Trad Instruments (Junior Cert Music): Revision Notes

Trad Instruments

• Traditional Irish music is played using a variety of unique instruments, each contributing to the distinctive sound of Irish folk music.
• These instruments can be divided into different categories based on how they are played.
• Over time, new instruments have been added to Irish traditional music.

Main Instrument Families in Irish Traditional Music

Wind Instruments

Instrument	Key Features	Performer
Irish Flute	• Made of wood, not metal • Six holes, no keys • Warm, breathy tone • Smaller range than concert flute	Matt Molloy
Tin Whistle	• Small and high-pitched • Traditionally in key of D • Simple to play, often first instrument learned	Mary Bergin
Low Whistle	• Larger and lower than tin whistle • Mellow, deep sound • Often used for slow, expressive airs	John McSherry

Reed Instruments

Instrument	Key Features	Performer
Uilleann Pipes	• Sweet, mellow sound • Played using bellows and bag • Melody played on chanter • Harmony added using regulators • Three drones (tenor, baritone, bass)	Liam O'Flynn, Paddy Moloney
Concertina	• Small, hexagonal instrument • High-pitched and loud • Buttons change pitch, bellows control air • Popular in Irish dancing tunes	Áine O'Donoghue
Button Accordion	• Box-shaped reed instrument • Melody on one side, bass on the other • Louder and larger than concertina • Common in Irish sessions since late 1800s	Sharon Shannon

String Instruments

Instrument	Key Features	Performer
Fiddle	• Same instrument as the violin • Played with a distinct Irish style (ornaments, rhythm) • Popular in jigs and reels	Martin Hayes
Irish Harp	• Smaller and quieter than concert harp • Uses levers instead of pedals • National symbol of Ireland	Laoise Kelly
Banjo	• Four-string melody instrument • Bright, percussive sound • Joined Irish music in early 20th century	Gerry O'Connor

Percussion Instruments

Instrument	Key Features	Performer
Bodhrán	• Frame drum with goatskin head • Played with a tipper (short stick) • Player can use hand on inside to change pitch • Main percussion in Irish music	Dermot Sheedy, Michael Donnellan

The Role of Instruments in Traditional Music

• These instruments are used in Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes, and other dance tunes.
• Traditional Irish sessions are gatherings where musicians play tunes together, often without sheet music.
• Many Irish folk groups, like The Chieftains and Altan, use a mix of these instruments.