The Earl's Chair

A reel in the key of Bm

Sheet music, mandolin tabs, banjo tabs, fiddle and accordion score for The Earl's Chair

The tune was supposedly composed by an East Galway flute player and an uncle of Mike Rafferty named Pakie Moloney. He composed the tune while sitting on a big rock in the Derrycrag Wood, and first called it "Down between the two Derryoobers" - as he was sitting between the two townlands of Derryoober East and Derryoober West. He later thought better of it and changed the name to a shorter one, "The Earl's Chair," which was the name of the big rock - named after the Earl of Clanrickard who reportedly rested there during his hunts.

About “The Earl's Chair”

The Earl's Chair is a traditional Irish reel written in the key of Bm. 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: reel - a lively dance tune in 4/4 time, typically played at a moderate to fast tempo
Key Signature: Bm - the relative minor of D major, combining accessibility with minor key color
Time Signature: 4/4 (common time)
Typical Tempo: 110-120 BPM (moderate to lively)

Learning “The Earl's Chair”

This reel 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.

While this tune doesn't currently have an accompanying video, you can practice with the sheet music and seek out recordings online. When you find audio versions, try using slow-tempo practice and focus on small phrases to build up your technique gradually.

Playing in Sessions

“The Earl's Chair” is a valuable addition to any session musician's repertoire and fits well in traditional Irish music sessions. When playing this reel, pay attention to the characteristic ornaments and rhythmic patterns that give it its distinctive sound. The key of Bm is more challenging but rewarding to master on most traditional instruments.

Composer & Origin

This tune is attributed to Pakie Moloney. A contributor to the rich tradition of Irish music composition.

Other Compositions by Pakie Moloney

Similar Tunes

If you enjoy “The Earl's Chair”, you might also like other reels in the key of Bm. Browse our collection to find more tunes in this rhythm and key signature, or explore other traditional Irish reels.

More reels Tunes in Bm More by Pakie Moloney

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.

Explore our full collection of traditional tunes or browse byFoinn Seisiún favorites.