Introducing the Irish Tune Type: Hornpipe (on a Low and High Whistle)

Hi, friends.

I introduce the Irish Hornpipe tune style in this video.

This is a delightful tune style to play. Some say the music for the hornpipe looks like the music for a reel. It does, although it is not exactly the same. The hornpipe is in 4/4 time and includes runs and triplets.

However, a hornpipe will include more triplets and longer runs (generally speaking) than a reel. The real (pun intended) difference lies in the way a reel and hornpipe are played.

A hornpipe will be transcribed (written music) without the rhythm included, although some will include the rhythm. A hornpipe is played with a swinging rhythm. The best way to get the feel of a hornpipe is to watch and listen as people dance.

Select the video to the right to access the lesson.