Tam Lin – Basic and Variation – Performance

Hey folks,

Here’s a short performance of an Irish tune called Tam Lin. I play a very simple version and then play a version with some variation added.

In this version, I added:

  • In the A part I’m mainly adding double stops. A simple way to practice the bowing for this is to play G0-{G0D0} in a loop for a long time, adding rhythms.
  • In the first bar of the B part, I slide into A3
  • In the second bar of the B part, I add a roll to A3.
  • In the next two bars, I convert D3-3 to a triplet: D3-3-3.
  • In bar 7 of the B part I add a triplet (GL2-1-0)
  • In bar 8 of the B part I add a triplet (DL2-1-0)

If you’re interested in adding variation to tunes, start by adding variation to one little phrase. Alternate between the basic and the variation as a way to learn the variation and to test to see if it works.

Here is a downloadable mp3 for your listening pleasure (without all my rambling and yammering):

I also made step-by-step lessons on how to play each version. These tunes are taught through looping play-along tracks, color-coded tabs, sheet music, and videos.

If you want to learn how to add variation to Irish fiddle tunes, check out my Irish Fiddle Variation course.

Thanks for listening ?  

Now, go fiddle with it…?

❤️ fiddleHed

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2 responses to “Tam Lin – Basic and Variation – Performance”

  1. It might amuse you to know that the tune is also known as the Glasgow Reel. Glasgow being the biggest industrial city on Scotland. Mind you the beautiful countryside isn’t too far away. ?

  2. I got an email announcing this new lesson. When I saw a profile picture different from yours and the name “Tam Lin”, I thought, huh, Jason must have other artists posting on his site now. So, I guess you can tell I never heard of Tam Lin the character or heard ballad or reel of the same name! What a beautiful tune, above my playing level right now, but I can enjoy the fiddle playing. I pictured riding a white horse through the beautiful Scottish countryside with the wind blowing in my hair (what’s left of it!) and warm sun against my face. Now, back to the Pocono Mountain winter, but thanks for the escape, albeit short.