The Best Irish Folk Instrumental Music

Looking for the best Irish folk instrumental music? Look no further than our top picks for the best of the best. From traditional ballads to upbeat reels, these are the tunes that will get your feet tapping.

Celtic Music

Celtic music is a genre of folk music that is associated with the Celtic cultures of Europe. It has its roots in the music of the people of the Celtic countries of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall. Celtic music is a popular genre of folk music that is often played on the violin, flute, and guitar.

The Celtic Harp

The Celtic harp is a type of folk harp, and sometimes called a pedal harp or concert harp. It is known for its distinctive shape, which is based on the ancient Greek design. The celtic harp has a wide range of different sizes and string arrangements, which allows it to be played in a variety of ways.

The most common type of celtic harp has 26 strings, which are tuned in a major key. The Celtic harp can also be tuned in a minor key, and there are also some rarer versions that have more than 26 strings. The celtic harp is typically played with the hands, but some players use pedals to help them reach the higher notes.

The celtic harp has a long history, and has been used by many different cultures over the centuries. It is thought to have originated in Ireland or Scotland, and was brought to Wales by the Romans. The celtic harp then spread to other parts of Europe, including Scandinavia and Russia.

The celtic harp has often been associated with magic and mythology, and was thought to have special powers. In medieval times, it was believed that the sound of the celtic harp could ward off evil spirits. The celtic harp is also often mentioned in Irish folklore, and is said to be able to summon fairies.

Today, the celtic harp is popular as both a solo instrument and as an accompaniment to other instruments. It is frequently used in folk music, but can also be heard in classical and pop music. Many famous musicians have played the celtic harp, including Bob Dylan, Sting, and Simon & Garfunkel

The Celtic Flute

Flutes were introduced to Ireland relatively late, in the 18th century, but the simple six-holed flute quickly became a staple of Irish traditional music. Flute players are often trained in classical music, and many of the ornamentations and techniques used in Celtic flute playing come from classical flute playing. However, it is the unique sound of the Irish flute that sets it apart from other flutes. The sound of the Celtic flute is light and airy, and its unique tone can be both haunting and soulful.

The Celtic Bagpipes

The Celtic Bagpipes are a type of bagpipe native to the Celtic nations. Though the instrument has ancient origins, the first evidence of Celtic bagpipes appears in medieval artwork from Ireland and Scotland. The bagpipes continued to be popular in the Celtic countries through the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and they remain an important part of traditional Celtic music today.

The most distinctive feature of the Celtic bagpipes is their chanter, or main melodic pipe. This pipe has a narrow bore and a conical shape, which gives it a piercing, nasal tone. The chanter is usually made of wood or bone, and it is often decorated with intricate carvings.

In addition to the chanter, Celtic bagpipes typically have one or two drones, or sustained notes that play a constant harmony. The drones are usually made of wood or metal, and they are often decorated with colorful streamers called “dressings.”

Celtic bagpipes are typically played by blowing into a mouthpiece called a “blow-stick.” This mouthpiece is attached to a small air-bag that supplies air to the instrument. The player can control the flow of air to the bag by squeezing it with their arm or hand.

The most common type of Celtic bagpipe is the Great Highland Bagpipe, which is used in Scotland and Ireland. Other types of Celtic bagpipes include the Scottish smallpipe, Irish uilleann pipe, and Welsh pibgorn.

Irish Music

Irish music is the generic term for music from Ireland. It may be characterized by traditional Irish instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, Uilleann pipes, and accordion. It is also characterized by its unique Celti

The Irish Fiddle

The Irish fiddle is a string instrument with a long neck, four strings, and a flat sound box. It is most commonly used in folk music and traditional Irish music. The Irish fiddle has been around for centuries and is one of the most popular instruments in Ireland. It is played with a bow, and the player must hold the instrument between the chin and shoulder. The strings are plucked with the right hand, while the left hand is used to stop the strings. The Irish fiddle is usually tuned to D-A-D-G.

The Irish Bodhran

The bodhran is a traditional Irish drum that is often used in folk music. It is usually made from a wooden frame with a goatskin head. The bodhran can be played with the hands or with sticks, and is often used to provide the rhythm for Irish folk songs.

The Irish Uilleann Pipes

The uilleann pipes are a type of bagpipe native to Ireland. They are also known as Union pipes and Irish warpipes. The name “uilleann” comes from the Irish word for “elbow,” referring to the fact that this type of bagpipe is blown with a bellows held under the player’s elbow.

The uilleann pipes have a uniquely rich and mellow sound, and are an essential part of traditional Irish music. They are often used for slow airs and laments, but can also be heard played at lively jigs and reels. The instrument is also capable of playing chords, making it more versatile than other types of bagpipes.

The uilleann pipes are believed to have originated in the early 18th century, although they may have developed from earlier folk instruments. They were quickly adapted by classical composers and became popular in pipe bands throughout Ireland and Scotland. Today, the uilleann pipes are enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to revivalists like Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains.

Scottish Music

While the music of Scotland is world-renowned, the music of Ireland is also deserving of attention. Irish folk music is a genre of music that is steeped in history and tradition. Irish folk music is known for its catchy melodies, interesting lyrics, and toe-tapping rhythms.

The Scottish Highland Bagpipes

The Scottish Highland bagpipes are the best known of all the Celtic folk instruments. They are easily recognized by their distinctive sound, and they have a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Today, they are most commonly associated with Scotland and Irish music, but they have also been adopted by many other cultures around the world.

The Scottish Highland bagpipes are played by blowing into a small reed pipe called a chanter. The chanter is connected to a large bag filled with air, which is pumped by the player’s arm. The player uses their fingers to close and open holes in the chanter, which changes the pitch of the notes that are produced.

The Highland bagpipes can be used to play any type of music, but they are most commonly associated with traditional Scottish and Irish folk tunes. Many of these tunes are centuries old, and they are often passed down from generation to generation of musicians.

If you’re interested in learning how to play the Scottish Highland bagpipes, there are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also find instructional DVDs and CDs that can help you get started.

The Scottish Snare Drum

The Scottish snare drum is a type of drum used in Scottish folk music. It is usually made of wood, with a single skin stretched over the top and a small number of metal wires (called snares) stretched across the bottom. The snare drum is played with sticks, and the player strikes the top skin with one stick while holding the other stick in the other hand. The snares vibrate when the top skin is struck, and this gives the Scottish snare drum its distinctive sound.

The Scottish snare drum is used in a variety of settings, including Celtic music bands, fiddle bands, pipe bands, and military bands. It is also used in solo performances and in ensemble playing. In addition to its traditional role in Scottish music, the Scottish snare drum has also been used in rock music, jazz, and other genres.

The Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe

The Scottish Great Highland bagpipe is the best-known type of Celtic bagpipe, and is indeed the national bagpipe of Scotland. It is characterized by its distinctive spineless chanter, which is capable of playing nine notes (A-G plus high A), and by its three drone pipes (two tenors and one bass), which provide a constant accompaniment. The bagpipe is a beautiful and evocative instrument, capable of evoking both great joy and great sadness.