Please note that for some inexplicable reason, following my last update to this page all previous links from the index to individual tunes have been rendered invalid. Please bear with me for the next few weeks while I recreate the links!
Last updated : 16 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 Tar Road To Sligo (D) Tell Her I Am (G) The Templehouse Jig (EDor) The Ten Below Jig (G) The Ten Penny Bit (ADor) There Was An Old Woman Tossed Up In A Blanket (A) The Thornton Jig (AMix) The Thrush In The Bush (G) Tiocfaidh Tú Abhaile Liom? (G) Tobin's Favourite (D) Tom Billy's (EDor) Tom Busby's (EDor) Tommy Gaffey's (ADor) Tommy Sullivan's (A) The Tongs By The Fire (G) Tonra's (D) Travers' (G) The Trip To Athlone (D) The Trip To Devonport (G) The Trip To Sligo (Em) A Trip To The Cottage (G) Tripping Up The Stairs (D) The Turoe Stone (G) Two Mile Bridge (EMin) Under The Bridge (G) Under The Willows She Is Sleeping (G) The Unfortunate Rake (EDor) Up And About In The Morning (D) Up In The Air (Bm) Up Sligo (EDor) Wallop The Potlid (G) The Walls Of Liscarroll (DMix) The Wandering Minstrel (D) Wellington's Advance (ADor) The Wexford Boys (G) What's That To Anyone? (G) Whelan's (EDor) When Sick Is It Tea You Want? (D) The Whistler At The Wake (D) The Whistling Postman (D) The White Petticoat (EMin) The White Pony (G) The Whole Chicken In The Soup (G) Wicky Sears (G) The Widow Brady (D) The Widow Machree (G) Wild Oats (D) Willie Clancy's Secret Jig (D) Willie Coleman's (G) Willy Walsh's (D) Winnie Hayes' (EDor) The Women Of Monaghan (G) The Woodcock (G) The Woods Of Old Limerick (D) Woolly Bear Ate An Oak (G) The Workhouse (G) Young Francis Mooney (EMin) Young Tom Ennis (ADor)
Slip Jigs Taim In Arrears (G) Throw The Beetle At Her (Bm) Tommy Hunt's (G) To Limerick We Will Go (DMix) Up In The Garret (ADor) The Whinny Hills Of Leitrim (D) Why Should We Quarrel For Riches? (EMin)
Hornpipes The Tailor's Twist (D) Teigue's Ailment (D) Thirty Years Ago (G) Tintern Abbey (G) The Tinware Lass (G) Tom Dillane's (D) Tomorrow Morning (D) The Twilight Star (G) Walsh's (A) Wandering Willy (G) We'll Drink Good Health (D) The West End (D) The Western (C) Whistling Mike (G) Whiteside's (G) The Wonder (G) The Worcester (G) Youghal Harbour (G)
Polkas Tarmon's (G) Terry Teahan's (G) The Tettegouche Polka Number 1 (D) The Tettegouche Polka Number 2 (G) Tom Carroll's (G) Tom's Blue Boat (EDor) Tommy Reck's (D) Top Of The Maol (ADor) Tripping To The Well (G) We Won't Go Home Till Morning (D) Where Lilies Bloom (D)
Reels Tap The Barrel (DMix) The Tarbolton (EDor) Teampall An Ghleantainn (D) The Teetotallers' (G) Temple Hill (ADor) The Templehouse Reel (EMin) The Tent At The Fair (D) The Tinker's Daughter (D) Tom Dowd's Favourite (EMin) Tom Keane's (AMix) Tom Ward's Downfall (G) Tomín O'Dea (G) Tommy Peoples' (G) Tonn Teine (G) The Torn Jacket (D) Toss The Feathers (DMix) Toss The Feathers (EDor) The Trip To Durrow (D) Tuttle's (DDor) Twilight In Portroe (A) Up Against The Buachalawns (D) Up To Your Knees In Sand (G) The Virginia (D) The Volunteer (G) Upstairs In A Tent (AMix) Walker Street (G) Walsh's (G) Walter Sammon's Grandmother (D) The Wedding (D) Welcome Home (D) The West Clare Railway (ADor) What Ails You? (D) What Call Have You To Me, Ned? (G) The Wheels Of The World (DMIx) Where Did You Find Her? (D) Whiskey You're The Devil (A) The Widow (D) The Wild Irishman (D) The Willow Tree (D) The Wind That Shakes The Barley (D) The Wise Maid (D) Within A Mile Of Dublin (DMix) The Woman Of The House (G) You Never Saw Her Equal (G) You Rogue, You Daren't Meddle Me (ADor)
Slides The Templeglantine (D Mix) This Is My Love, Do You Like Her? (ADor) Timmy O'Connor's (EMin) When The Cock Crows It Is Day (G)
Marches The Triumphal March (D) The White Cockade (G)
Barndances The Teelin Barndance (D) Terry Bingham's (A) The Tullamore Piper (G) The Winter Night Schottische (G) Song Airs None on this page Laments None on this page Mazurkas Tommy Peoples' (D) Vincent Campbell's (G)
Flings
None on this page
Planxties/Carolan Tunes
None on this page
Waltzes/Other 3/4 Tunes (not mazurkas) The Tailor's Waltz (G) The Trip Over The Mountain (G)
Set Dances The Three Sea Captains (G)
The Tailor’s Twist Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Tailor’s Waltz Waltz (3/4), G Major. Composed by the late Jack Shively and passed on to me by his friend, Joe Ross. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Tailor’s Waltz on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin (with an overlay of uilleann pipe drone).
