The Best Irish Folk Music Instruments
Discover the best Irish folk music instruments, from the bodhrán to the tin whistle, and everything in between.
The Fiddle
The fiddle is perhaps the most iconic instrument associated with Irish folk music. It is a strings instrument with a bow, and is played using a special technique called “bowing.” The fiddle has a long neck and a small body, and is held vertically when played. The fiddle is often used in traditional Irish music, as well as in country, bluegrass, and other folk styles.
The fiddle is believed to have originated in the Middle East, and it was brought to Ireland by the Normans in the 12th century. The term “fiddle” actually comes from the Italian word “fede,” which means “bow.” Fiddles were originally made from wood, but today they are typically made from synthetic materials such as fiberglass or carbon fiber.
The fiddle has four strings, which are tuned to the notes E-A-D-G. The strings are played with a bow, and the player can produce vibrato by moving the bow back and forth while holding down a string. melodies on the fiddle are often ornamented with trills, rolls, and slides.
The Tin Whistle
One of the most popular and well-known of Irish folk music instruments, the Tin Whistle, is actually of English origin. It is also known as a penny whistle because it was once made out of a simple length of rolled up paper. The tin whistle acquired its name later when whistle manufacturers started using tin instead of paper. Today, most tin whistles are made from plastic.
The Tin Whistle is a very easy instrument to play and has a small range of notes, making it perfect for folk music. It is often used to play melody lines or simple harmony parts and is often used in sessions (informal gatherings of musicians) to provide accompaniment to tunes being played on other instruments.
The Bodhran
The Bodhran is a frame drum from Ireland. It is usually about 18 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep. The drumhead is usually made of goat skin. The Bodhran is played with a stick called a tipper. The tipper is held in the right hand and strikes the drumhead. The left hand is used to control the tension of the drumhead by squeezing or relaxing the hand. This changes the pitch of the drum. The bodhran can also be played with other sticks such as brushes or beaten with the bare hands.
The Bodhran is a very versatile instrument. It can be used to provide a steady beat for dancers or singers. It can also be used to accompany other instruments such as the fiddle or bagpipes. The bodhran can be played solo or in groups. It is often used in Irish traditional music but is also popular in many other genres of music such as rock, jazz, and country.
The Uilleann Pipes
The Uilleann Pipes are the characteristic national Bagpipe of Ireland. The name Uilleann comes from the Gaelic word for “elbow,” as this type of bagpipe is inflated by bellows strapped around the player’s arm and elbow, rather than by mouth. The Uilleann Pipes are also known as Union Pipes, referring to the union of England and Ireland in 1801.
Despite their Irish roots, the Uilleann Pipes did not become widely used in Ireland until the 19th century. They were initially associated with the Irish Sean-nós singing tradition, which was centred in rural areas and did not use accompaniment. In the early 20th century, as Sean-nós singing moved into urban areas and began to be accompanied by other instruments, the Uilleann Pipes became more popular.
Nowadays, the Uilleann Pipes are an essential part of Irish traditional music, and can be heard in both solo and ensemble settings. They are particularly well-suited to slow airs and laments, but are also capable of lively tunes such as jigs and reels. The Uilleann Pipes have a range of two full octaves, plus a number of extra notes achieved by using special fingering techniques. They are usually played with a Practice Chanter, on which the musician can learn the fingerings and practice tunes before moving on to playing the full instrument.
The Harp
The Harp is a beautiful instrument that has been played in Ireland for centuries. It is thought to have originated in Egypt and was brought to Ireland by the Celts. The harp has 30 – 40 strings and is played with the hands and feet. The sound of the harp is very soft and calming. It is often used in traditional Irish music to provide a background sound or “drone”.
##The Bagpipes
The bagpipes are a very popular instrument in Irish folk music. They are thought to have originated in ancient Greece and were brought to Ireland by the Romans. The bagpipes have two pipes, one for each hand, and one pipe that is blown into with the mouth. The sound of the bagpipes is very loud and can be quite intimidating!
##The Bodhran
The bodhran is a traditional Irish drum that is often used in Celtic music. It is usually made from a piece of goat skin stretched over a wooden frame. The bodhran can be played with sticks or with the hands. The sound of the bodhran is very unique – it has a deep, booming sound that really gets your feet tapping!
