Dance Forms: What are Jigs?

The original term "jig" is believed to have originated from the French word "gigue," which was used to describe a similar type of dance. The term was adopted in England and Scotland in the 16th century and evolved to refer to both the dance and the music that accompanied it. Over time, the term "jig" became associated with a distinct musical style characterized by lively rhythms and fast tempos. Today, the term is still used to describe a variety of traditional music styles that incorporate these elements. 

Jigs are dance forms that are comprised of 6 eighth notes per measure, 9 eighth notes per measure or 12 eighth notes per measure:

• 6/8
• 9/8
• 12/8

The Coleraine - Single Jig

Single Jigs usually emphasize the 1 and the 4 beats per measure and the pattern is usually some form of quarter note, eighth note pattern.  Here are some of my own versions of single jigs

Clumsy Lover Jig

Double Jigs usually de-emphasize the 1 and 4 beats, allowing all 6 notes to be played in the measure

Here are some of my own versions of Double Jigs

The Butterfly/Kid on the Mountain

Slip Jigs are in 9/8, which means they have an "extra" beat like a "hop", which is why they are often called Hop Jigs.  They can vary between the quarter note/eighth note pattern of single jigs.  Here are some of my own versions of my favorite slip jigs.

Merrily Kissed The Quaker

Slides are in 12/8 and can sound like the double jig (6/8) or single jig, but never like the slip jig (9/8) Examples:

• Road to Lisdoonvarna
• Merrily Kissed the Quaker
• Star Above the Garter