Hey everybody, Joel here with Kennedy Violins! Today, we’re diving into a lively classic: The Irish Washerwoman. This upbeat Irish jig is as fun to play as it is to hear, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to practice it efficiently and eventually play it fast—with precision and confidence.

 

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Understanding the Time Signature and Rhythm

First, let’s talk time signature. The Irish Washerwoman is in 6/8, which gives it that distinct lilting jig feel. Think of each measure as having two groups of three eighth notes:
1-2-3, 4-5-6 — da-da-da, da-da-da.

If you’re practicing with a metronome (which I highly recommend), be aware that the piece starts on the upbeat. You don’t come in on beat one—it's more like:
Down–Up, Down–Up …and then you’re off and running.

Key Signature and Finger Placement

This piece is in D Major, so we’re working with two sharps: F♯ and C♯. That mostly affects your second finger placement:

• High 2nd fingers on the G, D, and A strings

• Low 2nd finger on the E string

This is a great reminder that when you're adjusting to key signatures on the violin, your second finger tends to do most of the heavy lifting in terms of positioning changes.

Tips for Playing Fast (Without Losing Control)

One of the fun things about Irish music is that it tends to speed up—sometimes intentionally, sometimes because the crowd’s energy just takes over. That means you need to be prepared to play fast, but cleanly.

Here are my top tips for building speed:

1. Use the Lower Part of the Bow

Stick to the lower third of the bow and focus on small, efficient movements. Big bow strokes will slow you down and tire you out.

2. Relax and Minimize Motion

The more relaxed your bow hand and arm are, the faster you’ll be able to play. Keep your wrist and fingers loose and don’t lock your elbow—let that joint move freely so your forearm can act independently.

Think of it like this: an elephant moves big and slow, but a squirrel moves fast and small. You want squirrel-like motion—tight, quick, and efficient.

3. Practice with a Metronome

Start at a manageable tempo—say 90 bpm—and only increase the speed when you can play error-free multiple times in a row. A good rule of thumb is to move up in 5–10 bpm increments. There’s no rush—consistency is key.

Let’s say you increase by just 10 bpm per day. After a week, you’re already 70 bpm faster! You’ll get to that ridiculous jig speed in no time.

Finger Efficiency in Tricky Sections

Pay special attention to the second theme (around the third line, or measure 15). This section often trips people up because of its finger coordination.

Here’s what to do:

• When you place your third finger, also keep your second finger down—it’s used shortly after.

• This finger economy saves time and prevents unwanted motion.

• Practice this spot slowly and deliberately until it feels natural.

Final Thoughts

So that’s your roadmap for mastering The Irish Washerwoman. To recap:

• Understand the rhythm and upbeat entrance

• Nail your key signature fingerings

• Stay relaxed and efficient in your bowing

• Practice gradually increasing speed with a metronome

• Keep fingers down when possible to minimize movement

If you follow these tips and stay consistent in your practice, you’ll be tearing through this jig like a true Irish fiddler in no time!

As always, leave any questions or comments below—I read them all. And if you haven’t already, make sure to like and subscribe for more lessons and playalong videos. Happy practicing!