltimore Salute (D)
Bang It Up (G)
The Bank Of Ireland (DMix/D)
The Banks Of The Ilen (D)
The Banshee (G)
The Barrowburn (D)
Bean An Tí Ar Lár (D)
The Beauty Spot (DMix)
The Belharbour (G)
Billy Brocker's (D)
The Bird In The Bush (G)
The Black Haired Lass (ADor)
The Black Mill (ADor)
The Blackberry Blossom (G)
The Blacksmith (G)
The Blackthorn (D)
The Bloom Of Youth (G)
The Bog Carrot (D)
Boil The Breakfast Early (G)
Bonnie Anne (D)
The Bonnie Isle O' Whalsay (AMix)
Bonnie Kate (D)
The Bouncing Boy (G)
The Boyne Hunt (D)
The Boy In The Boat (D)
The Boy In The Gap (D)
The Boy On The Hilltop (ADor)
The Boys Of Ballinahinch (D)
The Boys Of Dundrum (D)
The Boys Of Kilsarne (G)
The Boys Of Malin (A)
The Boys Of Portaferry (G)
The Boys Of The Lough (D)
Brenda Stubbert's (ADor)
Brendan McMahon's (EMin)
Brian Ó Láimhín (G)
The Bridgetown Reel (EDor)
The Broken Pledge (DDor)
Brosnan's (BMin)
Brother Gildas' (D)
Buck Moran's (A)
The Bucks Of Oranmore (D)
The Bunch Of Currants (EDor)
Bunker Hill (DMix)
The Burren Reel (D)
The Cabin Hunter (EDor)
Cal Callaghan's (D)
The Cameronian (D)
The Cap And Bell (D)
Casey The Whistler (D)
The Cashmere Shawl (ADor)
Castle Island (D)
Castle Kelly (Am)
The Castleconnell Lasses (BMin)
The Cat That Ate The Candle (Dmix)
Charlie Harris' (D)
Charming Mary Kelly (D)
The Chattering Magpie (G)
The Chicago (A Dorian)
The Christening (D)
Christmas Eve (G)
The Clare Reel (G)
The Clock In The Steeple (A)
The Clonmel Lasses (D)
The Colliers' (DMix)
Colonel Hopkins (G)
Colonel McBain (EMin)
Colonel Rogers (G)
Come West Along The Road (G)
Coming Home From The Bog (G)
Con Mullane's (D)
The Concertina Reel (D)
The Congress (ADor)
The Connaught Heifers (D)
Connemara's Pet (A)
Cooley's (EDor)
The Cordal Reel (DMix)
The Corner House (ADor)
Corney Is Coming (D)
Craig's Pipes (G)
Creamer's (D)
The Crooked Reel (ADor)
The Crooked Road To Dublin (G)
The Crooked Way To Dublin (G)
The Crosses Of Annagh (D)
Crossing The Field (G)
Crossing The Shannon (D)
Crowley's No. 1 (D)
Crowley's No. 2 (D)
The Cup Of Tea (ADor/D)
The Curragh Races (ADor)
Da Foula Reel (A)
The Dairy Maid (D)
The Daisy Fields (D)
Dan Breen's (G) (ADor?)
Dandy Denny Cronin (AMix)
The Derry Reel (A)
Devanney's Goat (D)
The Devil Among The Tailors (A)
The Devils Of Dublin (D)
Dick Gossip's (D)
Dick Sherlock's (D)
Did You Wash Your Father's 
Shirt? (D)
Dillon Brown (G)
Dinkey's (AMix)
Dolly Dimple (AMin)
Don't Bother Me (D)
The Donaghmore (G)
Donald Blue (D)
The Donegal (D)
The Donny Brook (G)
The Doon (D)
Doonagore (G)
Dowd's No. 9 (D)
Down The Broom (ADor)
Downing's Reel (G)
Dougan's Fancy (D)
Drag Her Round The Road (Em)
Drogheda Bay (EDor)
Drowsy Maggie (EDor)
Drummond Lasses (G)
The Drunken Landlady (EDor)
The Dublin Lasses (EDor)
The Dublin Reel (D)
The Duke Of Leinster (G)
The Duke Of Leinster's Wife (G)
The Dunmore Lasses (Em)
The Durrow Reel (D)
Eammon Flynn's (EDor)
The Earl's Chair (D) (Bm?)
Eddie Duffy's Favourite (AMix)
Eddie Moloney's Favourite (EDor)
The Eel In The Sink (AMix)
Eileen Curran (EDor)
Eileen O'Loughlin's (D)
Eilish Brogan's (G)
The Eleventh Of October (G)
Emma's (EMin)
The Errigal Reel (ADor)
Esther's Reel (EDor)
A Fair Wind (G)
The Fairy Reel (D)
The Famous Ballymote (DMix)
The Fantastic Reel (D)
Far From Home (G)
Farewell To Connaught (DMix)
Farewell To Ireland (ADor)
Farrell O'Gara (D)
Father Kelly's (G)
Father O'Grady's Visit To Bocca (D)
The Fermoy Lasses (Em)
The First House In Connaught (G)
The First Month Of Summer (D)
Fisherman's Island (D)
The Fisherman's Lilt (C)
The Fishing Reel (D)
The Flags Of Dublin (D)
The Flagstone Of Memories (G)
The Flanagans' Banshee (G)
The Flax In Bloom (D)
The Floating Crowbar (Dmix)
The Flogging Reel (G)
The Flower Of The Flock (G)
The Flowers Of Edinburgh (G)
The Flowers Of Red Hill (ADor)
The Flowing Bowl (D)
For The Sake Of Old Decency (G)
The Foxhunter's Reel (G)
Francis John McGovern's (ADor)
Frazer's (G)
Free And Easy (D)

Slides
The Abbeyfeale (D)
Adam And Eve (D)
Barrack Hill (ADor)
Bill The Weaver's (D)
The Brosna (G)
The Cat's Rambles To The Child's Saucepan (D)
The Clog (G)
Cock Your Pistol, Charlie! (EDor)
Connie Walsh's (D)
Dálaigh's (D)
Dan Jeremiah's (D)
Denis Enright's (D)
Denis Murphy's (D)
Dingle Regatta (G)
Dinny O'Keefe's (AMix)
Eileen O'Riordan's (ADor)

Marches
After The Battle Of Aughrim (ADor)
At Swim With Two Birds (G)
Behind The Ditch In Pairc Anna (AMix)
The Belfast March (G)
The Belfast March (D)
Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine (D)
The Boys Of Belfast (AMix)
The Boys Of Wexford (G)
Brian Boru's March (Amin)
The Centenary (D)
The Eagle's Whistle (G)
The Foggy Dew (G)

Barndances
Ansty's (A)
Around The Fairy Fort (D)
The Ballroom Favourite (G)
Bill Malley's (G)
The Bluebell Polka (G)
The Bottom Of The Punch Bowl (D)
Connolly's (G)
Dance Of The Honeybees (D)
The Dances At Kinvara (G)
Dolly Varden (D)


Song Airs
None on this page

Laments
None on this page.

Mazurkas
The Crown At Portpatrick (D)
Donan's (D)
Fowley's (D)

Flings
The Boys Of Knock (D)

Planxties/Carolan Tunes
Carolan's Concerto (D)
Carolan's Draught (G)

Waltzes/Other 3/4 Tunes (not mazurkas)
The Ash Grove (G)
The Bell Table (D)
The Canadian Waltz (G)
Flower Among Them All (G)

Set Dances
The Ace And Deuce Of Pipering (G)
The Downfall Of Paris (G)

249 To Wigton Jig (6/8), D Minor. Composed by Edgar Bolton and originally posted to thesession.org I’m assuming that the title is a pun on the better-known tune “250 To Vigo”. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing 249 To Wigton on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The £42 Cheque Polka (2/4), D Major.  Further info here.  Mandolin tab here. 12 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The £42 Cheque on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The £42 Cheque on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 5 October 2021   Additional sound file.  Listen to me playing The £42 Cheque on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin (recorded for The Mandolin Cafe’s Song-A-Week Social Group – something of an experiment, this; I recorded it using my laptop’s in-built mic rather than my Zoom digital mic). 27 October 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The £42 Cheque on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Aaron’s Key Jig (6/8), B Minor. One of the joys of this music is that from time to time we trip across tunes which we’ve heard before – probably numerous times – but which didn’t grab our attention and then suddenly on another hearing, they stand out and demand to be added to our repertoire. Such is the case with Aaron’s Key, a jig written by Paul Roche, flute player from Stockton’s Wing. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Aaron’s Key on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 27 October 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Aaron’s Key on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Abbey Reel Reel (4/4), A Dorian (i.e. 1 sharp). Further info here.  Mandolin tab here. 12 December 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Abbey Reel on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing The Abbey Reel on my G&O #34 mandolin (original website sound file; sound quality improved in December 2021 using Audacity software). 21 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Abbey Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Abbeyfeale Slide (12/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Abbeyfeale on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin. 29 November 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Abbeyfeale on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Ace And Deuce Of Pipering Set Dance (4/4), G Major. I’d been playing this tune for years and one night at a session, a veteran musician for whom I have a lot of respect, suggested that I had picked up a number of phrases incorrectly and next time we met he’d written out this version in ABC format. I would normally argue that there are numerous version of tunes and that the one I had was just as “valid” as the version he was suggesting. But respect where it’s due, and all that. Further information here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Ace And Deuce Of Pipering on my Revelation Jaguar electric . 2 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Ace And Deuce Of Pipering on my G&O 34 mandolin.

The Achonry Lasses Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Achonry Lasses on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Achreidh Jig Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian. A friend emailed me recently to say that this tune had become his latest obsession. At first I didn’t really get the big attraction but after a time, I began to see why he was so taken by the tune. Its apparent simplicity is quite deceptive! Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Achreidh Jig on my Falder mandolin. Listen to me playing The Achreidh Jig on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. Listen to me playing The Achreidh Jig on my Ashbury AT-40 guitar and Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin with Uilleann pipe drone (virtual trio…). 23 April 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Achreidh Jig on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Adam And Eve Jig (6/8), G Major.  Further info here.  Mandolin tab here. 25 July 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Adam And Eve (Jig) on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Adam And Eve (Jig) on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 5 April 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Adam and Eve (jig) on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Adam And Eve Slide (12/8), D Major.  Further info here.  Mandolin tab here. 25 July 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Adam and Eve (Slide) on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Adam and Eve (Slide) on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 5 April 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Adam And Eve (Slide) on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

After The Battle Of Aughrim March (2/4), A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing After The Battle Of Aughrim on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. 10 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing After The Battle Of Aughrim on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Aggie Whyte’s Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Aggie Whyte’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Ah, Surely Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Ah, Surely on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Alexander’s Favourite Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen… 14 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Alexander’s Favourite on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 21 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Alexander’s Favourite on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

All Round The Room Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing All Round The Room on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

All The World Loves Me Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing All The World Loves Me on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Almond House Jig (6/8), D Major. Composed by Richard Darsie. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Almond House on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Always Welcome Reel (4/4), A Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Always Welcome on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

An Buachaillín Buí Jig (6/8), D Major. The literal translation would be The Little Yellow Boy. Yellow in this case referring to hair colour and therefore “Little Blond Boy” would be more accurate. I’ve been experimenting with plectrums in the past few days. This is played with “The Dawg” – a heavyweight mandolin plectrum which is much heavier than those I normally use. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing An Buachaillín Buí on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 23  May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing An Buachaillín Buí on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

An Cailín Deas Donn Jig (6/8), G Major. The title translates as The Pretty Brown-Haired Girl. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing An Cailín Deas Donn on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

An Caitín Bán Jig (6/8), A Min. The name literally means The Little White Cat or The White Kitten. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing An Caitín Bán on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

An Comhra Donn Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. The tune’s title translates as “The Brown Coffin”. A title which belies the cheerfulness of the tune itself. Further info here (where, until a few moments ago on 13 January 2022, it was incorrectly listed as a composition by Paddy O’Brien; I deleted that reference but it’s possible someone may reinstate the incorrect authorship). Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing An Comhra Donn on my G&O #34 mandolin. 25 April 2022. New version. Listen to me playing An Comhra Donn on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

An Páistín Fionn Jig (6/8), D Major.  I first heard this tune on Mary MacNamara’s (concertina) superb album where she plays this tune first as a slow air and then, as here, as a jig. The title translates roughly as “The Fair-Haired Child”.  Further info here.  Mandolin tab here.  21 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing An Páistín Fionn on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing An Páistín Fionn on my Falder mandolin. 23  May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing An Páistín Fionn on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

An Rogaire Dubh Jig (6/8), A Mixolydian (i.e. two sharps) A literal word for word translation would be The Black Rogue. A less contentious translation would be The Dark-Haired Rogue. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen… 14 December 2021. Additional sound files. Listen to me playing An Rogaire Dubh on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing An Rogaire Dubh on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 24  May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing An Rogaire Dubh on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

An Sean Duine Jig (6/8), G Major. I got this tune from the playing of Charles Monod, originally from Switzerland and now living in County Clare from where he plays concertina and publishes the wonderful website called Tunes From Doolin. Charles assigns the mode of A Dorian to this tune but I reckon it actually resolves to G and therefore I would have this tune as G Major. But, hey, this is splitting hairs territory – since both A Dorian and G Major scales/modes contain one sharp… Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing An Sean Duine on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing An Sean Duine on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 24  May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing An Sean Duine on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

An Seanbhean Bhocht Hornpipe (4/4), A Dorian. The title literally translates as “The Poor Old Woman” – a pseudonym which was frequently used to refer to Ireland. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing An Seanbhean Bhocht on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

An Seanduine Dóite Jig (6/8), D Major The title translates literally as The Burnt Old Man. I suspect the word “sunburnt” would be a better translation. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 9 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing An Seanduine Dóite on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing An Seanduine Dóite on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 28  May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing An Seanduine Dóite on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

An t-Athair Jack Walsh Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing An t-Athair Jack Walsh on my Mandobird VIII electric mandolin. 2 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing An t-Athair Jack Walsh on my G&O 34 mandolin.

