Ah, Irish music sessions. Those magical gatherings where the pints flow, the fiddles fly, and the banter—well, the banter’s usually as sharp as a bodhrán player’s rimshot. But there’s one thing that unites musicians and listeners alike, a silent yet rhythmic participant that never misses a beat: the humble foot tap.
For those with short attention spans, here’s the summary:
Tapping Etiquette: A Few Dos and Don’ts
Do: Tap discreetly if you’re new to sessions. Think subtle, like a well-timed wink.
Don’t: Tap on someone else’s beat. That’s not accompaniment; that’s chaos.
Do: Use your tapping to help stay in time. There’s no shame in a supportive rhythm crutch.
Don’t: Tap so aggressively that you drown out the music. If your foot’s louder than the uilleann pipes, we’ve got a problem.
Foot tapping is an integral part of the Irish session, but like a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, there’s an art to it. Not just any tap will do, mind you. Whether you’re a seasoned session veteran or a wide-eyed newbie clutching a tin whistle you barely know how to blow, here’s your crash course in the subtle and often hilarious world of foot tapping.
The Single Tap
The single tap is the starter kit of session footwork. It’s a classic up-and-down motion, typically executed by the most stoic of players or the poor soul trying desperately to remember how “The Silver Spear” goes.
Pro tip: The single tap is safest if you’re sitting in the “outer circle” of a session. Overdo it, and the accordion player might mistake it for morse code and start blinking back at you.
The Double-Tap Jig
Ah, now you’re getting somewhere! The double-tap jig is a bold move. It’s the “Look at me, I know the rhythm” of foot tapping. Particularly effective during a lively jig, this technique requires a touch of swagger.
But be warned: if your tapping’s out of sync with the tune, you’ll be branded a rhythm criminal. The fiddler’s glare will bore holes into your soul, and you may never be invited back.
The Over-Zealous Stomper
There’s always one. The stomper, heavy of foot and heart, whose tapping is less “tap” and more “let me alert the local seismologist.” While enthusiastic, stomping can quickly transform a session from cozy to cacophonous.
To all aspiring stompers: tap softly and carry a light step. Nobody wants the pub’s floorboards collapsing mid-reel.
The Invisible Tap
The invisible tap is for those with impeccable timing who, for reasons only they understand, choose to hide their brilliance. Their tapping exists in their head, but you’ll never see it. They’re the musical equivalent of the friend who doesn’t post on social media but has 2,000 unseen photos on their phone.
The Group Sync
Ah, the holy grail of session tapping: when everyone’s feet move as one. It’s a moment of unspoken unity, as if the entire pub has been possessed by the ghost of Michael Flatley. You feel it in your bones—a rhythm so pure that even the bar staff pause to marvel.
But beware! Achieving group sync is rare. One rogue tapper, and it all crumbles faster than a biscuit in your tea.
So, next time you find yourself in a session, spare a thought for the unsung hero beneath the table: the tap. Done well, it’s a connection to the music, a signal of shared joy, and—let’s be honest—a great excuse to wiggle your feet when your legs have gone numb from sitting on a wooden stool for three hours.
Go forth, tap wisely, and may your rhythms always be in sync. Sláinte!
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