The Battering Ram
A jig in the key of G
About “The Battering Ram”
The Battering Ram is a traditional Irish jig written in the key of G. This tune is part of the rich tradition of Irish folk music and is commonly played in traditional music sessions around the world.
Musical Characteristics
- Rhythm: jig - a dance tune in compound time (6/8 or 9/8), with a characteristic lilting rhythm
- Key Signature: G - a comfortable key for fiddle and flute, commonly used in Irish music
- Time Signature: 6/8 (compound duple time)
- Typical Tempo: 100-120 BPM (moderate)
Learning “The Battering Ram”
This jig can be learned using the sheet music and tablature provided above. The notation includes fingering for fiddle, flute, and whistle, while the tabs are arranged for banjo and mandolin players.
Use our LoopTube feature with the accompanying YouTube video to master this tune!LoopTube allows you to slow down the audio to a comfortable learning pace, making it easier to catch every note and ornament. Even better, you can set specific start and end points to loop challenging phrases repeatedly until you've mastered them. This is invaluable for learning complex passages, ornaments, or rhythmic patterns that are essential to authentic Irish traditional music performance.
Playing in Sessions
“The Battering Ram” is a valuable addition to any session musician's repertoire and fits well in traditional Irish music sessions. When playing this jig, pay attention to the characteristic ornaments and rhythmic patterns that give it its distinctive sound. The key of G is comfortable to play on most traditional instruments.
Similar Tunes
If you enjoy “The Battering Ram”, you might also like other jigs in the key of G. Browse our collection to find more tunes in this rhythm and key signature, or explore other traditional Irish jigs.
Traditional Irish Music Resources
Learning traditional Irish music opens up a world of cultural heritage and musical expression. Whether you're playing fiddle, flute, whistle, banjo, or mandolin, understanding the ornaments, rhythms, and phrasing that make Irish music distinctive is essential for authentic performance.