The Anascaul Polka (2/4), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Anascaul on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Anderson’s Reel (4/4), D Major. A cracking reel. One of my favourite versions is from a CD by The Mulcahy Family which is simply lovely playing. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Anderson‘s on my G&O #34 mandolin. 14 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Anderson’s on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 31 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Anderson’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Andy de Jarlis’ Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. This is a tune from Cape Breton. There is some controversy over its authorship (see further info link). In Cape Breton, it’s played in E Major; when it crossed over into the Irish arena, it was played in D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 28 July 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing Andy de Jarlis’ Jig on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 25 April 2022. New version. Listen to me playing Andy de Jarlis’ Jig on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Angry Peeler Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Angry Peeler on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 2 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Angry Peeler on my G&O 34 mandolin.

The Annaghbeg Polka Polka (2/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen… 14 December 2021. Additional sound files. Listen to me playing The Annaghbeg Polka on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing The Annaghbeg Polka on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 2 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Annaghbeg Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Annamaculeen Reel (4/4), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Annamaculeen on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Another Jig Will Do Slip Jig (9/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Another Jig Will Do on my G&O #34 mandolin. 4 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Another Jig Will Do on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Ansty’s Barndance (4/4), A Major. Composed by Paul McGrattan. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Ansty’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Anthony Frawley’s Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Anthony Frawley’s on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 2 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Anthony Frawley’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Antrim Rose Reel (4/4), D Major. Composed by Paddy (Offaly) O’Brien. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Antrim Rose on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 2 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Antrim Rose on my G&O 34 mandolin.

Anything For John Joe Reel (4/4), D Major. This is a divisive tune. Some players loathe it with a vengeance for its simplicity. And yet the list of great musicians who have recorded it is impressive. I’ve come to like it much more after seeing Marla Fibish use the tune in one of her Peghead Nation instructional videos. It made me realise that there’s often a little more to those supposedly simple tunes than we always recognise. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Anything For John Joe on my G&O #34 mandolin. 10 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Anything For John Joe on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Apples In Winter Jig (6/8), E Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Apples In Winter on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 5 September 2022.  New version.  A few weeks ago a friend got in touch to say that he played this tune slightly differently to the way that I originally played it. He sent me through his version to compare and I have revisited the tune in his setting. Mandolin tab for setting number 2 here. Listen to me playing Apples In Winter in setting number 2 on my G&O 34 mandolin.

Apples In Winter Reel (4/4), A Dorian. You may be forgiven for thinking that this would be a reel setting of the jig above (or vice versa). In fact they are two very different tunes. I’ve tabbed and recorded this in 3 different settings. The first is pretty much the original setting (minus one or two virtually unplayable – on mandolin, at least! – grace notes) from the Levey collection 1858. I’m not a big fan of the way in which he sets out the phrases in part 2 and so I have included a few variations in settings 2 and 3 which are more pleasing to my ear. Really, as a way of showing how different approaches to the same tune can start to mould it to the player’s own personal style. Mandolin tab for the original setting here.  Listen to me playing Apples In Winter (original setting) on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin. Mandolin tab for setting 2 here.  Listen to me playing Apples In Winter (setting 2) on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin. Mandolin tab for setting 3 here.  Listen to me playing Apples In Winter (setting 3) on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Around Killavil Jig (6/8), E Minor. I got this jig from the playing of Seamus Tansey. Some say that it’s simply a version of The Killavil Jig which I featured in this collection some time ago. However I think it’s sufficiently different to warrant inclusion in its own right as a separate tune. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Around Killavil on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 5 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Around Killavil on my Falder mandolin.

Around The Fairy Fort Barndance (4/4), D Major. A 3-part tune, composed by Vincent Broderick. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Around The Fairy Fort on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 2 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Around The Fairy Fort on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Around The World For Sport Reel (4/4), E Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 16 December 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Around The World For Sport on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Around The World For Sport on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with quality improvements made using Audacity software in December 2021). 2 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Around The World For Sport on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Arragh Mountains Slip Jig (9/8), A Dorian. Composed by Paddy O’Brien. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Arragh Mountains on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 5 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Arragh Mountains on my Falder mandolin.

Art O’Keeffe’s Polka Polka (2/4), G Major. Also played in A Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Art O’Keeffe’s Polka on my G&O #34 mandolin. 2 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Art O’Keeffe’s Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

As I Looked East And I Looked West Polka (2/4), G Major. One of my friends – an absolute fanatic for polkas and slides – sent me through a few choice, less common tunes by email a few months ago and I expect that a few of them will start making their way into my repertoire in due course. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing As I Looked East And I Looked West on my G&O #34 mandolin. 2 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing As I Looked East And I Looked West on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Ash Grove 3/4 Tune, G Major. I’ve hesitated to call this a waltz… I’ve included this tune at the request of an acquaintance. For some time I was under the impression that this tune was written by Turlough O’Carolan but research at thesession.org would seem to indicate that this is, in fact, a Welsh tune originally. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Ash Grove on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing The Ash Grove on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 2 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Ash Grove on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Ashplant Reel (4/4), E Dorian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 17 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Ashplant on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise removed). Listen to me playing The Ashplant on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Ashplant on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 2 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Ashplant on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

At Swim With Two Birds March (4/4), G Major. Composed by Tomás Ó Canainn. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing At Swim With Two Birds on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Aunt Mary’s Canadian Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Aunt Mary’s Canadian Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Austin Tierney’s Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Austin Tierney’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. 2 June 2022.  New version.  When I sat down to re-record this electrically, I realised that that my playing of the tune has evolved since I first recorded it. So I’ve set out new tab here. Listen to me playing Austin Tierney’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Autumn Leaves Reel (4/4), E Dorian. Mandolisn tab here.  Listen to me playing Autumn Leaves on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Avonmore Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Avonmore on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin (no repeat). 16 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Avonmore on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 2 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Avonmore on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bag Of Spuds Reel (4/4), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 17 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Bag Of Spuds on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise removed). Listen to me playing The Bag Of Spuds on my G&O #34 mandolin. 4 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Bag Of Spuds on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Ballinafad Reel Reel (4/4), D Major. I haven’t been able to find this reel at thesession.org. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Ballinafad Reel on my G&O #34 mandolin. 4 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Ballinafad Reel on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Ballincollig In The Morning Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. A little-heard hornpipe which features in “O’Neill’s”. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Ballincollig In The Morning on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 4 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Ballincollig In The Morning on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Ballintore Fancy Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 25 July 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Ballintore Fancy on my G&O #34 mandolin. 2 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Ballintore Fancy on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Ballroom Favourite Barndance (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Ballroom Favourite on my G&O #34 mandolin (no repeat). 16 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Ballroom Favourite on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin (overdubbed). 4 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Ballroom Favourite on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Ballydesmond Polka Number 2 Polka (2/4), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 23 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Ballydesmond Polka Number 2 on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise cleaned up). Listen to me playing The Ballydesmond Polka Number 2 on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Ballydesmond Polka Number 2 on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 5 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Ballydesmond Polka Number 2 on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Ballygow Polka Polka (2/4), D major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Ballygow Polka on my G&O #34 mandolin. 24 January 2022. I recently came across a somewhat different setting of this tune under the name John Cronin’s. I’ve decided to include John Cronin’s as a separate entry in this list of tune learning resources. Although I could just as easily have included it as an alternative version in this entry… Check out John Cronin’s here. 10 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Ballygow Polka on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Ballygow Reel Reel (4/4), G Major. Composed by Phil Murphy. This reel was posted to thesession.org by John E Roche (see https://thesession.org/members/116353/tunebook). John is compiling a collection of traditional and recently-composed tunes from his county of Wexford which he hopes to publish in book form shortly. Out of admiration for the vision and a sense of curiosity I’ve been playing through a number of the tunes which he has shared so far and there are some absolute gems. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Ballygow Reel on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Ballyhooley Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Ballyhooley on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Ballyhoura Mountains Polka (2/4), A Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen… 7 October 2021 Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Ballyhoura Mountains on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. 16 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Ballyhoura Mountains on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Ballykett Courthouse Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Ballykett Courthouse on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 25 April 2022. New version. Listen to me playing Ballykett Courthouse on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Ballykett Reel Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Ballykett Reel on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Ballymagan Fairies Reel (4/4), D Major. Composed by Dinny McLaughlin of Inishowen, Co. Donegal. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Ballymagan Fairies on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Ballymore Lasses Jig (6/8), D Major. Composed by Kevin Rowsome, from the famous piping family. You can find more of Kevin’s tunes here. This jig was posted to thesession.org by John E Roche. John is compiling a collection of tunes from his county of Wexford which he hopes to publish in book form shortly. Out of admiration for the vision and a sense of curiosity I’ve been playing through a number of the tunes which he has shared so far and there are some absolute gems.  Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Ballymore Lasses on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Ballyvourney Polka Polka (2/4), E Dorian. I have recorded this using 3 different plectrums. I normally use a “giveaway” no-brand plectrum which I picked up as a freebie in a music shop when I was buying an instrument a few years ago. Amazingly, I’ve never lost it. (It helps that it’s yellow in colour so it is quite noticeable when I drop it. 🙂 ) I’d be very interested to hear your thoughts on how the different plectrums sound and whether you have any preferences. You can contact me using the contact form here. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Ballyvourney Polka on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin using a d’ADDARIO “CHRIS THILE SIGNATURE” MANDOLIN PLECTRUM (1.4mm). Listen to me playing The Ballyvourney Polka on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin using a NO-BRAND GIVEAWAY PLECTRUM (estimate 0.8mm). Listen to me playing The Ballyvourney Polka on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin using a DUNLOP “LIGHT GREY” PLECTRUM (0.6mm). 5 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Ballyvourney Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Baltimore Salute Reel (4/4), D Major. A much-loved tune composed by Josie McDermott. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Baltimore Salute on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Bang It Up Reel (4/4), G Major. This reel was posted to thesession.org by John E Roche (see https://thesession.org/members/116353/tunebook). John is compiling a collection of traditional and recently-composed tunes from his county of Wexford which he hopes to publish in book form shortly. Out of admiration for the vision and a sense of curiosity I’ve been playing through a number of the tunes which he has shared so far and there are some absolute gems. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Bang It Up on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Banish Misfortune Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 3 September 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing Banish Misfortune on my G&O #34 mandolin. 6 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Banish Misfortune on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bank Of Ireland Reel (4/4), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp) in Part 1; D Major in Part 2. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 5 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Bank Of Ireland on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Bank Of Ireland on my Falder mandolin. 6 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Bank Of Ireland on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bank Of Turf Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Bank Of Turf on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 5 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Bank Of Turf on my Falder mandolin.

