SimplyMandolin

tabs & music for the mandolin player

Tunes and Tablatures

Lark in the Morning

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The Tune

The Lark in the Morning is a popular Irish session tune. Of course, as such, you may find a couple of different versions out there. I’ve seen it played as a three part jig, and as a four part jig. I’ve also heard it in a couple of different keys, and I’ve found versions that are not at all alike.

The most common choice for this tune is a four part jig in the Key of D, and that’s how I’ve tabbed it out below.

Each part is repeated before moving on to the next, and its usually performed as AA-BB-CC-DD.

Listen to Lark in the Morning for mandolin:

Lark in the Morning

image of tablature for the irish tune lark in the morning
Mandolin tab for the Irish tune “Lark in the Morning”.

Download:
Tab and Music
Just the Notation
Just the Tab

An old Irish folk tune called The Lark in the Morning was made popular by The Dubliners in the 1970’s. It sounds nothing like this version.

I also found the tune in an Irish whistle book. I believe it’s in the Key of G. It also sounds nothing like this one, but I think I might tab it out for comparison. Happy New Year!

Celtic knot in a star shape

Teetotaller Reel

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The Teetotaller is an Irish reel that is a popular addition to many Irish and Scottish sessions. The tune is also called The Temperance Reel (and probably has a few other names, as do many Irish tunes). It’s also a popular tune in North America at bluegrass and fiddle sessions.

This tune is a reel, so traditionally it’s played at a fairly brisk tempo, but don’t get ahead of yourself. Learn it measure by measure, memorize it and play it slowly. Fast will come.

Listen to The Teetotaller for mandolin:

The Teetotaller

Mandolin tablature for the Irish tune Teetotaller Reel.
Mandolin tablature for the Irish tune Teetotaller Reel.

Download:
Tab and Music
Just the Notation
Just the Tab

I’ve included another version of this tune in the Bluegrass section of this website as “The Temperance Reel”. You should definitely try them both! They are the same tune, so you have the possibility of a few different variations.
Enjoy!
picture of a celtic knot

The Temperance Reel

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Download the tablature and learn to play “The Temperance Reel” on the mandolin.

The Temperance Reel is another one of many old Irish tunes that crossed the ocean with our ancestors and became a part of traditional western music. You’re just as likely to run into the tune at a bluegrass session, as you are to hear it at an Irish or Scottish session.

Like many Irish and Scottish tunes, this tune is known by a few different names. In Ireland, it’s often called “The Teetotaller”. Be sure to check out “The Teetotaller” in the Celtic section. That tab is a little different. It’s definitely the same tune, but with more of an Irish feel to it.

I’ve tabbed out two versions. The first is pretty much the standard, and the second may give you some ideas for variation.

First version of The Temperance Reel for Mandolin.


Version 1

The Temperance Reel

Key of G

first version of the temperance reel
Mandolin tablature for the Bluegrass tune Temperance Reel.

Download:
Tablature and Music
Just the Notation
Just the Tab

Once you’ve learned the above tab, take a look at this next version. Simple little changes can provide usable variations. I’ve changed some of the timing in a few places by replacing a couple of eighth notes with quarter notes, and a few notes have been changed for fingering. Other than that, a little ornamentation – a few hammer-ons and slides, as well as a little syncopation.

Second version of “The Temperance Reel” for mandolin:


Version 2

The Temperance Reel

Key of G

second version of the temperance reel
Mandolin tablature for the Bluegrass tune Temperance Reel (version 2)

Download:
Tab and Music
Just the Notation
Just the Tab

A-style-build

My goal in this second version was to give the tune more of a “western fiddle” feel. Maybe I’ve succeeded, maybe I haven’t. Either way, you now have two versions of The Temperance Reel. You can pick the one you like, or you could play one after the other for variation. But, the idea is to mix and match different bars from each version and make your own variations.
Give it a try!

The Cliffs of Moher

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Download the tablature and learn to play the Irish tune “The Cliffs of Moher” on the mandolin.

The Cliffs of Moher are in County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland, and stretch for 5 or 6 miles along the Atlantic Coast. They look absolutely incredible, kind of like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle just sitting on the ocean.

I’ve listened to the tune many times on the Foinn Seisiun CD (volume 1). The other day it was playing in the car, and I decided to tab it out when I got home. I think it works out pretty well on the mandolin. Now I’m looking for a couple of other tunes so I can fit it into a set.

Actually, this tune could probably make a pretty good solo mandolin project.

Listen to “The Cliffs of Moher” for mandolin:

The Cliffs of Moher

Tablature for the Cliffs of Moher
Mandolin tablature for the Irish tune “The Cliffs of Moher.

Download:
Tablature and Music
Just the Notation
Just the Tab

This mandolin tablature for “The Cliffs of Moher” is in A dorian. So, the scale itself starts on A and has only one sharp (F#). The melody has that minor quality, or minor sound, associated with the Dorian Mode.

picture of a celtic knot in the shape of a dragon

Rose in the Heather

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Rose in the Heather is a beautiful Celtic jig played in the key of D. It’s a really nice sounding tune on the mandolin. Be sure you learn the chords to the tune as well, for backup. The half-bar chords in the B part should give you some great chord changing practice.

For some reason, I kept making changes to this tab everytime I looked at it. I finally had to quit fussing with it and just post it. I think it turned out OK though. Enjoy!

Listen to Rose in the Heather for mandolin:

Mandolin tablature for the Celtic tune Rose in the Heather
Mandolin tablature for the Celtic tune “Rose in the Heather”.

Download:
Tablature and Notation
Just the Notation
Just the Tab
Celtic design