Jig

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The jig , like the reel is principally a dance tune. Many Scottish dances are danced to the beat of the jig, one of the most famous being Strip the Willow which is known throughout the world.

Many jigs are in 6/8 (compound time) which makes it quite easy to identify as the bar can be broken into two groups of three:
An illustration of the Jig compound time bar, broken down into two groups of three
The jig is usually played at a fairly brisk tempo (120 beats per minute). If it wasn't played at this speed it would be harder to dance to.

The jig is played in many countries such as Ireland, Cape Breton in Canada, Galicia and Asturius in Spain, even the French have their own jig; the Gigue. All of these places have their own kind of jigs - they vary from the Scottish jig in mode and metre.

In Scotland we have two kinds of jig. Jigs in double time (in 6/8) and Slip jigs which are in triple time (9/8).

The Athole Highlanders is an example of a 6/8 jig and Rattlin' Roarin' Willie is an example of a slip jig.

These tunes can be played on any instrument, but for ceilidh dances such as Strip the Willow, they are usually played by a ceilidh band - MIDI accordion i.e. the left hand side can be programmed to sound like a keyboard etc., fiddle and drums although other instruments such as bagpipes and whistles can be used. For Royal Scottish Country Dances like the Posties Jig for example a Scottish Country Dance Band would be used. This consists of two accordions (one playing melody and the other playing off beat chords), fiddle, piano or keyboard, double bass and drums (bass, hi-hat and snare - these bands tend to use a much smaller kit).

Jigs are also very popular tunes for playing in sessions (impromptu tune playing in a group). Favourites include the jig Runrig by Fergie MacDonald, a famous button accordion player from the West Coast of Scotland, Kenny Gillies of Portnalong, Paddy's Leather Breeches, The Jig o'Slurs, Rory Macleod, written by Pipe Major Donald Macleod, The Curlew and The Seagull.

Select a jig below to find out more about it.

Scarce o'tatties

The Athole Highlanders

Paddy's Leather Breeches

Rattlin’ Roarin’ Willie