The Banks of Lough Gowna Jig (6/8), B Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Banks Of Lough Gowna on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Banks Of Lough Gowna on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 25 April 2022. New version. Listen to me playing The Banks Of Lough Gowna on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Banks Of Newfoundland Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Banks Of Newfoundland on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Banks Of The Ilen Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. 4 January 2022 New tablature and sound file. New mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Banks Of The Ilen on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 25 April 2022. New version. Listen to me playing The Banks Of The Ilen on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Banks Of The Quay Polka (2/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Banks Of The Quay on my G&O #34 mandolin. 8 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Banks Of The Quay on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Banshee Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 3 September 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Banshee on my G&O #34 mandolin. 25 April 2022. New version. Listen to me playing The Banshee on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Banshee’s Wail Jig (6/8), G Major. Composed by Vincent Broderick. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Banshee’s Wail on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Barney Bralligan Slip Jig (9/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 17 December 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Barney Bralligan on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Barney Bralligan on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file; sound quality improved in December 2021 using Audacity software). 8 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Barney Bralligan on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Barrack Hill Slide (12/8), A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Barrack Hill on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing Barrack Hill on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 9 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Barrack Hill on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Barren Rocks Of Aden Polka/March (2/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 27 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Barren Rocks Of Aden on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Barren Rocks Of Aden on my Falder mandolin. 9 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Barren Rocks Of Aden on my Epihone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Barrow Banks Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. As far as I am aware, this beautiful hornpipe has not been recorded previously. I stumbled across the music on The Session (see further info link) and although finding tunes from abc or dots is not my usual means of picking up tunes, this immediately had me captivated. By the late Sean Ryan of Nenagh who has composed many a fine tune. It is also the first tune which I have recorded on my G&O #34 – a handmade mandolin with the classic lines of an early 20th century Gibson A model, built and passed on to me by Michael Gregory (whose name features regularly in this website as a contributor, supporter and mentor). A beautiful instrument, built with care and attention by one of nature’s gentlemen and a well-crafted, uplifting tune. Does life get any better? Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Barrow Banks on my G&O #34 mandolin. 10 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Barrow Banks on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Barrowburn Reel (4/4), D Major. A tune composed by the late Scottish musician Addie Harper. I was drawn to it on first hearing because the opening phrases remind me of one of my favourite reels, Miss Monaghan. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Barrowburn on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 9 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Barrowburn on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Basket Of Eggs Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Basket Of Eggs on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Basket Of Turf Jig (6/8), E Minor (but the “c”s are sharp so maybe E Dorian?). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 26 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Basket Of Turf on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Basket Of Turf on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 10 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Basket Of Turf on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Battering Ram Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 7 June 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Battering Ram on my G&O #34 mandolin. 10 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Battering Ram on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Bean An Tí Ar Lár Reel (4/4), D Major. The title translates literally as “The Woman Of The House On The Floor”. There has been a deal of discussion about the meaning of “on the floor”. Is she lying dead? Is it some sort of sexual reference. I would suggest it’s a lot more mundane. She’s on the floor dancing! Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Bean An Tí Ar Lár on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Bean Pháidín Slip Jig (9/8), G Major. Title translates as “Paddy’s Wife”. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Bean Pháidín on my G&O #34 mandolin. 10 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Bean Pháidín on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Beautiful Blackwater Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Composed by John Whelan. This outstanding tune was posted to thesession.org by John E Roche. John is compiling a collection of tunes from his county of Wexford which he hopes to publish in book form shortly. Out of admiration for the vision and a sense of curiosity I’ve been playing through a number of the tunes which he has shared so far and there are some absolute gems.  Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Beautiful Blackwater on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Beauty Spot Reel (4/4), D Mixolydian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Beauty Spot on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 11 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Beauty Spot on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Beer Drinker Jig (6/8), A Major. This is an old setting of a jig which is nowadays better-known as “Larry The Beer Drinker” which occurs in 2- and 3-part settings. It’s often regarded as a D Major tune but in my opinion it resolves to an A note and feels much more like an A Major tune to me… Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Beer Drinker on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Bees In The Heather Jig (6/8), D Major. Not listed at thesession.org. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Bees In The Heather on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 11 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Bees In The Heather on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Behind The Bush In The Garden Jig (6/8), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 27 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Behind The Bush In The Garden on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Behind The Bush In The Garden on my Falder mandolin (slightly different setting). 25 April 2022. New version. Listen to me playing Behind The Bush In The Garden on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Behind The Ditch In Pairc Anna March (4/4), A Mixolydian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Behind The Ditch In Pairc Anna on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Belfast Almanac Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Belfast Almanac on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 23 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Belfast Almanac on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Belfast Boat Jig (6/8), G Major. A few days ago, as a sort of Christmas present, a friend sent me through the dots for a number of tunes which include Belfast in their title and which he had come across in Kerr’s Merry Melodies, a Scottish collection of traditional tunes published in the late 1800s. I’ve decided to include a few of them here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Belfast Boat on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 12 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Belfast Boat on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Belfast Ham Jig (6/8), D Major. A few days ago, as a sort of Christmas present, a friend sent me through the dots for a number of tunes which include Belfast in their title and which he had come across in Kerr’s Merry Melodies, a Scottish collection of traditional tunes published in the late 1800s. I’ve decided to include a few of them here. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Belfast Ham on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 12 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Belfast Ham on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Belfast Hornpipe Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. I was asked to include this by a contact who was having some trouble learning the tune. He specifically asked if I could include a recording of the third part, played slowly so that he could perhaps learn by playing along. I was at first a little reluctant. I have heard this tune murdered so many times and at others used as an excuse for flashiness. However, here goes. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Belfast Hornpipe on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing the 3rd part only, and deliberately very slowly, of The Belfast Hornpipe on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin.

The Belfast March March (4/4), G Major. I first heard this tune played by Harry Bradley and the version which I play is an amalgam of his version and various other settings that I’ve come across subsequently. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Belfast March on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Belfast March on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 12 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Belfast March on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Belfast March March (2/4), D Major. Composed by Sean Quinn. No relation to the tune above. I was introduced to the compositions of Sean Quinn by Bill Black who (among a host of other musical and non-musical things!) publishes the superb website, http://capeirish.com   Sean’s music is steeped in references to his stomping grounds, mainly in County Antrim. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing (Sean Quinn’s) The Belfast March on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Belfast Polka Polka (2/4), Part 1 in G Major; part 2 in D Major. Mandolin tab here.   Listen to me playing The Belfast Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 23 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Belfast Polka on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Belharbour Reel Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Belharbour Reel on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin. 23 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Belharbour Reel on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Bell Table Waltz (3/4), D Major. Composed by Maurice Lennon. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bell Table on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Ben Hill Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Composed by Father PJ Kelly. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Ben Hill on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 23 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Ben Hill on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Besom In Bloom Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Besom In Bloom on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 23 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Besom In Bloom on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Best In The Bag Jig (6/8), G Major. Very similar to Jackson’s Mistake, also in this collection. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Best In The Bag on my G&O #34 mandolin. 13 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Best In The Bag on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Betty Come Trip With Me Slip Jig (9/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Betty Come Trip With Me on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Bibidigh-Bobidigh-Bú “Jig” (6/8), G Major. A joke, rather than a proper jig. This is a “hibernicised” version of the song Bibbidy-Bobbidi-Boo from Walt Disney’s “Cinderella” which was written in 6/8 time by Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston. Unsurprisingly, there’s no information at thesession.org! Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Bibidigh-Bobidigh-Bú on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing Bibidigh-Bobidigh-Bú on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 13 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Bibidigh Bobidigh Bú on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. NB – much distortion!! Might not be to everyone’s taste.