Táim In Arrears Slip Jig (9/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 18 November 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Táim In Arrears on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Táim In Arrears on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file, optimised using Audacity software).
Tap The Barrel Reel (4/4), D Mixolydian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tap The Barrel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Tar Road To Sligo Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Tar Road To Sligo on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing The Tar Road To Sligo on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar.
The Tarbolton Reel (4/4), E Dorian. The opening reel in the famous “Michael Coleman set” (The Tarbolton/The Longford Collector/The Sailor’s Bonnet). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Tarbolton on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Tarmon’s Polka (2/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tarmon’s Polka on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing Tarmon’s Polka on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar.
Teampall an Ghleanntáin Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Teelin Barndance Barndance (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Teelin Barndance on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Teetotallers’ Reel Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Teetotallers’ Reel on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing The Teetotallers’ Reel on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. (Both versions recorded for the Mandolin Cafe’s Song-A-Week Social Group.
Teigue’s Ailment Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Composed by Terry Teahan. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Teigue’s Ailment on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Tell Her I Am Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tell Her I Am on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Temple Hill Reel (4/4), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Temple Hill on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Templeglantine Slide Slide (12/8), D Major. Further info The Templeglantine (slide) on The Session. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Templehouse Jig Jig (6/8), E Dorian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Templehouse Jig on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Templehouse Reel Reel (4/4), E Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Ten Below Jig Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Ten Below Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Ten Penny Bit Jig (6/8), A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Ten Penny Bit on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing The Ten Penny Bit on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar (no repeat).
The Tent At The Fair Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Tent At The Fair on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Terry Bingham’s Barndance (4/4), A Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Terry Bingham’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Terry Teahan’s Polka (2/4), G Major. I haven’t been able to track this one down at thesession.org. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Terry Teahan’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Tettegouche Polka Number 1 Polka (2/4), D Major. This is one of two tunes composed in 2015 by Michael Gregory, a good friend, one of nature’s gentlemen, a player of music, a maker of instruments (including G&O #34 on which this is recorded) and a composer of some outstanding tunes. This is as fine a polka as I have heard – and in over 20 years of immersion in Irish traditional music I have heard a few, believe me! I am delighted that Michael has given me permission to include this tune and its accompanying Number 2 in G Major among my tune learning resources. I hope you enjoy the tunes as much as I have. If you fancy adding them to your session repertoire, please remember to give Michael due credit. If you’d like to hear Michael himself play The Tettegouche Polka set, head on over here. Mandolin tab by Michael Gregory here. Listen to Aidan Crossey play the tune on his G&O #34 mandolin.
The Tettegouche Polka Number 2 Polka (2/4), G Major. The sister tune to The Tettegouche Polka Number 2 and, like Number 1, composed by Michael Gregory. Mandolin tab by Michael Gregory here. Listen to Aidan Crossey play the tune on his G&O #34 mandolin.
There Was An Old Woman Tossed Up In A Blanket Jig (6/8), A Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing There Was An Old Woman Tossed Up In A Blanket on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Thirty Years Ago Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Thirty Years Ago on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
This Is My Love, Do You Like Her? Slide (12/8), A Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing This Is My Love, Do You Like Her? on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin.
