The Cordal Jig

Jig, D, Traditional Irish & English
Also known as Julia Clifford’s; Julia Clifford’s Favourite; Morgan Rattler

The Cordal Jig. Traditional Irish Jig. TrailJams Tune of the Week. Play it together June 19, 2022.  trailjams.org

The Cordal Jig is one of those chameleon tunes that works nicely to connect tunes in a set, being able to flow from major harmony at its start to minor harmony at its end. This traditional jig takes its name “Cordal” from a village in County Kerry, Ireland. It is also known as Julia Clifford’s and Morgan Rattler, and it has found its way into Irish, English, and North American dance traditions.

Recordings

Dots (Music Notation)

As always for traditional tunes, the musical notation and chords do not indicate the “right” way to play the tune, but are a useful reference.

Sheet music for The Cordal Jig. (Also known as Julia Clifford’s; Julia Clifford’s Favourite; Morgan Rattler) Traditional Irish Jig. D Major. Chords for The Chordal Jig. Arranged by Jonathan Lay, June 12, 2022. trailjams.org
Play from the Dots
Slow tempo 70bpm
Moderate tempo 90bpm

Alternative Chords

Here is an alternative version of chords to accompany the tune. (From The Portland Collection, Vol. 2.)

(A Part)
G A | D – | G A | Bm – |
G A | D – | – A | Bm – |
(B Part)
D – | A – | D – | – A |
D – | A – | D – | Bm – |

Sets

Examples of sets that include this tune.

  • The Cordal Jig / The Rolling Wave (a.k.a. The Humours of Trim; The Rolling Waves)

References and Resources

For those who want to dig deeper, here are some other resources.