Biddy From Sligo Jig (6/8), D Major – although sometimes played in slide sets as a 12/8 tune. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Biddy From Sligo on my G&O #34 mandolin. 26 April 2022. New version. Listen to me playing Biddy From Sligo on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Biddy The Bold Wife Jig (6/8), A Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Biddy The Bold Wife on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin (no repeat). 17 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Biddy The Bold Wife on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 10 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Biddy The Bold Wife on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Big Barney’s Jig (6/8), G Major. No reference at thesbession.org. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Big Barney’s Jig on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 13 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Big Barney’s Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bigamist Jig (6/8), D Major. A little while ago I came across a discussion at the session.org which invited players who had written original tunes to share some of their compositions. (Yes, I did – thanks for checking. :-)) Several of the tunes which people shared made my ears prick up. I’ve already posted here a lovely jig by Finian McCluskey (“fionán at thesession and on Twitter) called The Workhouse. This jig, The Bigamist, by Henrik Norbeck is another jig which I found on that discussion. Henrik is possibly best-known throughout the Irish music community as a compiler of tunes. If you haven’t visited Henrik’s website before, then get your ass over there pronto and bookmark it. Go to http://norbeck.nu/abc/index.asp I play the tune slightly differently to the way in which it was originally submitted by “fiel” at thesession, so I have included fiel’s original setting, tabbed out for mandolin. I would also urge you to listen to Henrik himself play the tune. You can listen to his playing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfjbi7DuV6E (and while you’re there, spend some time with his other tunes). So, thanks very much Henrik for giving me permission to share your tune. Much appreciated! Further info here. Mandolin tab of the way I play the tune here. Mandolin tab of the setting submitted by “fiel” at thesession here. Listen to me playing The Bigamist on my G&O #34 mandolin. 13 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Bigamist on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Bill Harte’s Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 27 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Bill Harte’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Bill Harte’s on my Falder mandolin. 26 April 2022. New version.  Listen to me playing Bill Harte’s on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Bill Malley’s Barndance (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Bill Malley’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Bill The Weaver’s Slide (12/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Bill The Weaver’s on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 13 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Bill The Weaver’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Billy Barlow Jig (6/8), A Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Billy Barlow on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 13 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Billy Barlow on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Billy Brocker’s Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 22 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Billy Brocker’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Billy Brocker’s on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 13 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Billy Brocker’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Billy McCormick’s Jig (6/8), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Billy McCormick’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Bímid Ag Ól Agus Ag Pógadh Na mBán Jig (6/8), G Major. The title translates as “we were drinking and kissing the women”. I suspect the latter part of the title is wishful thinking! Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Bímid Ag Ól Agus Ag Pógadh Na mBán on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Bird In The Bush Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 19 December 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Bird In The Bush on my Falder mandolin. Listen to me playing The Bird In The Bush on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file, sound quality improved in December 2021 using Audacity software). 26 April 2022. New version.  Listen to me playing The Bird In The Bush on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Bird’s Hornpipe Hornpipe (4/4), A Dorian. I came across this tune recently from the playing of Charles Monod – a concertina player originally from Switzerland and now living in Doolin, County Clare. A lovely, lovely tune. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Bird’s Hornpipe on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 26 April 2022. New version.  Listen to me playing The Bird’s Hornpipe on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Birthday Jig Jig (6/8), A Major. Composed by Max Bruecher of the German trad outfit, Shanachie, who has kindly given me permission to share his tune. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Birthday Jig by Max Bruecher on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Birthday Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. Composed by Larry Edelman. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Birthday Jig by Larry Edelman on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Black Frog Jig (6/8), D Major. I was first drawn to this tune on hearing banjo player Shaun O’Hagan play his driving, tripletastic version recently. Written by Enda Scahill of “The Irish Banjo Tutor” fame, of “We Banjo Three’ fame and – er – Enda Scahill fame. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Black Frog on my G&O #34 mandolin. 14 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Black Frog on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Black Haired Lass Reel (4/4), A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Black Haired Lass on my G&O #34 mandolin. 10 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Black Haired Lass on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Black Mill Reel (4/4), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Black Mill on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Black Rock Slip Jig (9/8), A Mixolydian. Also played in an A Dorian setting (i.e. with the “c”s played as naturals). However I much prefer the Mixolydian setting! Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Black Rock on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Blackberry Blossom Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Blackberry Blossom on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Blackbird Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. There are a number of different hornpipes (and a set dance in hornpipe time) called The Blackbird. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Blackbird (D Major) on my G&O #34 mandolin. 19 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Blackbird (D Major) on my Falder mandolin. 14 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Blackbird (D Major) on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Blackbird Hornpipe (4/4), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Blackbird (D Mixolydian) on my G&O #34 mandolin. 16 June 2022  New version.  Listen to me playing The Blackbird (D Mixolydian) on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Blacksmith Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Blacksmith on my G&O #34 mandolin. 16 June 2022  New version.  Listen to me playing The Blacksmith on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Blackthorn Reel (4/4), D Major Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen… 22 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Blackthorn on my G&O #34 mandolin. 16 June 2022  New version.  Listen to me playing The Blackthorn on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Blackthorn Stick Jig (6/8), G Major Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 21 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Blackthorn Stick on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Blackthorn Stick on my Falder mandolin. 16 June 2022  New version.  Listen to me playing The Blackthorn Stick on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Blackwater Polka (2/4), D Major. Composed by Matt Cranitch. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Blackwater Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Blarney Pilgrim Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to the original version on my Eastman MD304… Listen to a new alternate version (January 2021) on my G&O #34… 13 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to a new alternate version played on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 19 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Blarney Pilgrim on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bloom Of Youth Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Bloom Of Youth on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Blooming Meadows Jig (6/8), G Major. I have fond memories of listening to Liam Farrell (banjo) and Joe Whelan RIP (box) playing this 3-part jig as one of their signature tunes at sessions in The Goldsmiths Arms in Penge. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Blooming Meadows on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 26 April 2022. New version.  Listen to me playing The Blooming Meadows on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Bluebell Polka Barndance (4/4), parts 1 and 2 G Major; part 3 in C Major. Yes – despite the title, this is not a polka as we know it, Jim. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Bluebell Polka on my G&O #34 mandolin. 19 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Bluebell Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Bly’s Jig Jig (6/8), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Bly’s Jig on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Bog Carrot Reel (4/4), D Major. 3 parts. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bog Carrot on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Bohola Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Bohola Jig on my G&O #34 mandolin. 19 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Bohola Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Boil The Breakfast Early Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Boil The Breakfast Early on my Eastman MD304 mandolin. 23 December 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Boil The Breakfast Early on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Boil The Breakfast Early on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 19 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Boil The Breakfast Early on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Boiled Goat’s Milk Jig (6/8), G Major. Horrible drink – lovely jig! Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Boiled Goat’s Milk on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Bolger’s Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Bolger’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine March (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Bonnie Anne Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Bonnie Anne on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bonnie Isle O’ Whalsay Reel (4/4), A Mixolydian. A Shetland reel and therefore not really within my comfort zone. (Although the tune is played in Irish circles from time to time.) Included at the request of one of my YouTube followers. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bonnie Isle O’ Whalsay on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Bonnie Kate Reel (4/4), D Major. This reel is often played – by fiddlers in particular – with lots of descending triplets in the second part. To the extent that – in the wrong hands! – the melody itself becomes somewhat lost. This is a fairly “bare” setting which I much prefer and which focuses on the tune rather than the instrument. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Bonnie Kate on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bottle Of Punch Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bottle Of Punch on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Bottom Of The Punch Bowl Barndance (4/4), D Major. Considered a reel in Scotland, where it originated, this tune is played as a barndance in Irish music circles. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bottom Of The Punch Bowl on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Bouncing Boy Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bouncing Boy on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Bourrée Entre La Sacoche Et La Valise Bourrée (2/4), A Minor. I was hesitant about including this tune here. I first came across it in a session played by an accordionist who called it “The Belgian Polka”. (In recognition of the ‘aka” I have listed this under the polkas index…) It certainly didn’t sound like any polka I’d ever heard before but I managed to track down a transcription at thesession.org and saw that it was a 2/4 tune but not a polka as we know them in Ireland but rather a bourrée, a traditional French/Belgian dance tune in 2/4. It’s great fun to play, once you latch on to the rather “crooked” rhythm. It might raise the odd “eyebrow of disapproval” if you were to play this in a session. On the other hand it might be one of those tunes which can be usefully deployed at a point where – as occasionally happens – a lull occurs and people need a pause to collect their thoughts and blow on the fire to start it roaring again. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Bourrée Entre La Sacoche Et La Valise on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Bow-Legged Tailor Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bow-Legged Tailor on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Boy In His Pants Jig (6/8), D Major. I first came across this tune many years ago on an album by a band called Céide. They called the tune The Pullet That Wants The Cock and I have also heard it referred to as Connie The Soldier. However in the circles I’ve moved in, it most often goes by the title The Boy In His Pants. This is quite a strange tune and I’ve seen it set in a variety of keys. However I came across a setting at thesession.org by “Reverend” (whose real-life identity I know but I will use his session.org handle here out of politeness to him) in D Major which makes the tune much easier to grasp. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boy In His Pants on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boy In The Boat Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boy In The Boat on my G&O #34 mandolin. 20 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Boy In The Boat on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boy In The Gap Reel (4/4), D Major. Also played as a 3-part reel. However I tend to favour the 2-part setting. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boy In The Gap on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boy On The Hilltop Reel (4/4), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Boy On The Hilltop on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Boylan’s Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. Composed by Sean Quinn. I was introduced to the compositions of Sean Quinn, accordionist, keyboard player, guitarist and composer from Cushendun, Co. Antrim  by Bill Black who (among a host of other musical and non-musical things!) publishes the superb website, http://capeirish.com   Sean’s music is steeped in references to his stomping grounds, mainly in County Antrim.  To access Sean’s lovely collection “Key Notes”, please visit http://www.keynotesirishmusic.com/index.html Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Boylan’s Jig on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Boyne Hunt Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 23 November 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Boyne Hunt on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing The Boyne Hunt on my G&O #34 mandolin (original website sound file, “cleaned up” in November 2021 using Audacity software). 26 April 2022. New version.  Listen to me playing The Boyne Hunt on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Ballinafad Jig (6/8), A Major. Mandolin tbab here.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Ballinafad on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Ballinamore Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Ballinamore on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Ballinahinch Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 2 July 2021. Improved sound files adbded. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Ballinahinch on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Ballinahinch on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 20 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Ballinahinch on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 13 November 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Ballinahinch on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Ballisodare Slip Jig (9/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Ballisodare on my G&O #34 mandolin. 20 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Ballisodare on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Ballycastle Hornpipe (4/4), E Minor. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Ballycastle on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Belfast March (4/4), A Mixolydian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 12 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Belfast on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Belfast on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 20 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Belfast on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Bluehill Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Bluehill on my G&O #34 mandolin. 26 April 2022. New version.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Bluehill on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Coomanore Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Coomanore on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Dundrum Reel (4/4), D Major. Composed by Sean Quinn. I was introduced to the compositions of Sean Quinn, accordionist, keyboard player, guitarist and composer from Cushendun, Co. Antrim  by Bill Black who (among a host of other musical and non-musical things!) publishes the superb website, http://capeirish.com   Sean’s music is steeped in references to his stomping grounds, mainly in County Antrim.  To access Sean’s lovely collection “Key Notes”, please visit http://www.keynotesirishmusic.com/index.html Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing NAME on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Kilsarne Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Kilsarne on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Knock Fling (4/4), D Major. Until late-June 2021 I hadn’t come across this tune. And then an acquaintance emailed me a link to a YouTube video of Shane Mulchrone playing this tune along with Johnny, Will You Marry Me? He had been trying to learn it by ear with little success and asked if I would care to attempt to tab it out and make a mandolin version. It was such a gracious request that I was happy to oblige. I’ve since found out that this was originally a strathspey in G called “Lord Moira’s Visit To Scotland”. I’m pleased that when the tune made the return trip to Ireland (becoming transposed to D in the process) that the new name dropped the reference to his lordship. I’m no fan of the concept of aristocracy – even if Moira is only a few short miles from where I grew up. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Knock on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Boys Of Malin Reel (4/4), A Major. One of the big Donegal reels. It’s generally played at quite a furious lick. My version is played somewhat more leisurely… Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Malin on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 22 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Malin on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Portaferry Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab (double reel version) here. 17 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Portaferry as a double reel on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Portaferry as a double reel on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 22 June 2022.  New version.  I originally tabbed this tune out and played it as a double reel (i.e. with both parts repeating). I’ve been playing it lately in its single reel form (i.e. neither part repeats). New mandolin tab for the single reel version here. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Portaferry as a single reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys of Tandragee Jig (6/8), E Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 19 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Tandragee on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise removed). Listen to me playing The Boys of Tandragee on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Tandragee on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 22 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Tandragee on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of The Lough Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boys Of The Lough on my G&O #34 mandolin. 27 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Boys Of The Lough on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 22 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of The Lough on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of The Town Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boys Of The Town on my G&O #34 mandolin. 25 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of The Town on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Thomastown Jig (6/8), G Major. No reference at thesession.org. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Thomastown on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Boys Of Wexford March (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 12 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Boys Of Wexford on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original sound file with background noise cleaned up). Listen to me playing The Boys Of Wexford on my G&O #34 mandolin. 25 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Boys Of Wexford on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Brenda Stubbert’s Reel (4/4), A Dorian. A reel composed by Jerry Holland from Cape Breton and which has been adopted by lots of Irish traditional musicians. This reel used to feature regularly at a session which I attended way back in the late 1990s and if I’m being perfectly honest, I didn’t feel inclined at the time to learn it. There was just *something* about the way some of the players approached the tune which got in the way of my appreciating it. Some years later I heard a few cracking versions of Brenda Stubbert’s and I sat down to learn it and I found that my earlier opinions required a u-turn! Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Brenda Stubbert’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Brendan McMahon’s Reel (4/4), EMinor (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 16 July 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Brendan McMahon’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Brendan McMahon’s on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 25 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Brendan McMahon’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Brian Boru’s March March (6/8), A Minor. Although I have tabbed this out as a jig, please note that this is a march and, the way I play it, there’s quite a pronounced accent on the first beat of each phrase. However some players play it much more smoothly – almost as a straightforward jig. The choice is yours… Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Brian Boru’s March on my G&O #34 mandolin. 5 October 2021   Additional sound file.  Listen to me playing Brian Boru’s March on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin (recorded for The Mandolin Cafe’s Song-A-Week Social Group). 25 June 2022.  New version. I’m not sure that my original tab for this tune was entirely accurate and so I have drafted up some new tab in PNG format here and in in PDF format here.  Listen to me playing Brian Boru’s March on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Brian Ó Láimhín Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Brian Ó Láimhín on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Brian O’Lynn Jig (6/8), A Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Brian O’Lynn on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 27 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Brian O’Lynn on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 25 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Brian O’Lynn on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Bríd Harper’s Jig (6/8), E Minor. Originally called The Rock On The Clyde when written by its composer, Bobby McLeod. However in Irish circles it has become associated with the esteemed Donegal fiddle player, Bríd Harper. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Bríd Harper’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bridal Jig Jig (6/8), G Major. Furthebr info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Bridal Jig on my G&O #34 mandolin. 25 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Bridal Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bride’s Favourite Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Bride’s Favourite on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. 30 April 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Bride’s Favourite on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Bridgetown Reel Reel (4/4), E Dorian. This reel was posted to thesession.org by John E Roche. John is compiling a collection of tunes from his county of Wexford which he hopes to publish in book form shortly. Out of admiration for the vision and a sense of curiosity I’ve been playing through a number of the tunes which he has shared so far and there are some absolute gems.  Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bridgetown Reel on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Brigade Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Composed by Frank McCollum. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Brigade on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Brigid Of Knock Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. A tune written by the prolific composer, Ed Reavy. Named after his wife, Brigid, who came originally from Knock in County Mayo. In my opinion – yours may, of course, differ! – a truly beautiful tune, particularly in the first part. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Brigid Of Knock on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 30 April 2022.  New version.  An acquaintance got in touch to say that he really likes this tune but is finding it difficult to learn. Could I please re-record more slowly? Always happy to oblige a polite request. Listen to me playing Part 1 of Brigid Of Knock slowly on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin. Listen to me playing Part 2 of Brigid Of Knock slowly on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Bring Back The Child Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Bring Back The Child on my G&O #34 mandolin. 25 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Bring Back The Child on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Brisk Young Lads Jig (6/8), A Minor. I think this jig may originally have been Scottish; it certainly has many features in common with jigs which I think of as being quintessentially Scottish. And yet it was recorded by Michael Gorman, the renowned Sligo fiddler. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Brisk Young Lads on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 25 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Brisk Young Lads on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Britches Full Of Stitches Polka (2/4), played frequently in either A Major and G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab for the A Major version here. 17 June 2021. Improved sound files for the A Major version. Listen to me playing The Britches Full Of Stitches in A Major on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Britches Full Of Stitches in A Major on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. Mandolin tab for the G Major version here. Listen to the G Major version… 25 June 2022.  New versions.  Listen to me playing The Britches Full Of Stitches in A Major on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. Listen to me playing The Britches Full Of Stitches in G Major on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Broadway Hornpipe Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 30 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Broadway Hornpipe on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Broadway Hornpipe on my Falder mandolin. 25 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Broadway Hornpipe on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Broken Pledge Reel (4/4), D Dorian. I’m afraid I’ve become quite obsessed with this tune lately. To my mind it’s a reel which benefits from being played at a much slower speed than reels usually warrant. Again to my mind, it’s one of those tunes which gains something from the sustain which is possible on tenor guitar. But since I appreciate that all of the above is merely my opinion and yours may well differ, I have recorded sound files in three different versions. A slow version on tenor guitar, a slow version on mandolin and a more sprightly version on mandolin with a bodhrán metronome playing in the background. (Bodhrán metronome courtesy of Jon Antonsson’s YouTube resources; see Jon Antonsson – Tunes & Tools – YouTube ). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me play The Broken Pledge on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. Listen to me play The Broken Pledge on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me play The Broken Pledge on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin with bodhrán metronome, set at 80bpm.   28 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Broken Pledge on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Brosna Slide Slide (12/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab by Michael Gregory here. Listen… (first tune in a set of three slides by Michael Gregory) 9 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Brosna Slide on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Brosna Slide on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 29 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Brosna Slide on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Brosnan’s Reel (4/4), B Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Brosnan’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Brother Gildas’ Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Brother Gildas’ on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Buck In The Wood Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Buck In The Wood on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Buck Moran’s Reel (4/4), A Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Buck Moran’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Buck Moran’s on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing Buck Moran’s on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 28 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Buck Moran’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bucks Of Oranmore Reel (4/4), D Major. One of the “big” reels in the Irish musical tradition – not just on account of its 5-part length but because it’s one of the must-learn pieces of music. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Bucks Of Oranmore on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 28 June 2022.  New versions.  Listen to me playing The Bucks Of Oranmore on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin (“clean” amp settings). Listen to me playing The Bucks Of Oranmore on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin (heavily distorted amp settings).

