strathspey@strathspey.org:63103

sylviasmiskoe@aol.com

Re: Are Hornpipes and Reels the same thing?

Sept. 10, 2012, 5:44 p.m. (Message 63103, in reply to message 63100)

If you play a lot of reels and you play a lot of hornpipes you will
begin to notice and hear the subtle differences between the 2.
Therefore if you are creating a set for a dance labeled hornpipe you
will be more correct if you use tunes that are hornpipes.  Note I am
saying more correct.  You can still have a good set of reels that will
work.
Chord patterns in the B music of hornpipes are often different from
those of reels.   For instance:  The Davy Hornpipe used for The Sailor
Key of G; B music
G - C - A7 - D - G -D7 - C - D7 - G - D7 - G
That little A7 zinger provides a lift.

Another difference: There are many fewer minor hornpipes than reels. 

We can also subdivide reels into 16 bar reels and 32 bar reels.  I
know one musician who feels that reels are 16 bars and anything else
is a hornpipe.

Have I added anough confusion for the day?
Sylvia Miskoe, Concord, NH USA