The Thornton Jig Jig (6/8), A Mixolydian (i.e. two sharps). I’m indebted to John Cradden of thecelticmandolin.co.uk for introducing me to this graceful Scottish jig. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Three Sea Captains Set Dance (6/8), G Major. A tune which turns up in various musical traditions. Because the sheet music and tab is too large to fit comfortably on to one page, I have tabbed out the parts separately. Further info here. Mandolin tab for part one here. Mandolin tab for part two here. Listen to me playing The Three Sea Captains on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Three Sea Captains on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar.
Throw The Beetle At Her Slip Jig (9/8), B Minor. A beetle in Ireland referred to a large wooden club most commonly used to mash spuds and/or food for livestock. Also, apparently, as a missile… Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Throw The Beetle At Her on my G&O #34 mandolin.
The Thrush In The Bush Jig (6/8), G Major. Composed by the renowned fiddler, pianist, tune collector and composer Josephine Keegan from South Armagh. I’ve heard many versions of this tune – including by Josephine herself – as this is a tune which gets under the skin and many musicians are drawn to it. This is as close as I can get to the version I first learned from a session several years ago (allowing for the fact that tunes evolve slightly over time through our own playing of them). Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Thrush In The Bush on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Timmy O’Connor’s Slide (12/8), E Minor. I learned this slide thanks to abc and a sound file provided by friend, Michael Gregory, with suggested chords by Michael’s wife, Gerri. Michael got the tune from a set played by Timmy O’Connor and Raymond O’Sullivan. You can hear Michael play the tune here on his Girouard Concert Oval Hole mandolin (first tune in a set of three). Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Timmy O’Connor’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Tinware Lass Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Tinware Lass on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Tiocfaidh Tú Abhaile Liom? (Will You Come Home With Me?). Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tiocfaidh Tú Abhaile Liom on my Falder mandolin. Listen to me playing Tiocfaidh Tú Abhaile Liom on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar.
The Tinker’s Daughter Reel (4/4), D Major. Composed by Vincent Broderick. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Tinker’s Daughter on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Tintern Abbey Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Composed by Kevin Whitty. This hornpipe 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 Tintern Abbey on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
To Limerick We Will Go Slip Jig (9/8), D Mixolydian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing To Limerick We Will Go on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Tobin’s Favourite Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 23 July 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing Tobin’s Favourite on my G&O #34 mandolin.
Tom Billy’s Jig (6/8), E Dorian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 8 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Tom Billy’s on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Tom Billy’s on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar.
Tom Busby’s Jig (6/8), E Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Tom Carroll’s Polka Polka (2/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Tom Dillane’s Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tom Dillane’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Tom Dowd’s Favourite Reel (4/4), E Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tom Dowd’s Favourite on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Tom Keane’s Reel (4/4), A Mixolydian (i.e. two sharps). I haven’t been able to track this one down at thesession.org. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Tom Ward’s Downfall Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Tomín O’Dea Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tomín O’Dea on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Tommy Hunt’s Slip Jig (9/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tommy Hunt’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Tommy Gaffey’s Jig (6/8), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tommy Gaffey’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Tommy Peoples’ Mazurka Mazurka (3/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 13 November 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Tommy Peoples’ Mazurka on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Tommy Peoples’ Mazurka on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise minimised).
Tommy Peoples’ Reel Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Tommy Reck’s Polka (2/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tommy Reck’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Tommy Sullivan’s Jig (6/8), A Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tommy Sullivan’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Tomorrow Morning Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing the tune on my G&O #34 mandolin (sticking fairly closely to “the script”). Listen to me playing the tune on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar (with the occasional venture “off-piste”.)
Tom’s Blue Boat Polka (2/4), E Dorian. I picked up this polka – composed by Emily Griffiths – at the New Zealand Irish sessions site. It’s a great treasure chest of tunes, quite a few of which were new to me when I first stumbled across it. See for yourself! https://irish.session.nz Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tom’s Blue Boat on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Tongs By The Fire Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Tonn Teine Reel (4/4), G Major. Composed by Paddy O’Brien. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Tonn Teine on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Tonra’s Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Top Of The Maol Polka (2/4), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Top Of The Maol on my G&O #34 mandolin. 27 February 2023. New setting. New mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Top Of The Maol in a new setting on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Torn Jacket, The Reel (4/4), D Major. Composed by fiddle player Connie O’Connell. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Alternate tab here. 2 July 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Torn Jacket on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Torn Jacket in a “freehand” version on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar.