Buddy Furey’s Polka (2/4), A Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Buddy Furey’s on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin.  28 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Buddy Furey’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bunch Of Currants Reel (4/4), E Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bunch Of Currants on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bunch Of Rushes Hornpipe (4/4), D Mixolydian. A little unusually, the parts of this hornpipe don’t repeat. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bunch Of Rushes on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Bundle And Go Jig (6/8), E Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Bundle And Go on my Eastman MD304 mandolin. 27 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Bundle And Go on my Falder mandolin. 29 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Bundle And Go on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Bunker Hill Reel (4/4), D Mixolydian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Bunker Hill on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Burke’s Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Burke’s Jig on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Burren Reel Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Burren Reel on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Bush Hornpipe (4/4), A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Bush on my G&O #34 mandolin. 29 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Bush on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Bush On The Hill Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Bush On The Hill on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Butcher’s March Jig (6/8), G Major. I haven’t been able to locate this tune at thesession.org. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Butcher’s March on my G&O #34 mandolin. 29 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Butcher’s March on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Butcher’s Row Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. I believe this was originally a Canadian tune. However like a handful of tunes from that neck of the woods, it has crossed the Atlantic and established a new home in Irish music circles. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Butcher’s Row on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Butterfly Slip Jig (9/8), E Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 6 June 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Butterfly on my G&O #34 mandolin. 29 June 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Butterfly on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

By The Old Fairy Fort Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing By The Old Fairy Fort on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 1 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing By The Old Fairy Fort on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Byrne’s Hornpipe Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Byrne’s Hornpipe on my G&O #34 mandolin. 1 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Byrne’s Hornpipe on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cabin Hunter Reel (4/4), E Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cabin Hunter on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Caherlistrane Jig (6/8), A Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Caherlistrane on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Caisleán An Óir Hornpipe (4/4), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Generally attributed to the late Junior Crehan and apparently originally in E Dorian. However it’s usually played in A Dorian these days. The title translates as The Golden Castle. I have an admission to make about the recording of this tune. An admission of guilt? An admission of failure? Well, a little of both! I find it incredibly difficult to play the first measure of the second part as generally played which goes up to the high c and so I have worked up a simplified version which enables me to get through the tune without flubbing to halt. For those who read abc, the generally accepted first two phrases of the second part are “eaab c’2 ba|agef g2 ab”. I play instead “eaa^g a2 ba|a=gef g2 ab”. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Caisleán An Óir on my G and O #34 mandolin. 27 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Caisleán An Óir on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin (double-tracked). 1 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Caisleán An Óir on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Cal Callaghan’s Reel (4/4), D Major. This is a hard tune to “get out of” in the sense of changing to another tune in a set. Therefore I tend to play this as the final reel in a set with the ending in the sound clip (more or less). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Cal Callaghan’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. 1 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Cal Callaghan’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Calliope House Jig (6/8), D Major. This jig is one of those rare “made” tunes which has quickly become a session standard in a short space of time. It was composed by Dave Richardson of (among other projects) the very highly regarded Irish/Scottish band The Boys Of The Lough. Dave is a fine mandolinist. The tune was originally composed in E Major but since that’s a reasonably rare key in the Irish musical world, players soon shifted it down a couple of semitones and it’s usually played in sessions in D, which is how I have set it out in the tablature and how I play it in the sound files. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Calliope House on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Calliope House on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 1 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Calliope House on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cameronian Reel (4/4), D Major. I first came across this in a blistering recording by De Dannan and it stuck in my head from the first listen. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cameroonian on my Eastman MD304 mandolin. 28 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Cameronian on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 1 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cameronian on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Canadian Waltz Waltz (3/4), G Major. I was asked to include this tune by a follower on YouTube. I wasn’t familiar with the tune and the request was a chance introduction to a splendid waltz! Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Canadian Waltz on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cap And Bell Reel (4/4), D Major. Composed by Josephine Keegan, a renowned fiddler, pianist, composer and tune collector from County Armagh. (Ard Macha abú!) Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cap And Bell on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cape Breton Favourite Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Cape Breton Favourite on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

A Cape Breton Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. I heard this jig referred to in a session as “The Cape Breton Jig”. I thought this was akin to calling any of the majority of the jigs included in this collection “The Irish Jig”. Hence I’ve opted to refer to it as “A Cape Breton Jig” – one of a handful to have migrated across the Atlantic and find a new home in Irish circles. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing A Cape Breton Jig on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Captain Byng Polka (2/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Captain Byng on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 5 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Captain Byng on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Captain Dunne’s Hornpipe Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. A few weeks ago, one of my YouTube subscribers asked if I knew a hornpipe called “The Captain’s Hornpipe” and, if so, would I mind tabbing it out and recording it. I didn’t know the tune in question and so began a search through various of the many online sources of abc to try to locate it. I eventually found a tune called The Captain’s Hornpipe and confirmed with the subscriber that it was, in fact, the tune he was interested in. However, said tune is a Northumbrian hornpipe and I couldn’t get my very narrowly-focused brain and fingers to make sense of it. So as not to make a complete hames of the tune, I decided to leave it for those more versed in Northumbrian music to play it. However in my research I happened upon two hornpipes – this one and Captain John’s – which are more evidently Irish in structure and which, with a bit of tweaking, I found worked very well on mandolin. Further info here (this seems to be a march setting of the tune). Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Captain Dunne’s on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 5 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Captain Dunne’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Captain John’s Hornpipe Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. For some preamble, see Captain Dunne’s Hornpipe above. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Captain John’s Hornpipe on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 5 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Captain John’s Hornpipe on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Captain McDonald’s Favourite Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Captain McDonald’s Favourite on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Carolan’s Concerto 4/4 tune in D Major. One of the harper Turlough O’Carolan’s best-known pieces. I find this a fairly challenging tune, possibly because it doesn’t conform to the “rules” of Irish traditional music as I know them and so I have to concentrate and make some sort of mental adjustment. Once I’m in the zone with the tune, it’s very satisfying! Further info here. Full mandolin tab score here. Tab for part one here. Tab for part two here. Listen to me playing Carolan’s Concerto on my Falder mandolin. 5 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Carolan’s Concerto on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Carolan’s Draught 4/4 tune in G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Carolan’s Draught on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin.   6 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Carolan’s Draught on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Carolan’s Fancy Jig (6/8), G Major. Composed by Joseph Crofts. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Carolan’s Fancy on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 29 March 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Carolan’s Fancy on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Carramore Polka Polka (2/4), G Major. Composed by Vincent Broderick. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Carramore Polka on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Carraroe Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 22 November 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Carraroe Jig on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing The Carraroe Jig on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file, optimised in November 2021 using Audacity software).   6 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Carraroe Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cascade Polka Polka (2/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab by Michael Gregory here. Sheet music here. Listen to Michael Gregory playing the tune on C#/D button accordion here… 10 June 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Cascade Polka on my G&O #34 mandolin.   6 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cascade Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Casey The Whistler Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Casey The Whistler on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Casey’s Fiddle Jig (6/8), D Major. A marked similarity to An Rogaire Dubh. Perhaps this tune started out as a variation? Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Casey’s Fiddle on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Cashman’s Favourite Polka (2/4), G Major and an alternate setting in D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab for the G Major setting here. Mandolin tab for the D Major setting here. Listen to me playing Cashman’s Favourite (G Major setting) on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Cashman’s Favourite (D Major setting) on my G&O #34 mandolin.   7 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Cashman’s Favourite on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cashmere Shawl Reel (4/4), A Dorian. I’ll admit that what first drew me to this reel was one of its aliases – “On The Road To Lurgan”. Lurgan is my hometown; I grew up in a spot called Derrymacash about 4 miles away. But the tune itself kept me interested and got under my skin. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cashmere Shawl on my G&O #34 mandolin.   7 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cashmere Shawl on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Castle Danger Polka Number 1 Polka (2/4), G Major. A fine polka composed by Michael Gregory of North Dakota, a stalwart friend of this site and a devotee of the music of Sliabh Luachra. Mandolin tab by Michael Gregory here. Listen to Aidan Crossey play the tune on his G&O #34 mandolin here.   7 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Castle Danger Polka Number 1 on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Castle Danger Polka Number 2 Polka (2/4), C Major. The sister tune to Number 1 above, again composed by Michael Gregory. This polka is unusual in that it’s in the key of C Major, a key which rarely occurs in Sliabh Luachra music. And yet it sits incredibly well on mandolin. Mandolin tab by Michael Gregory here. Listen to Aidan Crossey play the tune on his G&O #34 mandolin here.   8 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Castle Danger Polka Number 2 on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Castle Donovan Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Castle Donovan on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Castle Island Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Castle Island on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Castle Kelly Reel (4/4), A Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 17 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Castle Kelly on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise removed). Listen to me playing Castle Kelly on my G&O #34 mandolin. 8 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Castle Kelly on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Castle Street Jig Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Castle Street Jig on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 8 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Castle Street Jig on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin. 30 August 2022. Someone got in touch with me recently (you know who you are! and many thanks) to point out that this tune is also here as The Maid At The Well. So I’ve deleted that entry and the link at the top now takes you here. When I was adding The Maid At The Well it sounded familiar. At the time, I noted some melodic similarity in parts to Hammy Hamilton’s composition, The Woodcock elsewhere in this page. However the connection to The Castle Street Jig passed me by. Listen to me playing The Castle Street Jig aka The Maid At The Well on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Castlebar Races Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info The Castlebar Races (jig) on The Session. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Castlebar Races on my G&O #34 mandolin. 28 December 2021. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Castlebar Races on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 25 April 2022. New version. I recently came across a version of this tune under one of its aliases – The Thrush In The Straw. Mandolin tab for the new version here. Listen to me playing The Castlebar Races aka The Thrush In The Straw on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin here.

