WhistleTab
Open Editor
reelAdvanced

The Maid Behind the Bar

One of the most universal session reels in D major, known for its bright melodic lines and bouncy string of eighth notes.

D Whistle Chart
Key SignatureD
Time Signature4/4
Recommended InstrumentKey of D Whistle
Suggested Tempo115 BPM

6-Hole Fingering Tablature Preview Opening Phrase

Visual whistle fingering holes for the initial notes. Filled circles represent closed holes.

Tin whistle fingering diagram for note F: holes are closed, closed, closed, closed, half-open, open
F
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note A: holes are closed, closed, open, open, open, open
A
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note A: holes are closed, closed, open, open, open, open
A
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note B: holes are closed, open, open, open, open, open
B
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note A: holes are closed, closed, open, open, open, open
A
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note F: holes are closed, closed, closed, closed, half-open, open
F
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note E: holes are closed, closed, closed, closed, closed, open
E
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note D: holes are closed, closed, closed, closed, closed, closed
D
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note F: holes are closed, closed, closed, closed, half-open, open
F
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note A: holes are closed, closed, open, open, open, open
A
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note A: holes are closed, closed, open, open, open, open
A
Tin whistle fingering diagram for note B: holes are closed, open, open, open, open, open
B

ABC Notation Code

Standard ABC format compatible with all ABC tune players and software.

X: 12
T: The Maid Behind the Bar
R: reel
M: 4/4
L: 1/8
K: D
|: FAAB AFED | FAAB ABde | fBBA Bcde | f2 gf edBA |
FAAB AFED | FAAB ABde | fBBA BcdB | AFEF D4 :|
|: faag fdde | fdad fdd2 | efga beef | gebe geeg |
faaf bfaf | defd e2 de | fBBA BcdB | AFEF D4 :|

Tune History & Origins

Also known in American tradition as Judy's Reel or The Barmaid. Documented in O'Neill's Music of Ireland (#1234).

Notable Recordings

  • Mary Bergin
  • The Bothy Band
  • Matt Molloy

More Traditional Tunes to Learn

jigG

The Kesh Jig

hornpipeD

The Harvest Home

reelEdor

Drowsy Maggie