Reel vs Jig
The distinction between a reel and a jig lies in how the notes are arranged in a musical composition. These terms appear in the context of traditional Irish music, which is often played at events called sessions. Musicians gather to play their instruments in a relaxed manner, and music lovers listen attentively. In a session, someone begins a tune, and others who know it join in. Tunes are typically presented one after another in a set, with each set consisting of similar tunes such as jigs or reels. People who are not familiar with Irish music or are not musicians might find it difficult to distinguish between jigs and reels. This article aims to clarify the differences.
What is a Jig?
To identify a jig, tap your feet along with the music and count the fast notes between each tap. If you can count three notes, you are listening to a jig. An example of this would be hearing the word “terminator” as “ter-mina-tor,” with the syllables grouped in threes. A jig is a duple, which means it has a rhythm based on two main beats per bar. In a bar, a jig has six notes. If you can read sheet music, you will see a clef followed by two numbers at the beginning of the tune. If the numbers are 6 and 8, the tune is a jig. There is also a dance called a jig, which is performed to jig music.
What is a Reel?
To identify a reel, follow the same method as for a jig. If you can count four paces between each tap, you are listening to a reel. Using the example of the word “terminator,” it would be heard as “ter-mi-na-tor.” A reel is also a duple, but it has 4-8 notes per bar. If you can read sheet music, you will see a clef followed by two numbers at the beginning of the tune. If the numbers are 2 and 3, the tune is a reel.
Key Takeaways
- Jig and reel are terms that describe the tempo of a composition in Irish music.
- A jig has a 6/8 tempo, while a reel has a 4/4 tempo.
- Both jigs and reels are duples, but a reel has 4-8 notes per bar, whereas a jig has six notes per bar.
Now that you know the differences between reels and jigs, try to identify whether you are listening to a jig or a reel the next time you listen to Irish music.