The Castleblaney Piper Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Castleblaney Piper on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Castlebridge Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. Composed by Kevin Rowsome, from the famous piping family. You can find more of Kevin’s tunes here. This jig was posted to thesession.org by John E Roche. John is compiling a collection of tunes from his county of Wexford which he hopes to publish in book form shortly. Out of admiration for the vision and a sense of curiosity I’ve been playing through a number of the tunes which he has shared so far and there are some absolute gems.  Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Castlebridge Jig on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Castleconnell Lasses Reel (4/4), B Minor. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Castleconnell Lasses on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cat And The Bacon Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Cat And The Bacon on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cat In The Corner Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cat In The Corner on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Cat That Ate The Candle Jig (6/8), G Major. There is some disagreement over the name of this jig. I first learned it under the title “The Cat That Ate The Candle”. However I understand that others call it “The Cow That Ate The Blanket”. Whatever the beast and whatever its unusual dining habits, it’s a lovely little jig which – despite its simplicity – is well worth spending some time to learn. Further info here. Mandolin tab here 8 September 2021. New sound files added. Listen to me playing the tune without ornamentation on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing the tune with some ornamentation on my G&O #34 mandolin. 18 March 2022. I recently came across another alias for this tune – Kitty Come Over – and that would help dispel the “beast ate the whatever” controversy. Here’s a new version of the tune on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cat That Ate The Candle Reel (4/4), D Mixolydian. Unlike the case of the (unrelated) jig above, there is no controversy about the name of this fine reel. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cat That Ate The Candle on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cat’s Rambles To The Child’s Saucepan Slide (12/8), D Major. Also known as Mary Willie’s. But who’d opt for the alternative name when the one under which I’ve listed the tune is so evocative? Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cat’s Rambles To The Child’s Saucepan on my G&O #34 mandolin. 8 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cat’s Rambles To The Child’s Saucepan on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Cat’s Meow Jig (6/8), D Major. A 3-part jig composed by Joanie Madden, flute player for many years in the Irish-American, American-Irish all-female trad outfit, Cherish The Ladies. A tune which achieved the rare accolade of becoming very widely accepted into the “canon” almost from the moment the ink dried on the page. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Cat’s Meow on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Catriona’s Jig Jig (6/8), G Major. I happened across this jig while browsing “the session” website and immediately was taken by the lovely melody. Written by Liam O’Brien, a concertina player from Clare. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 21 December 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Catriona’s Jig on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Catriona’s Jig on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. Listen to me playing Catriona’s Jig on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file recorded October 2020; sound quality improved using Audacity software in December 2021). 8 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Catriona’s Jig on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Cavehill Jig (6/8), G Major. Many thanks to John Cradden for bringing this jig to my attention. He came across it in Kerr’s Merrie Melodies. Further info here Cavehill (jig) on The Session. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Cavehill on my G&O #34 mandolin (no repeat). 2 January 2022. Additional sound file. When I first came across this tune, I imagined that the title referenced one of the landmarks of Belfast, Cave Hill, which overlooks the city. I have since been put right and the title in fact references a Scottish “Cavehill”. Listen to me playing Cavehill on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 8 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Cavehill on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Centenary March March (4/4), D Major. I first came across this march from a CD of tunes by the late Sean McGuire of Belfast, in which he gave it his trademark layers of ornamentation. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Centenary March on my G&O #34 mandolin (no repeat). 5 January 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Centenary March on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 9 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Centenary March on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Chapel Bell Jig (6/8), E Dorian (i.e. two sharps). Composed by Frank McCollum from Ballycastle, Co. Antrim. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Chapel Bell on my G&O #34 mandolin. 9 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Chapel Bell on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Charlie Harris’ Polka Polka (2/4), D Major. A polka version of Charlie Harris’ Reel (below). Or is the reel a 4/4 version of Charlie Harris’ Polka? Which is the chicken and which the egg? Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Charlie Harris’ Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Charlie Harris’ Reel Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Charlie Harris’ Reel on my G&O #34 mandolin. 9 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Charlie Harris’ Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Charlie Hunter’s Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. A Cape Breton jig which has become naturalised in Irish sessions. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Charlie Hunter’s on my G&O #34 mandolin (no repeat). 5 January 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Charlie Hunter’s on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 30 April 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Charlie Hunter’s on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Charlie Mulvihill’s Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Charlie Mulvihill’s on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Charming Mary Kelly Reel (4/4), D Major. No reference at thesession.org Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Charming Mary Kelly on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Charming Young Widow Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Charming Young Widow on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Chattering Magpie Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Chattering Magpie on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Cherish The Ladies Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Cherish The Ladies on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 9 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Cherish The Ladies on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Chicago Reel Reel (4/4), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Chicago Reel on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (no repeat). 8 January 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Chicago Reel on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 10 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Chicago Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Chief O’Neill’s Favourite Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 12 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Chief O’Neill’s Favourite on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original sound file with background noise cleaned up). Listen to me playing Chief O’Neill’s Favourite on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 5 October 2021   Additional sound file.  Listen to me playing Chief O’Neill’s Favourite on my Falder mandolin (recorded for The Mandolin Cafe’s Song-A-Week Social Group). 30 April 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Chief O’Neill’s Favourite on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Christening Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Christening on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Christmas Eve Reel (4/4), G Major. A 3-part reel, written by Tommy Coen. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Christmas Eve on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Christy Barry’s No. 1 Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Christy Barry’s No. 1 on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Church Of Dromore Jig (6/8), A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Church Of Dromore on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Church Of Dromore on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. 10 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Church Of Dromore on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Church Street Polka Polka (2/4), G Major. This used to feature heavily at a number of sessions I used to rock up to in the late 90s/early 2000s in South East London. Often played alongside St Mary’s Polka. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Church Street Polka on my G&O #34 mandolin (no repeat). 8 January 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Church Street Polka on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 10 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Church Street Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Ciaran Benson’s Delight Slip Jig (9/8), A Dorian. Composed by Richard Darsie. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Ciaran Benson’s Delight on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Cis Ní Liatháin Jig (6/8), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen… 15 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Cis Ní Liatháin on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Clare Island Boat Song Jig (6/8), E Dorian. When I was a child, we used to holiday each year on Achill Island off the coast of County Mayo. Clare Island is a neighbouring island and clearly visible on a bright day to the south of Achill. So when I tripped across this tune recently, I was intrigued to play it… Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Clare Island Boat Song on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing The Clare Island Boat Song on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 15 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Clare Island Boat Song on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Clare Reel Reel (4/4), G Major. A very strange tune indeed. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Clare Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cliff Hornpipe Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cliff Hornpipe on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 12 January 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Cliff Hornpipe on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 15 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cliff Hornpipe on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cliffs Of Moher Jig (6/8), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 21 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Cliffs Of Moher on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Cliffs Of Moher on my Falder mandolin. 15 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cliffs Of Moher on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Clock In The Steeple Reel (4/4), A Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Clock In The Steeple on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Clog Slide (12/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 7 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Clog on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Clog on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 15 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Clog on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Clonmel Lasses Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Clonmel Lasses on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Clover Blossom Hornpipe (4/4), A Major. A little-heard hornpipe which I found buried in “O’Neill’s” and which captivated me when I started to play it. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Clover Blossom on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 30 April 2022.  New version.  An acquaintance got in touch to say that he really likes this tune but is struggling to learn it. Any chance that I might re-record it at a slightly slower speed. Always happy to at least attempt to oblige a polite request. Listen to me playing Part 1 of The Clover Blossom slowly on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin. Listen to me playing Part 2 of The Clover Blossom slowly on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Cock And The Hen Slip Jig (9/8), E Dorian or B Minor? (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 29 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Cock And The Hen on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Cock And The Hen on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 15 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cock And The Hen on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Cock Your Pistol, Charlie! Slide (12/8), E Dorian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Cock Your Pistol, Charlie! on my G&O #34 mandolin. 15 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Cock Your Pistol, Charlie! on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Coleman’s Cross Jig (6/8), E Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Coleman’s Cross on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Coleraine Jig Jig (6/8), A Minor (i.e. no sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 21 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Coleraine Jig on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise cleaned up). Listen to me playing The Coleraine Jig on my G&O #34 mandolin. 22 February 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Coleriane Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 30 April 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Coleraine Jig on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Collier’s Jig Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Collier’s Jig on my G&O #34 mandolin. 16 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Collier’s Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Collier’s Reel Reel (4/4), D Mixolydian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Collier’s Reel on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing The Collier’s Reel on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 16 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Collier’s Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Colonel Hopkins Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Colonel Hopkins on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Colonel McBain Reel (4/4), E Minor. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Colonel McBain on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Colonel Rogers Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Colonel Rogers on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Comb Your Hair And Curl It Slip Jig (9/8), E Dorian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 29 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Comb Your Hair And Curl It on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Comb Your Hair And Curl It on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 30 April 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Comb Your Hair And Curl It on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Come Along With Me Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Come Along With Me on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Come To Dinner Jig (6/8), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Come To Dinner on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Come Upstairs With Me Slip Jig (9/8), G Major. A few days ago I recorded a slip jig called Ellen O’Grady. One of my contacts got in touch to share a set recorded by Loretta Egan Murphy which featured Ellen O’Grady as the last slip jig. The middle tune in the set was Come Upstairs WIth Me which immediately grabbed my attention. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Come Upstairs With Me on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 16 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Come Upstairs With Me on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Come West Along The Road Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 22 June 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing Come West Along The Road on my G&O #34 mandolin. 16 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Come West Along The Road on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Coming Home From The Bog Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Coming Home From The Bog on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Con Curtin’s Big Balloon Jig (6/8), E Dorian. For many years Con Curtin, originally from Brosna in Kerry, ran a pub called The Balloon in West London. Con himself played fiddle and the pub was a haunt of traditional musicians. After “shutting up shop”, Con retired back to Brosna. RTE have made available a wonderful documentary on Con’s life and times which is a fascinating listen. Check it out here. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Con Curtin’s Big Balloon on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Con Mullane’s Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Con Mullane’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Concertina Reel Reel (4/4), D Major. Love it or loathe it (and many people do, indeed, loathe it – hence one of its aliases, The Farting Badger!), The Concertina Reel is one of those tunes which crops up time and time again at sessions. In this recording I’ve introduced a few variations into the tune on the repeat just to illustrate how it can be played in a manner other than “by the book”. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Concertina Reel on my G&O #34 mandolin. 30 April 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Concertina Reel on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Condon’s Frolics Jig (6/8), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 9 January 2022. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Condon’s Frolics on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Condon’s Frolics on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file; background cleaned up in January 2022 using Audacity software). 16 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Condon’s Frolics on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Congress Reel Reel (4/4), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 19 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Congress Reel on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise removed). Listen to me playing The Congress Reel on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Congress Reel on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 16 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Congress Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Conlon’s Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Conlon’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Conlon’s Jig (6/8), D Major. Another jig known as Conlon’s, this time in D Major. (In my “to-do list”, there’s yet another jig called Conlon’s in D Major which is awaiting my attention!) Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Conlon’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Connaught Heifers Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Connaught Heifers on my G&O #34 mandolin. 7 April 2022. Additional setting. Mandolin tab for the new setting here. Listen to me playing a new setting of The Connaught Heifers on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Connaughtman’s Rambles Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Connaughtman’s Rambles on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to a slow version of the tune played on my G&O #34 mandolin, recorded January 2021. 16 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Connaughtman’s Rambles on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Connemara’s Pet Reel (4/4), A Major. To my ears this tune sits on the cusp of being either a reel or a fling… No reference at thesession.org Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Connemara’s Pet on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Connie In The Pool Polka (2/4), A Major. Composed by the late Séamus Creagh, a very fine fiddle player. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Connie In The Pool on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Connie O’Connell’s Jig (6/8), G Major. A 3-parter – and a splendid tune indeed! Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Connie O’Connell’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Connie Walsh’s Slide Slide (12/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 2 July 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Connie Walsh’s Slide on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Connie Walsh’s Slide on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 16 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Connie Walsh’s Slide on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Connolly’s Barndance (4/4), G Major. I first came across this tune at the website of Michael Clarkson, a brilliant (and funny!) flute player from Belfast. (See https://irishflute.podbean.com). I play a simplified version of the tune which, I hope, retains its essential gist in a format which makes it accessible to players who don’t perhaps have the gifts of ornamentation available to Michael Clarkson or Simon Doherty with whom the tune is closely associated. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Connolly’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cook In The Kitchen Jig (6/8), G Major. A popular jig which appeals to many players because of the unusual F naturals in the first part. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cook In The Kitchen on my G&O #34 mandolin. 12 January 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Cook In The Kitchen on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 17 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cook In The Kitchen on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 5 September 2022.  New version.  Over the course of several weeks, my partner and I have had new kitchen installed which required quite a bit of preparatory building work. I made a “video diary” of progress a few days ago from a collection of photos which my partner took each day as the work proceeded. I thought it would be quite cheeky to have a soundtrack underneath the photos of me playing an aptly-named tune. Therefore listen to me playing another new version of The Cook In The Kitchen on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Cooley’s Reel Reel (4/4), E Dorian (E Minor – two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 18 January 2022. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Cooley’s on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Cooley’s on my G&O #34 mandolin (original website sound file, background noise minimised using Audacity software). 17 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Cooley’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cordal Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cordal Jig on my G&O #34 mandolin. 17 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cordal Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cordal Reel Reel (4/4), D Mixolydian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cordal Reel on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Corner House Reel (4/4), A Dorian (i.e. 1 sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Corner House on my Eastman MD304 mandolin. 12 January 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Corner House on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 17 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Corner House on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Corney Is Coming Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 28 July 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Corney Is Coming on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Corney Is Coming on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 17 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Corney Is Coming on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cowboy Jig Jig (6/8), A Major. The second part of this jig bears a close resemblance to that well-known jig in G, “Out On The Ocean“. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cowboy Jig on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. 4 May 2022.  New version in G Major.  Mandolin tab for the version in G Major here. Listen to me playing The Cowboy Jig in G Major on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Craig’s Pipes Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Craig’s Pipes on my G&O #34 mandolin. 11 January 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Craig’s Pipes on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 17 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Craig’s Pipes on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Creamer’s Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Creamer’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cricket’s March Over The Salt Box Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Cricket’s March Over The Salt Box on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Cronin’s Favourite Jig (6/8), A Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Cronin’s Favourite on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Cronin’s Hornpipe Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 18 January 2022. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Cronin’s Hornpipe on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Cronin’s Hornpipe on my G&O #34 mandolin (original website sound file, background noise minimised using Audacity software). 17 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Cronin’s Hornpipe on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Cronin’s Rambles Hornpipe (4/4), A Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Cronin’s Rambles on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Crooked Reel Reel (4/4), A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Crooked Reel on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Crooked Road To Dublin Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Crooked Road To Dublin on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Crooked Way To Dublin Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Crooked Way To Dublin on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Crosses Of Annagh Reel (4/4), D Major. There’s another reel of the same name in A Dorian which I must get around to playing at some stage. In the meantime this is a very tasty tune indeed. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Crosses Of Annagh on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Crossing The Channel Slip Jig (9/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Crossing The Channel on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Crossing The Field Reel (4/4), G Major. No reference at thesession.org. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Crossing The Field on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Crossing The Shannon Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Crossing The Shannon on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Crowley’s No. 1 Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Crowley’s No. 1 on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Crowley’s No. 2 Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Crowley’s No. 2 on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Crown At Portpatrick Mazurka (3/4), D Major. This lovely mazurka was written by Nigel Gatherer who has been a stalwart of the Scottish traditional music scene for many years and, in recognition of his efforts in keeping the flame alive, he was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall Of Fame in 2017. Nigel has made extensive resources available to traditional musicians in a range of genres including Scottish traditional music and Irish traditional music. Please check out his website http://www.nigelgatherer.com There are some real gems within the many links from the homepage. Nigel says that this tune is named after a memorable evening spent at The Crown in the town of Portpatrick, from where the cost of Ireland can be seen on a clear day. I first came across the tune in early December 2021 and was immediately drawn to learning it. Nigel very generously gave me permission to record it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Crown At Portpatrick on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing The Crown At Portpatrick on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. Listen to me playing The Crown At Portpatrick on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar and Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin as a “virtual duet”. 17 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Crown At Portpatrick on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Cucanandy Slip Jig (9/8), E Dorian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Cucanandy on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 18 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Cucanandy on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cuckoo’s Nest Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Cuckoo’s Nest on my G &O #34 mandolin. 18 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cuckoo’s Nest on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cuil Aodh Polka Polka (2/4), A Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 10 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Cuil Aodh Polka on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Cuil Aodh Polka on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 18 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Coil Aodh Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Cup Of Tea Reel (4/4), E Dorian/D Major (i.e. two sharps throughout). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 25 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Cup Of Tea on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise cleaned up). Listen to me playing The Cup Of Tea on my Falder mandolin. 18 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Cup Of Tea on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Curragh Races Reel (4/4), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Curragh Races on my G&O #34 mandolin (no repeat). 19 January 2022. Additional sound file, with repeat. Listen to me playing The Curragh Races on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 18 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Curragh Races on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Custom House Jig (6/8), D Major. I haven’t been able to find a reference to this particular jig at the session.org. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Custom House on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Da Foula Reel Reel (4/4), A Major. A Shetland tune which I tabbed and recorded as a favour for a follower on YouTube. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Da Foula Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Da Foula Reel Jig (6.8), G Major. Yes, despite the name, this tune is actually a jig and unrelated to Da Foula Reel above. A Shetland tune which I tabbed and recorded as a favour for a follower on YouTube. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Da Foula Reel (jig) on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Dairy Maid Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Dairy Maid on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Dairy Maid Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 27 August 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Dairy Maid on my G&O #34 mandolin. 30 April 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Dairy Maid on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Daisy Fields Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Daisy Fields on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Dálaigh’s Polka Polka (2/4), E Dorian (i.e. two sharps). Also known – probably as a mishearing – as Downey’s Polka. And also played from time to time in A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 7 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Dálaigh’s Polka on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Dálaigh’s Polka on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 18 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dálaigh’s Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dálaigh’s Polka No. 2 Polka (2/4), A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dálaigh’s Polka No. 2 on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Dálaigh’s Polka No. 2 on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 18 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dálaigh’s Polka No. 2 on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dálaigh’s Slide Slide (12/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dálaigh’s Slide on my G&O #34 mandolin. 18 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dálaigh’s Slide on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dan Breen’s Reel Reel (4/4), G Major (although some would argue A Dorian). This tune is commonly played in one of two settings with a second part which varies from the other version. Further info here. Mandolin tab for setting 1 here. Mandolin tab for setting 2 here. 24 November 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Dan Breen’s Reel, setting 1, on my G&O #34 mandolin (original website sound file, optimised using Audacity software). Listen to me playing Dan Breen’s Reel, setting 1, on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Dan Breen’s Reel, setting 2, on my G&O #34 mandolin (original website sound file, optimised using Audacity software). Listen to me playing Dan Breen’s Reel, setting 2, on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 10 May 2022.  New versions.  Listen to me playing Dan Breen’s Reel, setting 1 on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin. Listen to me playing Dan Breen’s Reel, setting 2 on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Dan Collins’ Father’s Jig Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dan Collins’ Father’s Jig on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 18 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dan Collins’ Father’s Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dan Coakley’s Polka (2/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dan Coakley’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dan Jeremiah’s Slide (12/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab by Michael Gregory here. Listen to Michael Gregory playing Dan Jeremiah’s… 11 June 2021. New sound file added. Listen to me playing Dan Jeremiah’s on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 18 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me “duetting” with Michael Gregory in a version of Dan Jeremiah’s. (I play along to the version of the tune by Michael Gregory above on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin…)