Toss The Feathers (D Mixolydian version) Reel (4/4), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 8 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Toss The Feathers on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Toss The Feathers on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar.
Toss The Feathers (E Dorian version) Reel (4/4), E Dorian (i.e. two sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Travers’ Jig (6/8), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Travers’ Jig on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin. Listen to me playing Travers’ Jig on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Trip Over The Mountain, The Waltz (3/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Trip To Athlone, The Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 16 August 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Trip To Athlone on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Trip To Athlone on my Falder mandolin.
The Trip To Devonport Jig (6/8), G Major. One of my favourite websites to browse is that which services New Zealand sessions. I came across this lovely jig there, composed by Charlie Montgomery. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Trip To Devonport on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Trip To Durrow, The Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 16 July 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Trip To Durrow on my G&O #34 mandolin.
The Trip To Sligo Jig (6/8), E Minor. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
A Trip To The Cottage Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing A Trip To The Cottage on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Tripping To The Well Polka (2/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 9 June 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing Tripping To The Well on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing Tripping To The Well on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar.
Tripping Up The Stairs Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Triumphal March March (4/4), D Major. I’ve loved this tune since I first heard Seán McGuire play a ferocious version. Mine is a lot less ferocious! I simply don’t have McGuire’s chops nor a smidgen of his chutzpah. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Triumphal March on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Tullamore Piper Barndance (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Tullamore Piper on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Turoe Stone Jig (6/8), G Major. Composed by Vincent Broderick. The title tune of the highly influential printed collection of Broderick’s compositions. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Turoe Stone on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Tuttle’s Reel (4/4), D Dorian (i.e. no sharps). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen… 11 November 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing Tuttle’s on my G&O #34 mandolin.
Twilight In Portroe Reel (4/4), A Major. Composed by Seán Ryan. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Twilight In Portroe on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Twilight Star Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Twilight Star on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Two Mile Bridge Jig (6/8), E Minor. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Two Mile Bridge on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Under The Bridge Jig (6/8), A Minor. Composed by Jeff Moor. I tripped across this lovely tune at thesession.org and fell for it immediately. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Under The Bridge on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Under The Willows She Is Sleeping Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Under The Willows She Is Sleeping on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Unfortunate Rake Jig (6/8), E Dorian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Unfortunate Rake on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Up Against The Buachalawns Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Up And About In The Morning Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Up And About In The Morning on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Up In The Air Jig (6/8), B Minor. Composed by the legendary fiddler, Kevin Burke. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Up In The Garret Slip Jig (9/8), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Up In The Garret on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Up Sligo Jig (6/8), E Dorian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Up Sligo on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Up To Your Knees In Sand Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Up To Your Knees In Sand on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Upstairs In A Tent Reel (4/4), A Mixolydian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Upstairs In A Tent on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Vincent Campbell’s Mazurka (3/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Virginia Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Volunteer Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Volunteer on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Walker Street Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Walker Street on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Wallop The Potlid Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Wallop The Potlid on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Walls Of Liscarroll Jig (6/8), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Walsh’s Hornpipe Hornpipe (4/4), A Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Walsh’s Hornpipe on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Walsh’s Reel Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Walsh’s Reel on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Walter Sammon’s Grandmother Reel (4/4), D Major. About as simple a reel as it’s possible to imagine. But no less enjoyable for all that. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Walter Sammon’s Grandmother on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Wandering Minstrel Jig (6/8), D Major. A jig which is a great favourite of a banjo player whose path occasionally crosses with mine at sessions. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Wandering Minstrel on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin.
Wandering Willy Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Wandering Willy on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
We Won’t Go Home Till Morning Polka (2/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing We Won’t Go Home Till Morning on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
We’ll Drink Good Health Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Wedding Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Welcome Home Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Welcome Home on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Wellington’s Advance Jig (6/8), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Wellington’s Advance on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The West Clare Railway Reel (4/4), A Dorian. Composed by Junior Crehan. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The West Clare Railway on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The West End Hornpipe (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Western Hornpipe (4/4), C Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Wexford Boys Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Wexford Boys on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
What Ails You? Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing What Ails You? on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
What Call Have You To Me, Ned? Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing What Call Have You To Me, Ned? on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
What’s That To Anyone? Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing What’s That To Anyone? on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Wheels Of The World Reel (4/4), D Mixolydian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Wheels Of The World on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Whelan’s Jig (6/8), E Dorian. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Whelan’s on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin.
