Anyone who’s ever been to a cozy Irish pub won’t forget the infectious energy of a traditional Irish session. The foot-stomping rhythms and lilting melodies are enough to make anyone want to join the fun!
But there’s more to this music than just catchy tunes. Each instrument in the Irish music lineup adds a unique layer of character, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
This guide will unveil 16 must-have instruments that’ll have you playing like a pro in no time – or at least help you appreciate the brilliance behind them the next time you catch a session. Grab a seat because the fun starts here!
1. Bodhrán
The bodhrán is a captivating percussion instrument that injects rhythm and energy into traditional Irish music. This hand drum consists of a single goatskin stretched across a wooden hoop, which can be 14 to 18 inches in diameter.
Unlike most drums, the bodhrán is open-backed, allowing the player to control the pitch and timbre of the sound by pressing their hand against the skin from the inside. It was initially seen as a folk instrument played at social gatherings and celebrations.
Pro tip:
One essential tip for beginners is to develop a good ear for the drum’s response to your touch. The hand pressing against the goatskin from the inside plays a crucial role.
2. Fiddle
Though almost identical to the violin, the fiddle holds a special place in the heart of Irish music. Arriving in Ireland around the 17th century, the fiddle quickly became a mainstay in traditional tunes.
Fiddle playing in Irish music is characterized by ornamentation, with techniques like rolls, triplets, and slides adding a unique and expressive quality. Irish fiddlers favor a more relaxed bow grip and posture than their classical counterparts.
Pro tip:
When starting on the fiddle, develop a clean and relaxed bow technique. A loose and fluid bow grip will allow you to quickly produce a richer tone and execute those beautiful Irish ornaments.
3. Harp
The Irish harp, also known as the cláirseach, is an extraordinary instrument with a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. It is a smaller, more intimate instrument with a curved forepillar and a warm, resonant sound.
For centuries, the Irish harp symbolized Gaelic culture and played a central role in Irish society. Bards and nobility enjoyed it, and it accompanied storytelling, poetry, and celebrations.
Pro tip:
Good hand posture and finger strength are essential when playing the Irish harp. The strings can be sensitive, and precise plucking with your fingertips will produce the clearest, most beautiful tones.
4. Flute and Tin Whistle
The flute and tin whistle are two popular woodwind instruments, especially prominent in Irish traditional music. Both are fipple flutes, meaning they have a built-in whistle at the mouthpiece that directs airflow and creates sound.
The flute, typically made of wood, has a more prosperous, mellow tone, while the tin whistle, usually made of metal, has a brighter, sharper sound. The tin whistle is affordable and accessible to learn, making it a great entry point for aspiring Irish musicians.
Pro tip:
Practice using slow, steady breaths to produce apparent, even notes. Focus on maintaining a relaxed embouchure, the position of your mouth around the mouthpiece, to avoid sounding squeaky or airy.
5. Uilleann Pipes
The Uilleann pipes are a unique and expressive instrument cherished for their haunting melodies and rich history. They are inflated by bellows operated under the arm, allowing for continuous airflow and unparalleled musicality.
A complete set of Uilleann pipes comprises a chanter with a two-octave range, three drone pipes with a constant harmonic base, regulators, and small pipes with keys adding chords and harmonies.
Pro tip:
Practice maintaining a steady airflow while playing scales and simple tunes to build breath control and develop a feel for the instrument. By conquering the bellows, you’ll unlock the true potential of this remarkable instrument.
6. Concertina
The concertina is a treasured instrument in Irish traditional music, known for its bright and crisp sound. Invented in the early 1800s, it quickly gained popularity in Ireland due to its portability and beautiful tonal qualities.
The most common type used in Irish music is the Anglo concertina. Its distinctive system of buttons and bellows produces a sweet, reedy sound that perfectly complements the lilting melodies of Irish tunes.
Pro tip:
Focus on developing a solid finger technique. Even pressure on the buttons and proper bellows control is vital to achieving a clean and consistent sound on your concertina.
7. Banjo
The banjo arrived in Ireland from Africa and the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries. Irish musicians readily adopted the instrument, incorporating it into their unique playing style.
There are two main types of Irish banjos: the tenor banjo and the Irish bouzouki. The tenor banjo is typically four-stringed with a high-pitched plinking sound, while the Irish bouzouki has three or four pairs of strings, giving it a richer and more mellow sound.
Pro tip:
Frailing involves brushing your thumb across the strings downward while picking individual strings with your fingers. It takes practice, but with dedication, you’ll be gracing Irish sessions with your banjo skills in no time.
8. Mandolin
Though sometimes associated with Italian music, the mandolin is also a cherished instrument in Irish traditional music. This small, lute-like instrument boasts a bright, twinkly sound that adds a touch of magic to jigs, reels, and flings.