Dan O’Connell’s Polka (2/4), D Major. Dan O’Connell famously owned the pub in Knocknagree which was a Mecca for set dancers and where Tony MacMahon and Noel Hill recorded their celebrated live duet album. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dan O’Connell’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. 22 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dan O’Connell’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Dance Of The Honeybees Hornpipe/ Barndance (4/4), D Major. I’ve listed this as a hornpipe / barndance as there’s some debate over exactly what dance form the tune belongs to. I play it here as I’ve heard it played at The Blythe Hill Tavern session.Composed by the estimable Charlie Lennon. Whether it’s a hornpipe or a barndance, it’s a grand tune! Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dance Of The Honeybees on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (no repeat). 22 January 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Dance Of The Honeybees on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 22 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Dance Of The Honeybees on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Dances At Kinvara Barndance (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Dances At Kinvara on my G&O #34 mandolin. 17 January 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing The Dances At Kinvara on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 22 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Dances At Kinvara on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dancing Eyes Jig (6/8), G Major. Composed by Sean Ryan. I was first drawn to this tune via the playing of Jill McAuley. The version I play here is based on subsequently listening to the tune played by a number of other musicians. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dancing Eyes on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 30 April 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dancing Eyes on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Dandy Bash Jig (6/8), G Major. Composed by Paddy O’Brien. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dandy Bash on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Dandy Denny Cronin Reel (4/4), A Mixolydian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dandy Denny Cronin on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Daniel O’Connell Jig (6/8), D Major. Similar to and yet subtly different from a transposed version of my take on Larry O’Gaff in G and therefore deserving of a separate entry here. I always associate this tune with the playing of Alias Ron Kavana, a band who I saw many time in London during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Daniel O’Connell on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Darby Carey Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Darby Carey on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Darby Gallagher’s Jig/March (6/8), A Mixolydian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Darby Gallagher’s on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 22 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Darby Gallagher’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Dark Girl Dressed In Blue Polka (2/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 11 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Dark Girl Dressed In Blue on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Dark Girl Dressed In Blue on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 22 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Dark Girl Dressed In Blue on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Day After The Fair Jig (6/8), E Minor. I haven’t been able to locate this jig at thesession.org. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Day After The Fair on my Falder mandolin. 22 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Day After The Fair on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 8 September 2022.  New version.  On reflection, the version of the tune which I posted on 22 July 2022 is a bit too “processed”. So I’ve re-recorded the tune using a very basic, clean amp setting. Listen to me playing The Day After The Fair on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin with clean amp settings.

Delaney’s Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). One of my all-time, hands-down favourite jigs. I set out to record this tune on mandolin but my tenor guitar was to hand and I started to play it on the bigger beast. I was really pleased with the way this tune voiced itself on the larger instrument with its very different tonal qualities. Note to self – prepare to be amazed at just how differently tunes sound on different instruments in the same family! Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Delaney’s on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 27 March 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Delaney’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Denis Enright’s Slide Slide (12/8), D Major. I’ve been experimenting with plectrums recently. The sound file was recorded using a d’Addario “Chris Thile Signature” mandolin plectrum. At around 1.4mm, it’s much heavier than the sorts of plectrum which I generally use. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Denis Enright’s Slide on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 22 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Denis Enright’s Slide on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Denis Murphy’s Polka Polka (2/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 17 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Denis Murphy’s Polka on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website recording with background noise cleaned up). Listen to me playing Denis Murphy’s Polka on my Falder mandolin. Listen to me playing Denis Murphy’s Polka on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 22 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Denis Murphy’s Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Denis Murphy’s Slide Slide (12/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab in his preferred format by Michael Gregory here. Listen… second tune in a set of three by Michael Gregory. 22 January 2022. Additional sound file and mandolin tab in the standard format used in this website. Alternative mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Denis Murphy’s Slide on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 22 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Denis Murphy’s Slide on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Derry Reel Reel (4/4), A Major. Composed by Eugene O’Donnell. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Derry Reel on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Derrytavrane Jig Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Derrytavrane Jig on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Des Carthy’s Polka (2/4), A Major. Composed by the eponymous Des Carthy. No reference at thesession.org Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Des Carthy’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 17 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Des Carthy’s on my G&O #34 mandolin.

Devanney’s Goat Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Devanney’s Goat on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin (no repeat). 7 February 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Devanney’s Goat on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 4 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Devanney’s Goat on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Dever The Dancer Slip Jig (9/8), E Dorian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 11 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Dever The Dancer on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Dever The Dancer on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 25 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dever The Dancer on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Devil Among The Tailors Reel (4/4), A Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Devil Among The Tailors on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Devil In Dublin Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Devil In Dublin on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Devils Of Dublin Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Devils Of Dublin on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Diarmuid’s Jig Jig (6/8), G Major. Composed by Tomás Ó Canainn, the celebrated piper from Pennyburn in Derry. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Diarmuid’s Jig on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Dick Gossip’s Reel (4/4), D Major. Sometimes played with the parts in reverse order. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 27 July 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Dick Gossip’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Dick Gossip’s on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 25 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dick Gossip’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dick Sands’ Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dick Sands’ on my G&O #34 mandolin. 25 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dick Sands’ on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dick Sherlock’s Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dick Sherlock’s on my G&O #34 mandolin (no repeat). 15 February 2022. Additional sound file. Listen to me playing Dick Sherlock’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dick Tobin’s Polka (2/4), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dick Tobin’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Did You Wash Your Father’s Shirt? Reel (4/4), D Major. I learned this tune at a session locally. It would appear that we play the tune in a different order to the commonly accepted order. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 27 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Did You Wash Your Father’s Shirt? on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Did You Wash Your Father’s Shirt? on my Falder mandolin. 25 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Did You Wash Your Father’s Shirt? on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dillon Brown Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dillon Brown on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 17 September 2022.  New version.  When I set out to re-record this acoustically, I realised that I now play the tune slightly differently to the way I first learned it. New tab here. Listen to me playing Dillon Brown on my G&O #34 mandolin.

Din Tarrant’s Polka Polka (2/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Din Tarrant’s Polka on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 25 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Din Tarrant’s Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dineen’s Fancy Jig (6/8), D Major. A jig which I only very recently came across and which absolutely stunned me when I first heard it – a gorgeous tune. I found it in Bill Black’s transcription to ABC of The Garden State Tune Collection (see http://www.capeirish.com/webabc/working/source.folders/gstc/gstc_table.html). Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dineen’s Fancy on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Dingle Regatta Slide (12/8), G Major. A very commonly-played session tune in 3 parts. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dingle Regatta on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 25 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dingle Regatta on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dinkey’s Reel (4/4), A Mixolydian (i.e. two sharps). I have a confession to make. (Relax, it’s not one of the “bless me father for I have sinned” types of confession!) I am not a big fan of this tune. Two reasons. The first is that I used to attend a session where a number of fiddlers included this tune in a “showstopper” set every week and they played it with such pace, so little “soul” and so much ostentatious ornamentation that I was left distinctly unimpressed. The second is that I find it a difficult tune to play and I have a mantra – right or wrong – that the best tunes tend to be very playable. So why include it here? A fellow mandolier, just starting out on (hopefully! 🙂 ) a lifetime of immersion in Irish Traditional Music was struggling to learn this tune and asked if I’d help out by creating some tab and a sound file. His request was couched so graciously that I was powerless to resist. And now the time has come to share the tab and the sound file more widely! Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dinkey’s on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 25 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dinkey’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin (NB – no repeat).

Dinny O’Brien’s Jig Jig (6/8), G Major. There is some debate over whether this is a traditional tune or whether it was, in fact, composed by Dinny’s son, Paddy O’Brien. The consensus seems to be that it’s traditional. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dinny O’Brien’s Jig on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Dinny O’Keefe’s Slide (12/8), A Mixolydian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dinny O’Keefe’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Doberman’s Wallet Jig (6/8), D Major. Composed by the eminent fiddler Frankie Gavin. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Doberman’s Wallet on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 17 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Doberman’s Wallet on my G&O #34 mandolin.

