Pairing Irish Fiddle Tunes in a Set

Kevin Burke talks about pairing Irish fiddle tunes in a set in this fiddle lesson. In Trad Irish fiddle music, tunes are often paired up in groups to create a “set” of tunes. Many recordings of such sets have become standards over time, and you can hear those sets played in many sessions.

What should you keep in mind when you decide to lead from one fiddle tune into another? What tunes work well with each other? These are some really good questions for folks who wish to create their own unique set of Trad Irish fiddle tunes.

Kevin Burke passes along his thoughts on this subject in this video. This lesson was requested by one of our fiddlevideo.com members, and Kevin does a great job with the topic. Enjoy!!


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8 Comments

  1. Kevin, to answer your question, “Yes. That was a help. Thanks for that.” 🙂

  2. Very helpful and informative. Enjoyed listening.

    Thank you

  3. Hi Miss Elaine,

    Thanks for posting your comment, we appreciate the feedback. I’m always interested in how tune pairings come together. I like to catch sessions in different areas where tunes will be paired with some of your favorites and always is a fertile ground for new ideas of coupling tunes. Best regards, Roland Forum Moderator

  4. “…collapse in a heap of exhaustion…” as a highland piper in civilian competition band, that really brings back memories?.
    Sometimes we even sped it up on purpose!
    Thanks, Kevin, Chris, et al!

  5. Sorry… that shoulda been Casey, not Chris… jeez.

  6. Would Tuttle’s Reel and The Girl That Broke My Heart be able to be paired with each other?

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