While it can be used for intricate melody lines, it also excels at strumming chords and rhythmic accompaniment. This adaptability allows mandolin players to switch between playing the lead and providing rhythmic support for other instruments.
Pro tip:
While mastering the pick can take some practice, it allows for faster playing and greater control over the strings. If you’re new to the mandolin, experiment with pick and fingerstyle playing to see which technique feels more natural.
9. Bouzouki
The bouzouki is a string instrument with a long neck and a round body, similar to its cousin, the mandolin, but with a deeper, richer sound. Strummed with a plectrum (pick), the bouzouki’s steel strings ring out with a bright, buzzy tone.
The instrument’s ability to play melody and chords makes it a versatile addition to a folk band, and its distinctive sound has become a recognizable part of contemporary Irish music.
Pro tip:
While the bouzouki can be played with similar skill, beginners should focus on mastering the clean-picking technique. The instrument’s strings are close together, and sloppy picking can lead to unwanted string noise.
10. Harmonica
The harmonica, also known as a “mouth organ” in Ireland, has a niche in Irish music, particularly in counties like Wexford. Its portability and affordability made it a popular choice for rural musicians, and it adds a unique and expressive voice to lively sessions.
Dedicated players have developed specific techniques and tunings, like the Paddy Richter tuning, to make the harmonica better suited for the intricacies of Irish melodies.
Pro tip:
An essential technique for Irish harmonica playing is the drone. Using tongue-blocking, you can hold a sustained note while playing the melody on other holes.
11. Guitar
Some modern Irish musicians have adopted the guitar’s versatility, adding a unique flavor to the genre. While not a defining sound, the guitar can provide a rich chordal accompaniment or rhythmic strumming patterns.
Irish music is known for its lively jigs, reels, and waltzes. It can also play a melodic role, single-note lines, and even intricate solos.
Pro tip:
When playing guitar in this context, focus on having a good time. Strict strumming patterns are often more effective than complex picking techniques.
12. Fife
The fife is a simple yet powerful instrument. It consists of a narrow tube with six finger holes and a mouthpiece on the side. Unlike its cousin, the flute, the fife is held horizontally and has no keys, making learning more accessible.
Its small size allows for a shrill, piercing sound that cuts through the din of a marching band or a lively folk session. In Irish music, the fife is most commonly paired with the bodhrán, a frame drum, to create a vibrant, energetic sound that keeps feet tapping.
Pro tip:
Because the fife is a high-pitched instrument, it’s easy to overblow and produce a sharp, unpleasant sound. To avoid this, practice controlling your breath – use a steady stream of air rather than a forceful burst.
13. Accordion
The two-row button accordion is the most common accordion used in Irish music. The two rows of buttons on an Irish button accordion are tuned a semitone apart, allowing for chromatic playing.
The accordion plays a dual role in Irish music. The right-hand buttons play the main melody, often with a bright and lively sound, while the left-hand, on the bass buttons, provides chords and accompaniment, creating a rich and rhythmic foundation.
Pro tip:
Avoid jerky motions. Practice smooth, controlled pushes and pulls of the bellows to achieve a steady flow of air, resulting in a clean and even sound.
14. Buinne
The bunny is a shrouded instrument in Irish history. It’s a wind instrument and a type of hunting horn. Reconstruction efforts depict it as a long, curved instrument held against the shoulder and blown through a mouthpiece.
Some theories propose it produced a loud, resonant sound for signaling or ceremonies. Others suggest it might have been used for hunting calls or even rudimentary melodies.
Pro tip:
Start with a buzzing embouchure similar to a trumpet and explore covering imaginary finger holes along the body to see if you can produce clear tones.
15. Guthbuinne
The Guthbuinne is a type of bass horn with a long, curved wooden body and a flared bell at the end. It has finger holes along its body, similar to those of a woodwind instrument, allowing the player to create pitches by opening and closing them.
The sound of the Guthbuinne is deep and resonant, adding a powerful low-end to traditional Irish music. The playing technique of the Guthbuinne is a unique blend of woodwind and brass instruments.
Pro tip:
Since the finger holes are large, developing a solid embouchure is essential to creating a clear and consistent sound. Practice holding the instrument comfortably and experiment with different embouchure techniques to find the best one.
16. Timpan
The timpani is a set of tuned drums consisting of two or more large, bowl-shaped drums. The bowls are traditionally crafted from copper, though more affordable options like fiberglass or aluminum are also used.
A calfskin or synthetic head is stretched tautly across the opening of each bowl, and a foot pedal mechanism allows the player to quickly and precisely change the drum’s pitch by tightening or loosening the tension on the head.
Pro tip:
When playing the timpani, proper sticking technique is important to achieve a clear and even sound. This means using the correct combination of hands and mallets to strike the drumhead.