Dolly Dimple Reel (4/4), A Minor. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dolly Dimple on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 17 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dolly Dimple on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Dolly Varden Barndance (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Dolly Varden on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 29 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Dolly Varden on my G&O #34 mandolin.

Domhnall na Gréine (Daniel Of The Sun) Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Domhnall na Gréine on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 30 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Domhnall na Gréine on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dominic’s Farewell To Cashel Jig (6/8), G Major. Composed by Josie McDermott. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dominic’s Farewell To Cashel on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Don’t Be Teasing Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Don’t Be Teasing on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Don’t Bother Me Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Don’t Bother Me on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 29 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Don’t Bother Me on my G&O #34 mandolin.

Don’t Leave Me Alone Slip Jig (9/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Don’t Leave Me Alone on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 29 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Don’t Leave Me Alone on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Donaghmore Reel (4/4), G Major. I got this tune from the wonderful, timeless album “The Smoky Chimney”. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 22 January 2022. Improved sound files. Listen to me playing The Donaghmore on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing The Donaghmore on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise minimised using Audacity software). 30 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Donaghmore on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Donald Blue Reel (4/4), D Major. Originally a Shetland tune but has recently become quite popular in Irish music circles. I was inspired to learn this tune by the playing of Jill McAuley who plays a wonderfully ornamented mandolin version. (Mine is much less ornate…) Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Donald Blue on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Donan’s Mazurka Mazurka (3/4), D Major. No reference at thesession.org at the time of adding this tune to the list. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Donan’s Mazurka on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Donan’s Mazurka on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 30 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Donan’s Mazurka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Donegal Reel Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 21 August 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Donegal Reel on my G&O #34 mandolin. 30 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Donegal Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Donny Brook Reel (4/4), G Major. I came across this tune in an old collection many years ago and copied into an old notebook. My interest was initially piqued by the spelling. Nowadays “Donnybrook” (as in the tune Donnybrook Fair) is generally accepted. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Donny Brook on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Donnybrook Fair Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 27 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Donnybrook Fair on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Donnybrook Fair on my Falder mandolin. 4 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Donnybrook Fair on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Doon Reel Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 25 September 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Doon Reel on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise cleaned up). Listen to me playing The Doon Reel on my Falder mandolin. Listen to me playing The Doon Reel on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 30 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Doon Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Doonagore Reel (4/4), G Major. Also commonly known (among other aliases) as Micho Russell’s – but since a number of reels in various keys are called after Micho, I have used the Doonagore title. Further info here. Mandolin tablature here. Listen to me playing Doonagore on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin. 30 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Doonagore on my G&O #34 mandolin.

Dooney Rock Jig (6/8), A Dorian. A jig composed by Seán Ryan and, like many of his jigs, notable for its wide range. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dooney Rock on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 30 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dooney Rock on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dougan’s Fancy Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dougan’s Fancy on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Dowd’s No. 9 Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dowd’s No. 9 on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 30 September 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dowd’s No. 9 on my G&O #34 mandolin.

Down In Abbey Slip Jig (9/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Down In ABbeyon my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Down The Back Lane Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Down The Back Lane on my G&O #34 mandolin. 31 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Down The Back Lane on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Down The Broom Reel (4/4), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Down The Broom on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Down The Glen Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Down The Glen on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 2 October 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Down The Glen on my G&O #34 mandolin.

Down The Meadow Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Down The Meadow on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin. 23 January 2023.  New version.  I have listened back to the original recording and the amp settings are causing unintended distortion. Therefore I re-recorded a new version this morning. Listen to me playing Down The Meadow for a second time on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Down The Road Jig (6/8), A Major. Composed by Liz Carroll and – in my opinion – one of the most accessible of her many compositions. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Down The Road on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Down With The Tithes Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Down With The Tithes on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Downfall Of Paris Set Dance (4/4), G Major. I hesitated to include this tune in my collection for the sole reason that I have heard many versions of The Downfall Of Paris in my time listening to and playing traditional Irish music and it’s very difficult to settle on one particular version as the “standard”. However I was asked yesterday by a musical acquaintance if I would consider including the tune to assist with his learning of it. I’m always pleased to include tunes if asked nicely and if the tune is one which occurs within the broad Irish music “canon” and is one which I can actually play! The setting which I play here is largely based upon one supplied to thesession.org by a prolific tune collector who goes by the handle “ceolachan”. According to mandolinist Martin Jonas the tune has an interesting history. He says in his YouTube channel. “Originally a French cotillion dance tune, it was adopted by the French revolutionaries as “Ça Ira”, the great call to arms during the early revolution and terror eras. As early as 1793, the tune was then adopted by the British army under the new name ” The Downfall Of Paris” — some 20 years before the actual fall of Paris in 1814! After the Napoleonic Wars, the tune gradually lost its military character and became a dance tune again. American versions are more commonly called “Mississippi Sawyer”.” Owing to the tune’s length (4 parts, the first two of which are 16 bars long), I have been unable to squeeze the tune into one page. Therefore you can find a complete tab for the tune which splits over two pages here. I’ve separated the tune out. You can download Part 1 here. You can download Part 2 here. You can download Parts 3 and 4 here. Listen to me playing The Downfall of Paris on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Downing’s Reel Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Downing’s Reel on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Doyle’s Castle Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Doyle’s Castle on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Drag Her Round The Road Reel (4/4), E Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 27 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Drag Her Round The Road on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Drag Her Round The Road on my Falder mandolin. 31 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Drag Her Round The Road on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dress Her Out In Fine Clothes Slip Jig (9/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dress Her Out In Fine Clothes on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 31 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dress Her Out In Fine Clothes on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Drimcong Jig Jig (6/8), A Dorian. No reference at thesession.org at the time of writing. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Drimcong Jig on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin. 31 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Drimcong Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Drimroe Cross Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Drimroe Cross on my G&O #34 mandolin. 5 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Drimroe Cross on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Drink Of Brandy Slip Jig (9/8), G Major. I’ve included this slip jig – included in the influential “Ryan’s Mammoth Collection” of 1883 – as a “compare and contrast” with “The Drops Of Brandy” (see below) which seems to my ear to be an evolution of this more bare-bones, basic tune. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Drink Of Brandy on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Drive The World Before Me Slip Jig (9/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Drive The World Before Me on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Drogheda Bay Reel (4/4), E Dorian. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Drogheda Bay on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dromey’s Fancy Jig (6/8), E Minor. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dromey’s Fancy on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Drops Of Brandy Slip Jig (9/8) – two versions, one in G Major and one in D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab for the G Major version here. Listen to the G Major version played on my G&O #34 here. Mandolin tab for the D Major version here. Listen to the D Major version played on my Eastman MD304 here. 5 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing the D Major version of The Drops Of Brandy on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Drowning At Bruckless Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Drowning At Bruckless on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Drowsy Maggie Reel (4/4), E Dorian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 7 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Drowsy Maggie on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Drowsy Maggie on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 4 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing a laid-back version of Drowsy Maggie on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

The Drummond Lasses Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Drummond Lasses on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 2 October 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Drummond Lasses on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Drunken Gauger Jig (6/8), G Major. One that’s been on my “to do” list for far too long! Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Drunken Gauger on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 5 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Drunken Gauger on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Drunken Landlady Reel (4/4), E Dorian (i.e. 2 sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 26 October 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Drunken Landlady on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise minimised). Listen to me playing The Drunken Landlady on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing The Drunken Landlady on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar (no repeat). 5 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Drunken Landlady as a “virtual duet” on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin (overdubbed on the earlier recording) and my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin.

The Dublin Lasses Reel (4/4), E Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Dublin Lasses on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin. 5 October 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Dublin Lasses on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Dublin Reel Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Dublin Reel on my G&O #34 mandolin (no repeat). 19 January 2022. Additional sound file, with repeat. Listen to me playing The Dublin Reel on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 5 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Dublin Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dublin Streets Slip Jig (9/8), E Minor. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Dublin Streets on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Duke Of Leinster Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 21 October 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Duke Of Leinster on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise cleaned up). Listen to me playing The Duke Of Leinster on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. 5 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Duke Of Leinster on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Duke Of Leinster’s Wife Reel (4/4), G Major. 19 September 2021. Improved sound files and tablature added, with explanatory notes. This tune (also known as The Ladies’ Pantalettes) is commonly played in two different versions. In one version, the F notes in bars 2 and 6 of the first part are played as F naturals, and therefore accidental to the key signature. In the other version the F notes in these bars are played sharp, and therefore in keeping with the key signature. I used to favour the “accidental” version but recently I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the version in which the Fs are played as sharp. Further info here. Mandolin tab for version 1 here. Mandolin tab for version 2 here. Listen to me playing version 1 of The Duke Of Leinster’s Wife on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing version 1 of The Duke Of Leinster’s Wife on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. Listen to me playing version 2 of The Duke Of Leinster’s Wife on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing version 2 of The Duke Of Leinster’s Wife on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 5 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Duke Of Leinster’s Wife (version 2) on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Dunmore Lasses Reel (4/4), E Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen… Updated sound file, G&O #34 mandolin. 3 September 2021. Alternate version on my Falder mandolin. 5 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Dunmore Lasses on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Dunphy’s Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Dunphy’s on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 5 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Dunphy’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Durrow Reel Reel (4/4), D Major. Not to be confused with the much better known reel, “The Trip To Durrow”. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing The Durrow Reel on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Dusty Miller Slip Jig (9/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Dusty Miller on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin. 5 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Dusty Miller on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Dusty Windowsills Jig (6/8), A Dorian. This is a pretty ubiquitous session tune. However it took me rather a long time to pick it up. The first two bars of the third part just didn’t click with me … until, of course, they did. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Dusty Windowsills on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Eadails Jig (6/8), G Major. Composed by Ger Brennan. This jig was posted to thesession.org by John E Roche. John is compiling a collection of tunes from his county of Wexford which he hopes to publish in book form shortly. Out of admiration for the vision and a sense of curiosity I’ve been playing through a number of the tunes which he has shared so far and there are some absolute gems.  In his notes to the tune, John says that the title refers either to a place-name or to an Irish word which roughly translates as bounty (presumably plunder) from a ship. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Eadails on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

The Eagle’s Whistle March (3/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 11 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Eagle’s Whistle on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Eagle’s Whistle on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 7 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Eagle’s Whistle as a virtual duet on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar and my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Eammon Flynn’s Reel (4/4), E Dorian. Composed by the eponymous Eammon Flynn. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Eammon Flynn’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Earl’s Chair Reel (4/4), D Major (though some would argue B Minor). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 3 September 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Earl’s Chair on my Falder mandolin. 7 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Earl’s Chair on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

The Eavesdropper Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 23 January 2022. Improved sound files. Listen to me playing The Eavesdropper on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing The Eavesdropper on my G&O #34 mandolin (original sound file with background noise minimised using Audacity software; no repeat). 4 May 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Eavesdropper on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.

Eddie Duffy’s Favourite Reel (4/4), A Mixolydian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Eddie Duffy’s Favourite in my G&O #34 mandolin. 7 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Eddie Duffy’s Favourite on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Eddie Kelly’s Jig (6/8), E Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Eddie Kelly’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. 25 July 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Eddie Kelly’s in a slightly different setting on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Eddie Moloney’s Favourite Reel (4/4), E Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Eddie Moloney’s Favourite on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 7 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Eddie Moloney’s Favourite on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin. 5 October 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Eddie Moloney’s Favourite on my G&O #34 mandolin.

The Eel In The Sink Reel (4/4), A Mixolydian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Eel In The Sink on my G&O #34 mandolin. 7 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing The Eel In The Sink on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Egan’s Polka Polka (2/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 26 October 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Egan’s Polka on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise minimised). Listen to me playing Egan’s Polka on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing Egan’s Polka on my G&O #34 mandolin with straightforward variations). 7 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Egan’s Polka on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Eileen Curran Reel (4/4), E Dorian. Also often played in G Dorian and A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Eileen Curran on my G&O #34 mandolin. 7 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Eileen Curran on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Eileen O’Keefe’s Polka (2/4), 2 versions – G Major and A Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab for the G Major version here. Mandolin tab for the A Major version here. Listen to me playing the G Major version on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing the A Major version on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. 12 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Eileen O’Keefe’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.

Eileen O’Loughlin’s Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Eileen O’Loughlin’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Eileen O’Riordan’s Polka (2/4), B Minor. Mandolin tab here.  Listen to me playing Eileen O’Riordan’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.

Eileen O’Riordan’s Slide (12/8), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 22 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Eileen O’Riordan’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Eileen O’Riordan’s on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 12 August 2022.  New version.  Listen to me playing Eileen O’Riordan’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.