The Swallowtail Jig ✧
A compact minor-mode jig with an easy-to-remember answering phrase.
ReadyPress space to play or pause
0:000:36
Sheet music
Tap a staff note or finger tab to hear it.
A · first time
A · second time
B · first time
B · second time
D whistle · E dorian · 6/8 · 105 BPM · + upper octave
Closed holeOpen holeHalf hole+Upper octave
A · first time
A · second time
B · first time
B · second time
About this tune
The Swallowtail Jig also circulates as The Dancing Master. It appears in O’Neill’s Music of Ireland, published in 1903.
Its repeated-note opening contrasts with a higher answering phrase. The minor-mode color and rolling jig pulse give the tune a lively, slightly restless character.
Performances
Watch musicians play this tune on tin whistle. Keys and arrangements may differ from the tabs above.
The Swallowtail Jig
Ben Hockenberry
Tin whistle · slow and faster class demonstrations
Watch on YouTube — The Swallowtail Jig by Ben Hockenberry (opens in a new tab) ↗