Brendan Power - TWO RHYTHMS for PLAYING IRISH REELS: SWING & OFF-BEAT FEEL

Irish reels can be played in either a swung or off-beat rhythm, and both are nice! It's good to understand the difference and be able to switch between them, depending on the circumstances.
I delve into this topic deeper, with slowed-down examples, in the double-length Teaching Version of the video: vimeo.com/onde...

[@MrDkelsay]

I’m a drummer and have had to work on this type of thing. Like in the case of a jazz cymbal beat. At slower and medium tempos, the middle note (skip note) tips a bit closer to the downbeat, but for medium up and uptempo, the 3 8th notes kinda flatten out. Anyway, I’m loving harmonica lately, and really want to learn. I first saw you, Brendan, on a video years ago when I was learning how to play the Bodhran . Your harmonica playing impressed me. I lived in north Florida during that time and was jamming with some wonderful blues players. About 3 months ago I decided I needed to make studying and playing and harmonica a steady part of my life. I’ve been digging hearing the easy thirds harps but I would love to learn on my richter tuned harps, so I think I’ve found the right channel. Mr. Powers, Thank you so very much for the wonderful music and videos you share.

[@あのサ1717]

I love Paddy for Irish music, because slide-diatonic's range is kind of long for me lol.

[@dennisferrell3662]

From the examples it sounds to my ear as if the “swung” way emphasizes Beats 1 and 3, whereas the “straight” way emphasizes beats 2 and 4.

[@BrendanPowerMusic]

Depends how you're counting the bars, as 4/4 in eighth notes or 2/4 in quarter notes. Most reels are written the first way. The swing style has more of a dotted eighth note feel: LONGshort - LONGshort. The straight feel has more even notes, plus the emphasis on the off-beat: daDA - daDA. Easier to play than describe!

[@modestap]

Hello, Brendan! Can I use Lucky 13 in Paddy Richter with this book?

[@christelleberthon]

Can I hear the difference : yes, would i be able to play it? : no

[@BrendanPowerMusic]

Of course you would Christelle! Actually this tune can be played on any G harmonica - it's a lot of fun, and not that difficult :)