Sets
Most players put two or more tunes in sequence to create a "set". After a couple of passes through a tune, things get predictable. The boredom lifts when the tune changes. The overall rule for creating sets is .....just make certain it sounds good. Sets are mostly built upon musical intuition.
However, following a few guidelines can help strengthen the effect of a set.
However, following a few guidelines can help strengthen the effect of a set.
- Change the key or mode of each new tune in the set
- Moving a key signature from tune to tune by a 5th always works
- Shift the mood during a set. Start with a major key or mode then end with a minor key or mode
- Changing time signatures can be effective. However, it isn't easy. Doing this seamlessly requires practice
- Players often increase the tempo while playing a set.
- It's worth taking some time to understand musical modes. Celtic music mostly uses four modes: Ionian, Dorian, Mixolydian, Aeolian. Dorian mode is frequently used in Celtic music because it tends to be ambiguous - a little happy, a little sad. Mixolydian mode is common in Celtic music because it's powerful and unexpected. Changing modes for each new tune gives a set a lot of power.
NOTE: The set titles below link to my SoundCloud account where the music stored.
Clicking on a link will open a new tab in your browser.
Clicking on a link will open a new tab in your browser.
| rannie_maccellan-virginia-john_brosnon.pdf |
| knotted_cord-gypsy_princess-andy_mcganns_.pdf |
| over_the_moor_to_maggie_-_sgt._early_-_broken_pledge.pdf |
| road_to_cree_-_isle_of_ewe_-_jerrys_beaver_hat.pdf |
| banish_misfortune_-_finn_harpers_-_trip_to_kilarney.pdf |
| sean_reids-tinkers_wife-bunnys_hat.pdf |
| wheels_of_the_world-calliope_house-bonnie_mulligan.pdf |
| miss_williams-maids_of_montgomery-jenkins_jig.pdf |
| red_haired_lass_-_road_to_errogie_-_mt_road.pdf |
Note: Red Haired Lass is often played in the key of A major. Bouzouki and Tenor Banjo will find this easy to do by placing a capo at the 2nd fret. If the tune is played in the key of A put it at the end of this set. A good order of tunes would be Mountain Road - Road to Errogie - Red Haired Lass. That will make for a nice transition among keys and a very good set!
| on_the_hoof-pull_out_the_knife-frost_is_all_over.pdf |