Irish Traditional Musical Instruments
Fiddle - Fidil
The fiddle is perhaps the most iconic instrument in Irish traditional music. Similar to a violin but often played with a looser bow and more ornamentation, the fiddle carries the melody and sets the rhythm for many traditional tunes.
Piano Accordion - Cairdín Pianó
There are two types of accordion, one being with a keyboard (Cairdín Pianó). The melody is played on the righthand side of the accordion. The buttons on the left hand side are used to play the bass notes. The accordion can also be called a box or a squeeze box.
Bodhran
The bodhrán is a traditional Irish frame drum, typically made from goatskin stretched over a wooden frame. Played with a double-headed beater called a tipper, the bodhrán provides the rhythmic backbone of many Irish music sessions.
Flute - Feadóg Mhór
The Flute is traditionally made from wood (Blackwood, caucus or ebony wood). There
are 56 finger holes on the flute - similar to the Tin-Whistle.
Concertina - Consairtín
Similar in appearance to an accordion but with a more compact size, the concertina is a handheld free-reed instrument that produces a bright, crisp sound. It is commonly used in Irish music for playing melodies and chordal accompaniment.
Banjo - Bainseó
The five-string banjo, often associated with American bluegrass music, has also become a popular instrument in Irish traditional music. Its percussive, twangy sound adds a lively energy to reels, jigs, and other dance tunes.
Piano - Pianó
Though not traditionally associated with Irish traditional music, the piano has found its place in modern interpretations and arrangements of traditional tunes. Its versatility allows pianists to explore various styles within the genre, from providing harmonic accompaniment to taking on melodic roles.
Tin Whistle - Feadóg
Also known as the penny whistle or Irish whistle, the tin whistle is a simple, yet versatile, wind instrument. Its high-pitched tones are a hallmark of Irish music, and it is commonly used for playing melodies and accompanying other instruments.
Button Accordion - Bosch Ceoil
The button accordion, also known as the melodeon, is a type of accordion with buttons instead of piano keys. It is popular in Irish traditional music for its bright, lively sound and its ability to play fast, ornamented melodies. The button accordion is often used to accompany dance tunes, providing rhythmic drive and dynamic variation to the music.
The Voice
The voice being the most accessible instrument with you being able to sing anywhere. Traditions like lilting came along to replace instruments when they weren't available.
Irish Harp - Cruit
The harp holds a special place in Irish cultural history, dating back to ancient Celtic times. While less commonly heard in modern Irish traditional music, the harp's ethereal, enchanting tones evoke the mystical landscapes and poetic traditions of Ireland's past.
Mouth Organ - Orgán Béil
While not native to Ireland, the harmonica has found its way into Irish traditional music, particularly in the bluesy, soulful style known as "Irish harmonica." Played in both diatonic and chromatic varieties, the harmonica adds a distinctive flavor to traditional tunes.
Mandolin - Maindilín
The mandolin, with its bright, chiming tone, is a versatile instrument that has been embraced by Irish traditional musicians. Whether playing melody lines or rhythmic accompaniments, the mandolin adds a melodic sparkle to Irish music.
Uilleann Pipes - Píb Uilleann
The uilleann pipes are a type of bagpipe native to Ireland. Unlike Scottish bagpipes, which are played with the mouth, uilleann pipes are played using a set of bellows under the arm, allowing for greater control over dynamics and ornamentation.
