Hear the pulse before counting it
Irish traditional repertoire includes jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, slides, marches, waltzes, set dances, song airs and other forms. These names describe rhythmic and social functions, but performance practice varies between musicians, places and contexts.
- Jig: commonly 6/8, felt as two broad beats divided into three.
- Reel: commonly 4/4, with flowing groups of eighth notes.
- Hornpipe: commonly 4/4 and often played with a more pointed or swung feel.
- Polka: commonly 2/4 and closely associated with dancing.
- Slide: commonly 12/8 and strongly associated with Sliabh Luachra and set dancing.