Instruments of Traditional Irish Music Fiddle The fiddle

Instruments of Traditional Irish Music

Fiddle § The fiddle is another name for the violin § It is one of the most important instruments in Irish music.

Bagpipes § The sound is made when air blows through a reed (a thin, small piece of wood) § Irish bagpipes are different because you don’t blow into them. You push air into them by moving your arm on the bellows. § The steady sound in the background is called a drone.

Harp § The Irish harp is small enough for a person to set it on their lap to play. § The harp is a national symbol of Ireland. § It is the oldest Irish instrument.

Accordion § The sound is made by air blowing through strips of thin metal (metal reeds) inside the instrument. § To play it you close and open the bellows to make the air and push the buttons to make different notes

Bodhran § You can make different sounds on the drum by putting your hand in different spots while you play it with the stick. § It was first used during battles for the Irish army to march to.

Tin Whistle § The tin whistle is just a metal recorder with six holes.

Bouzouki § A type of guitar with only four strings § It was brought to Ireland from Greece. § It is used to play along with Irish jigs and reels.

Reels and Jigs § Reels and jigs are the names of Irish step dances.