Where do I find chords for jigs and reels?
Guitar chords will do.
Thanks
Also keep in mind that the chord progressions aren’t set in stone because harmony is a relative newcomer to ITM. You are free to re-harmonize these pieces anyway you see fit.
First, figure what mode your tune is in. If it’s in the Ionian mode (i.e. based on a major scale), the bare-bones chords will be I, IV, and V of whatever key you’re in. If it’s in one of the other three “Irish” modes, viz. Dorian, Mixolydian, or Aeolian, the tune will generally be constructed around the I and VII chords of the scales associated with those modes. Add substitutions to taste.
I’d say that 99% of harmonizations I’ve ever seen for ITM repertoire have been nothing more than I, ii, IV, V & vi chords (D, Em, G, A & Bm in the key of D).
That said, some recorded material would suggest that anything is fair game.
This sudden interest in chords wouldn’t suggest that someone’s got a new mandolin, would it?
Whole we’re on the topic of chords and guitar backing, could someone tell what is meant by the term “cowboy chords”? I saw a comment recently that cowboy chords weren’t welcome at a particular session. Does it refer to the use of Major 7ths, or to basic three chord trick? Some of the nicest backing in our session is very simple, so long as the rhythm is right.
One of my session-mates sometimes uses jazzy-type substitutions like suspended 4ths and funny minors, but only when we stumble on a tune that only one melody player knows, so we just kind of goof off a bit.
Mike
Oops, I meant “While”…
Jim, if you know anyone who has the Walton’s 110 Ireland’s Best Tinwhistle Tunes or 110 Ireland’s Best Session Tunes books they could lend you, those have chords as well as the melodies.
Lightheaded Mike, I think “cowboy chords” might refer to the boom-chick style of strumming in old country & western songs where the guitar alternates between plucking the root of the chord then strumming the chord itself in a stiff rhythm. That’s the impression I get. The problem may not be the actual harmony but the rhythm.
“Cowboy chords” usually refers to the first position guitar chords in standard tuning.
C X32010
G 320003
D xx0232
And so on.
oh ya, the “gangajang” chords! try some punk rock style bar chords instead:
D: x5777x
G: 355433
A: 577655
use your fret hand to mute the strings while changing chords but don’t stop strumming. it adds some percussion to the whole mix, which adds to the drive. try to fill the mid-ground between the fiddle & the bodhran (sp?), as it were.
Thanks, yes mandolin and I’ve resurrected my guitar.