When Sick Is It Tea You Want? Jig (6/8), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
When The Cock Crows It Is Day Slide (12/8), G Major (although often played in jig sets as a 6/8 tune). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 21 June 2021 Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing When The Cock Crows It Is Day on my G&O #34 mandolin.
Where Did You Find Her? Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Where Did You Find Her? on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Where Lilies Bloom Polka (2/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Where Lilies Bloom on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Whinny Hills Of Leitrim Slip Jig (9/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Whinny Hills Of Leitrim on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Whiskey, You’re The Devil Reel (4/4), A Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Whiskey, You’re The Devil on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Whistler At The Wake Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Whistler At The Wake on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Whistling Mike Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Whistling Mike on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Whistling Postman Jig (6/8), D Major. A jig written by Charlie Mulvihill. Given the “echo” of the tune in the second part, it’s pretty clear which tune the postman was whistling. (See here…) Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Whistling Postman on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin.
The White Cockade March (2/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The White Petticoat Jig (6/8), E Minor. Among the most complex of the tunes which I play, this jig really deserves taking time to learn. Just beautiful. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The White Petticoat on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The White Petticoat on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. 5 October 2022. New version. Listen to me playing The White Petticoat on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The White Pony Jig (6/8), G Major. One of the most interesting sites on the web to we lovers of Irish traditional music is Bill Black’s “Cape Irish” site (http://capeirish.com). I came across this jig at the site. Bill has transposed it to a session-friendly G Major setting from the original A Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The White Pony on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Whiteside’s Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Whiteside’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Whole Chicken In The Soup Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Whole Chicken In The Soup on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Why Should We Quarrel For Riches? Slip Jig (9/8), E Minor. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Why Should We Quarrel For Riches? on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Wicky Sears Jig (6/8), G Major. A jig which shares a lot of its DNA with the much better-known “The Kesh”. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Wicky Sears on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Widow Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Widow on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Widow Brady Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Widow Brady on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Widow Machree Jig (6/8), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Widow Machree on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Wild Irishman Reel (4/4), D Major. A reel which has a very distinct tang of Donegal about it! Further info The Wild Irishman (reel) on The Session. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Wild Oats Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Wild Oats on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Willie Clancy’s Secret Jig Jig (6/8), E Dorian (though some would say D Major). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Willie Coleman’s Jig (6/8), G Major. This jig eluded me for years. I find the structure quite ambiguous. At times its “jigginess” is apparent; at other times it sounds as if it’s veering towards being a slip jig. However perseverance brought its reward in the end. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Willie Coleman’s on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Willow Tree Reel (4/4), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Willow Tree on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Willy Walsh’s Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Willy Walsh’s on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
The Wind That Shakes The Barley Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen… Listen to an alternate version recorded February 2021 on my G&O #34 mandolin. 3 October 2021 Listen to me playing The Wind That Shakes The Barley on my Paris Swing “Macaferri” mandolin. Listen to me playing a “late night” version of The Wind That Shakes The Barley on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. Both versions recorded specially for the Mandolin Cafe’s Song-A-Week Social Group.
Winnie Hayes’ Jig Jig (6/8), E Dorian. I was inspired to learn this tune and to share it with you as a result of listening to a version posted to YouTube in January 2022 by Lawrence Molloy where he pairs the tune with the lovely The Rose In The Heather. You can view Lawrence’s video here. My setting is somewhat different from the one which Lawrence plays – but that’s the beauty of this music. Different players have different takes on the tunes and we all bring a little bit of ourselves to the music! Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Winnie Hayes’ Jig on my Paris Swing Macaferri mandolin.
The Winter Night Schottische Barndance (4/4), G Major. Further info The Winter Night Schottische (barndance) on The Session. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Wise Maid Reel (4/4), D Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 13 November 2021. Improved sound files added. Listen to me playing The Wise Maid on my G&O #34 mandolin. Listen to me playing The Wise Maid on my Eastman MD304 mandolin (original website sound file with background noise minimised).
