Buckskin Reel

Buckskin Reel is another great tune from Canadian Métis fiddler Andy Dejarlis. When Andy died (near Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1975), he had recorded nearly 200 original compositions. I think his most recorded composition would be Whiskey Before Breakfast. I’ve also got Caribou Reel tabbed out on this site.

The name of this particular melody ( Buckskin Reel) was probably a tribute to the ornate buckskin clothing and accessories that were worn by the Métis people across Canada, many years ago. The different coats, moccasins, leggings, etc.., were made from deer skin or elk hide, and often decorated with porcupine quills, feathers and beads..

The art has been passed down over the years. As a result, you can still find modern examples of these beautifully decorated items worn today. The Métis are renown for their intricate and colorful floral patterns and beadwork.

The Chords

Firstly, we have a pretty simple chord pattern, with only three chords. In addition, you’ll notice a slight deviation from the common I – IV – V progression. The composer has chosen a I – vi – V progression. Therefore, we end up with the minor 6th chord of the scale. As a result, in the key of D Major we’ll use D – Bm – A.

Below, are some shapes that I like. They’re formed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings, with the 1st string muted.

Or, for more of an ‘old-timey’ feel, try the D Major and A Major chords like this:

Of course, these are only suggestions. For example, you can use the full chord form if you like, and there are other chord voicings that will work just as well. See if you can come up with something different that suits your ear better.

The Tune

I’ve tabbed Buckskin Reel out in 4/4 timing. It’s in the key of D Major and has the standard reel format – played A-A-B-B.

The tab/music in the image below is the basic melody without embellishment.

If you feel you can help support this site with the donation of a dollar or two, It would be very much appreciated…

If you don’t wish to donate at this time, I totally understand – Enjoy!

Can we pull it off?

This arrangement started out as a note-for-note transcription of Buckskin Reel that I found on YouTube, played by Andy DeJarlis himself. However, I did remove some of the little embellishments to make it easier to learn (Ok, I might have changed the B-part a little bit too, just for fun).

If you listen to DeJarlis play this tune, you’ll hear a little ‘trill’, or embellishment on many of the notes throughout the tune. We can pull this off on the mandolin by using a ‘pull-off’ (pun intended).

In the download, you’ll find a few examples of these embellishments in the second version of the tune. This is fun to play on the mandolin, I hope you like it.