The Best Irish Folk Songs to Play on the Piano

Check out our top picks for the best Irish folk songs to play on the piano! From traditional ballads to upbeat reels, we’ve got you covered.

Irish Folk Songs

Folk music has been a part of the Irish culture for centuries. The Irish have their own unique style of folk music that is often characterized by enchanting melodies and heart-warming lyrics. Piano is a popular instrument to play Irish folk songs on because it can create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. If you are looking for some good Irish folk songs to play on the piano, check out the following list.

“The Parting Glass”

“The Parting Glass” is a traditional Irish folk song that has been covered by many artists over the years. The song is about saying goodbye to a loved one, and it is often played at funerals and other somber occasions.

The original version of the song was written by Edward Harrigan and David Braham, and it was first published in 1885. The song became popular in the United States during the early 20th century, and it was often covered by American artists such as Enrico Caruso, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra. In more recent years, the song has been covered by Irish artists such as Sinead O’Connor and The Dubliners.

“Danny Boy”

“Danny Boy” is one of the most famous Irish folk songs of all time. The song was written by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly in 1910, and is often played on the piano. The lyrics of the song are about a young man who is living in Ireland, and his love for the country. The lyrics of the song are very beautiful, and the melody is very haunting. “Danny Boy” is a very popular song to play on the piano, and is often played at Irish folk music festivals.

“The Irish Rover”

“The Irish Rover” is a traditional Irish folk song about a ship that sails from Dublin to New York. The song is sung by a group of Irishmen who are on board the ship, and they sing about all of the different places they have been and the people they have met. The song is a great example of the Irish sense of humor, and it is also a great way to learn about some of the history of Irish immigration to America.

“The Wild Rover”

A popular Irish folk song, “The Wild Rover” is a great choice for intermediate to advanced piano players. The song features a fast-paced melody and chords that are sure to keep your fingers moving. While the song may sound complex, it is actually fairly easy to play once you get the hang of the melody and chords.

“Whiskey in the Jar”

“Whiskey in the Jar” is one of the most popular Irish folk songs, and it’s also one of the most popular songs to play on the piano. This lively tune is perfect for a party or for any occasion when you want to add some Irish flavor to your music. The lyrics of “Whiskey in the Jar” tell the story of a man who is caught stealing whiskey from a rich man’s house, and he is sentenced to death. However, his friends help him escape, and he ends up getting away with the whiskey. This fun song is sure to get your toes tapping, and it’s a great way to show off your Irish heritage.

Playing the Piano

Though it is not one of the most popular instruments, the piano can be a great addition to any folk song. The piano can provide a level of sophistication and more complex melody than a guitar or other acoustic instrument. Irish folk songs often reflect the hardships of the Irish people, and the piano can add a level of gravitas to these songs.

Piano basics

The piano is a unique and interesting instrument, and it is one of the most popular instruments in the world. People of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy playing the piano, and it is a great way to relieve stress and relax. If you are new to the piano, there are a few things you should know before you start playing.

First, you will need to choose the right piano for you. There are many different types of pianos available on the market, and each one has its own unique sound and feel. You should take the time to try out different pianos to find one that suits your needs.

Once you have chosen a piano, you will need to learn how to play it. You can either take lessons from a teacher or learn how to play on your own. If you decide to take lessons, make sure you find a qualified instructor who can teach you the basics of playing the piano.

If you want to learn how to play on your own, there are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you get started. You can also find beginner’s sheet music at most music stores. Once you have learned the basics of playing the piano, you can start learning songs.

There are many different genres of music that sound great on the piano, but Irish folk songs are some of the most popular. These songs often have catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms that make them perfect for playing on the piano. If you are looking for some great Irish folk songs to play on the piano, here are a few of our favorites:

“The Rising of The Moon” by The Dubliners
“Danny Boy” by Traditional
“The Wild Rover” by The Pogues
“Whiskey in The Jar” by Traditional

Finding chords

If you’re just starting out playing the piano, you may be wondering how to find chords. Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can follow to quickly find chords on the piano.

To start, identify the note that you want to find the chord for. This will be the root note of the chord. Once you’ve found the root note, locate the two notes that are a third and a fifth above it. These will be the other notes in your chord.

For example, if you want to find a C major chord, start by finding the note C. Then, locate the notes E and G, which are a third and a fifth above C. Put your fingers on these three notes, and you’ve got a C major chord!

Playing by ear

If you’re lucky enough to have a bit of musical talent, you may be able to play some simple tunes by ear without learning to read sheet music. This skill is often called “playing by ear.”

Playing by ear enables you to play any melody that you’ve heard, without needing to read sheet music. Many people think that playing by ear is a natural talent that cannot be learned. However, everyone has the ability to play by ear, it just takes practice.

Here are a few tips to help you start playing by ear:

– Start by trying to hum or sing the melody that you want to play. This will help you to internalize the tune.
– Listen to the melody several times before you start playing. Try to identify the main themes and the structure of the piece.
– When you start playing, take it slowly at first and try to play just one section of the tune before moving on.
– As you become more confident, increase the speed at which you play.
– Practice regularly and try new melodies often. The more tunes you know, the easier it will be to learn new ones.

If you’re learning Irish folk songs on the piano, there are a few funeral marches and drinking songs that are particularly popular. “Danny Boy” is a well-known Irish ballad that tells the story of a young man who is forced to leave his home and family behind to work in America. “The Minstrel Boy” is another popular Irish ballad which tells of a young man who gives up his life as a musician in order fight for Ireland in its struggle for independence from England. “Whiskey in the Jar” is a traditional Irish drinking song which tells of a highwayman who robs an English soldier but is betrayed by his lover.