Time Signatures - Reels, Jigs, etc

Martin I Campbell-Colquhoun

Message 52923 · 24 Jun 2008 06:33:34 · Fixed-width font · Whole thread

Hi,
As a non-musician, how does one tell the difference between jigs and reels?
I did hear there was a catchy phrase for each which I have forgotten.
Perhaps some well known tunes as examples please.
Hornpipes seem easy enough to pick, also strathspeys of course.
Thanks, Martin Campbell-Colquhoun
Adelaide, Australia.