Having finally learned to play a few tunes I find I want to set them together. Does anyone have any rules of thumb to help identify which ones might work as a set? Is it jig with jig, same or different key, same or increasing tempo? Are there any classic combinations that really work?
Keith
A lot of it has to do with the key of the tune. When attached together there are some “chord progressions” that happen that you need to be mindful of. Also, most try to keep jigs with jigs, reels with reels, etc., although flipping from one to another isn’t difficult, just be sure to let the accompaniest know!
A good start is 3 tunes in this order: G, Em, D. (or the other way around)-- using easy tunes you probably know already, those might be Kesh, Morrison’s and Fr. O’Flynn as jigs.
or try Em, Am, D (again, or the other way around)
Keep in mind, too, that your last note on a tune may not lend itself to an easy transition to the next one, so choose accordingly.
Sometimes you have to change the ending of a tune slightly to make it fit with what you’d like to play next. Not that tough to do, but something to be aware of.
Hope this helps.
A while ago I got off the internet sheet music for a series of tunes labelled “Paddy O’Brien’s Sets”, edited by Dave Gabol & John Walsh. There are 18 sets of Jigs or Reels that fit together nicely, some well know, others more obscure, but all suitable for whistle or flute.
You can find them on http://www.ceolas.org/ceolas.html, along with a great wealth of Irish music, much in ABC format.
Here’s some additional information on
tunesets by Dr. Chris Smith, author of
“Celtic Back-Up for all Instrumentalists.”
http://www.geocities.com/coyotebanjo/instruction/tunesets.txt
[ This Message was edited by: Stan on 2001-12-07 11:56 ]
I think “Red Wine” and “Broiled Fish” go pretty well together, though many might disagree. 
Joe