Within A Mile Of Dublin Reel (4/4), D Mixolydian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
Woman Of The House Reel (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Women Of Monaghan Jig (6/8), G Major. Composed by Ed Reavy. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Women Of Monaghan on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
The Wonder Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. 23 July 2021. Improved sound file added. Listen to me playing The Wonder Hornpipe on my Kentucky KM1000 mandolin.
The Woodcock Jig (6/8), G Major. I was inspired to include this lovely (but, be warned – fairly tricky!) jig after listening to a version played by Belfast mandolinist Lawrence Molloy. Written by Hammy Hamilton, who also composed the lovely Kerfunten jig, also on this page. See The Maid At The Well for a traditional jig which, to my ears, shares some of the melodic “hooks” of this one. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Woods Of Old Limerick Jig (6/8), D Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Woods Of Old Limerick on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Woolly Bear Ate An Oak Jig (6/8), G Major. This tune deserves a few words of introduction. The first two parts of the tune were written by Erin O’Neil – a fiddler from northwest Minnesota in the States; the third part by Michael Gregory whose name features numerous times in these pages. Michael wrote the third part of the tune as a birthday present to Erin in February 2020. Michael has long been a supporter of this website (and, indeed, of the “cause” of the mandolin in Irish traditional music more generally). In one of our regular email exchanges he was singing the praises of Erin’s playing and of her compositions. Michael has been a family friend of Erin’s parents – Tom and Jeanne O’Neil – for a long time and has observed Erin’s music develop and mature during that period. He commended a number of Erin’s tunes to me and then mentioned that he had collaborated with Erin on “Woolly Bear Ate An Oak”. Like many of Erin’s tunes, this jig was inspired by nature. The tune came to Erin as she watched a woolly bear (a small caterpillar native to the USA and Canada which eventually transforms into the Isabella Tiger Moth) feed on an oak seedling. The tiny caterpillar devoured the seedling – hence it “ate an oak”. Erin repeats patterns of notes throughout the jig which are inspired by the repetitive circular motions of the woolly bear as it went about its feast on the oak seedling. There is a “meta” aspect to this version of the tune. As I said before, Michael Gregory wrote the third part to the tune. And I play it on a mandolin which Michael built (G&O #34) and which he very generously gifted to me recently. You can find tablature for the tune, set out by Michael Gregory using the Lilypad software, here. You can hear my version of the tune here. To hear the tune played by Erin O’Neil with her parents, click here. For more information on the O’Neil Family Band, including clips from their various recordings to date, along with links to allow you to buy said recordings, click here.
The Worcester Hornpipe Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. I came across this tune recently and, since my partner hails from Worcester, I decided to try playing it on my recently-acquired tenor guitar (which I joking refer to as “an maindilín mór”). Not a bad little tune and it plays quite nicely on tenor guitar on account of the fact that the range doesn’t extend above the high “a” and therefore it’s manageable to play without shifting position. The tune appears in O’Neill’s as “Paddy Mack”. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Worcester Hornpipe on my Ashbury AT-40 tenor guitar. 30 April 2022. New version. Listen to me playing The Worcester Hornpipe on my Epiphone Mandobird VIII electric mandolin.
The Workhouse Jig (6/8), G Major. Someone started a discussion recently on thesession.org, asking if people would like to share examples of tunes which they have composed (see here). This jig immediately grabbed my attention. It is written by Finian McCluskey – a banjo player from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan (and therefore, as “a banjo tune” sits very handily indeed on mandolin). I particularly like the major/minor contrast between the two parts which creates a degree of tension. And that run up from the G string to the E string in the second part is very satisfying. Thank you, very much Finian for allowing me to share your tune. Much appreciated! To hear Finian playing the tune himself, please follow this link to his SoundCloud channel. Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing The Workhouse on my Falder mandolin.
You Never Saw Her Equal Reel (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing You Never Saw Her Equal on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
You Rogue, You Daren’t Meddle Me Reel (4/4), A Dorian. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing You Rogue, You Daren’t Meddle Me on my Revelation Jaguar electric mandolin.
Youghal Harbour Hornpipe (4/4), G Major. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Youghal Harbour on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Young Francis Mooney Jig (6/8), E Minor. Mandolin tab here. Listen to me playing Young Francis Mooney on my Belmuse EM-190 electric mandolin.
Young Tom Ennis Jig (6/8), A Dorian (i.e. one sharp). Further info here. Mandolin tab here. Listen…
The Irish Mandolin - a website from Aidan Crossey 
