Kenny Gillies of Portnalong – 4 part jig

Last night we learnt Kenny Gillies of Portnalong – a 4 part Jig. We spent some time looking at jig rhythms. We’ll be playing this tune with a dotted rhythm.

 

Using the weight of the bow to cross strings

We also looked at using gravity and the weight of the bow when crossing strings. When the bow is on a fiddle string there’s a point around the centre where it is very balanced. As the bow moves across the A string on an up bow, there comes a point where the balance of the bow changes. this shoft can can be used to help move the bow onto the D string. Releasing the weight of the arm on the bow allows gravity to tip the bow over onto the D string.

We played round a D scale, listening closely to other fiddlers beside us to help improve tuning. Once we added in a harmony it became very hypnotic!

The written music for Kenny Gillies is on the music page. We’ll be doing some more work on this tune next week.