Easy reels and jigs

Uilleann Pipes
1

I’m looking for some easy reels and jigs that are fun to play, but still sound good. What are your favorites?

2

I love Jimmy Ward’s Jig. I think it’s one of the easiest, but it sounds wonderful and flowing. It seems to be a great tune to put at the end of a jig set, too… it goes with anything (that’s why I call it the Ketchup Jig)! The Galtee Rangers is a nice single reel to play…

Kathleen

3

Thank you, Kathleen. I’ll defintely check them out. If you think of any more, let me know!

4

Try going to the video tutorial section at NPU’s site (source.pipers.ie). The tunes are organized by degree of difficulty (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), though that can get a bit mushy. Plenty of good tunes there. Join while you’re at it.

5

Ward’s Jig, Kesh Jig is great, Fraher’s Jig, Gander in the Pratie Hole is a double jig thats great fun to learn, Saddle the Pony, The Rambling Pitchfork, and Garrett Barrys. Though I am still learning them and am not at all compitent on these tunes, they are great fun learning…good luck…cheers. I’m not real clear on the difference between a Jig and a double Jig…still sorting that all out

6

Good tip! And yes, I did join! Very cool!

Thanks!

K

7

“Drops of Brandy”’ is a nice, simple, satisfying 9/8 jig.

AND it goes well in 2 keys.

8

Thanks! Simple and satisfying is exactly what I’m looking for!

9

The Road to Lisdoonvarna, Heather Breeze, The Ragged Hank of Yarn, Rolling in the Ryegrass are all pretty straightforward reels with lots of options for variations. Also recorded often enough that you can find good recordings of them. NPU has done tutorials on a couple of them.

10

Erm all the tunes are difficult to start !! :really:

11

It’s not a reel or jig, but “Off to California” is a pretty easy tune that has a nice flow to it. Seth

12

Absolutely! That’s why I only requested the “easy” ones. :slight_smile:

13

I’ve hear Jimmy ward’s jig many times, but never tried it. I downloaded it this evening and have been having a blast with it, especially since I got my back D sorted out. This is just the type of tune I’m looking for!

Thanks!

K

14

In no particular order or degree of difficulty…

Jigs:
Out On The Ocean
Off To California
Garrett Barry’s
Joy Of My Life (Donnybrook Jig)
Banish Misfortune
The Gander In The Pratie Hole
Tripping Up The Stairs

Reels:
The Silver Spear
The Cup Of Tea
The Earl’s Chair
Rolling In The Rye Grass
Wind That Shakes The Barley
The Roscommon Reel
The Sligo Maid

15

16

Thanks everyone! I have some good stuff to work on!

K

17

‘when the cock crows it is morning’ is the simplest tune i can think of, simple to hum and remember at least and hopefully to play too

18

If you’re beginning, I’m not too sure that reels and jigs are the easiest way to start.

I think that many songs are much easier (plus you can play along a recording, which is more fun and helps you to keep the rhytm and tuning)). A basic version of Star of the county down is simple, for example. Song of the chanter is another fine tune.

And Egan’s polka is ok as well: http://www.nigelgatherer.com/tunes/tab/tab3/egan.html

You can probably pick up some beginner whistle tunes as well, but some things are much more difficult on the pipes than on the whistle.

19

I’ve always liked “Rolling in the Ryegrass” … lends itself to lots of fun variations and really rocks in a good session … I tossed a few down here a little while ago – http://www.youtube.com/user/FeadogIstan?feature=mhum – never get tired of playing it.

Best,
L.E. McCullough

20

Awesome! Thanks!