Basic Tin Whistle Ornamentation: The Swallowtail Jig

To see more content, and to support this project - / kevinelammusic
Hey friends! Today's lesson is a tin whistle tutorial, but also applies to flute players (anyone using a simple six-hole system instrument). We are using the popular session jig "The Swallowtail" (in E minor) to learn about taps, cuts, and rolls. We'll go through the nitty-gritty technical details of how to execute each articulation, and discuss where and how to use them in the tune (and in other melodies in general). As a bonus feature, I'll show you some variations that I use in this tune for some extra spice!
Be sure to like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your thoughts, and check out my patreon link above if you'd like to support these lesson videos and get even more content.

[@paullyle3461]

Good explanations Kevin, and hearing the song pryer to you methods helps a lot.🎵❣️🎶

[@rhodevans6523]

Excellent lesson! Thank you!

[@carmeladams9566]

Thanks so much for this lesson Kevin. It is the best lesson on taps etc. that I've watched (and there's been a number). You are a great teacher. Greetings from Australia.

[@SandraSElam]

Thanks, Kevin, for unpacking the Swallowtail Jig and demonstrating cuts, taps, and rolls. You gave very clear explanations, understandable even for a non-whistle player. I learned something! ❤

[@irishflutegirl9022]

I am so glad you mentioned doing Rolls on the off beats ! I always wondered about that 😊. Thank you ! This is a great tutorial.

[@els1f]

This was a great explanation and Imma tongue cut tap all over the place now, thanks! 🙃🙌

[@rileyharrington7669]

Loved this video, I think its really useful to understand the small things that pro whistlers are doing to really elevate their sound because it can be a little discouraging while learning when all your elementary tunes just don't quite sound "cool" and its not clear whats missing. Also swallowtail jig is a perfect tune to practice on because it rotates between these techniques so nicely. One random question I had while watching was.. Why isn't cutting on the actual D (or what ever note you are sustaining) considered as an option? If the actual tone of the cut is not important but rather just the percussive hit to separate the two notes, it seems sort of arbitrary and struck me as odd that just trilling the note itself isn't employed. I'll probably practice with the 3rd finger as you recommended because it it feels natural to me but I was curious.

[@ИванЛюбимов-э9м]

Hello from Russia. Thank you so much. You are the one hwo explained well about irish ornaments. I'm learning recorder for 3 mounth

[@petterfuhre17]

Yours are the kind of tutorial that helps to move from beginner to intermediate and from intermediate to advanced in no time -- if we're willing to invest practice time. Am definitely becoming a patreon.

[@KevinElamMusic]

Thanks so much for the comment. Really glad you enjoyed the lesson. Looking forward to seeing you over on patreon!

[@greadore]

Thanks, a good and informative video for newbies on incorporating cuts, taps and rolls in this tune. Very helpful.

[@manuelgonzales6483]

Just got my Busker D tin Whistle. Perfect timing 😀❤

[@michaelknight6905]

You play beautifully!!

[@irishsquire1]

Hi Kevin, i have watched loads of videos. I can never understand what's going on You make it so clear. I was wondering if You give one to one lesson?

[@KevinElamMusic]

Yes I do! You can email me at [e-mail]

[@petterfuhre17]

About cuts: I like your advice to use left hand ring finger, not because of sound, but because I think it eases us into next-level ornament, crans on low and high D. You did use crans a couple of times when playing at speed, e.g. at 26:30, but that's for the next video, right? Already looking forard to it! ;-)

[@markc1234golf]

I think i'm gonna cheat with this one haha record slow and then play back faster ;) i can do cuts but not rolls cause of the taps for some reason i can't get into the swing of that. Been playing for a year and half do you think it'll come with time??

[@KevinElamMusic]

Yes. Practice the tap movement every day. remember the motion has to be very quick but super relaxed. You'll get it!

[@markc1234golf]

@@KevinElamMusic thanks for the encouragement :)

[@colby6603]

😬 'promosm'