How to Play Trad Irish Fiddle

Kevin Burke talks about how to play Trad Irish fiddle if you’re an American fiddler. This lesson was requested by one of our fiddlevideo.com members, and Kevin does a great job with the topic. He discusses Trad Irish bowing, ornaments, rhythms and timing. Kevin also speaks to some of the challenges in reading sheet music vs. how you might hear a Trad Irish player play a tune. If you’re looking for a crash course from an Irish fiddling master on what sets Trad Irish fiddling apart from other styles, you’re in luck!!!


We hope you enjoy this free lesson from Kevin. If you would like to take advantage of a full membership and start learning some great tunes, we encourage you to:


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  • Performance video
  • Basic melody tutorial
  • Advanced melody tutorial
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  • A/B user-defined video looping*
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  • Guitar practice track(s) – (N/A for trad Irish lessons)
  • MP3 downloads of the audio performance tracks
  • Sheet music for the basic song melody (including guitar chords)

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9 Comments

  1. Thank you, Kevin, for these insights. Very helpful.

    • Hi Anne, We will be sure and let Kevin know how you feel and thank you for letting us know how much you’re enjoying the lessons. I also love all his stories and sincere manner. One of the best for sure. Thanks for posting, Roland Forum Moderator

  2. Excellent thanks Kevin

  3. this is great, thanks

  4. Dear Kevin
    What a gift! Thank you so much for these insights. Its very helpful and my sound extremely changed. So happy to develop in the right direction :-). I like your way to explain, full of experience, relaxed and friendly. I love to learn more.
    The best teacher I ever had.
    Piroska

  5. Thanks for all the great feedback, folks. I’ll pass these comments onto Kevin. Cheers!!

    C

    • Hi, I’m finding all of these lessons so clear and helpful. They are answering many questions I’ve had. Is there more information on bowing for a jig? I loved the bowing for reels lesson. Thank you so much, Kevin! Anna from Dublin, Snowy Mountains, Australia.

    • Hi, I’m finding all of these lessons so clear and helpful. They are answering many questions I’ve had. Is there more information on bowing for a jig? I loved the bowing for reels lesson. Thank you so much, Kevin! Anna from Dublin, Snowy Mountains, Australia.

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