5 fiddle tunes for St. Patrick's Day 🍀

In this post, I'll share five beginner-friendly fiddle tunes including the free sheet music to get you in the Irish spirit this St. Patrick's Day.

#1 Boil 'em Cabbage Down

“Boil ’Em Cabbage Down” is a traditional American folk tune with roots in the 19th century Appalachian South. Like many Appalachian songs, it likely grew out of British Isles (especially Irish and Scottish) fiddle traditions, evolving orally rather than from a single known composer. The song existed in many lyrical versions—often humorous or nonsensical—because verses were freely improvised and adapted by different communities. By the early 1900s, it became a staple of old-time fiddling and banjo playing, valued for its simple structure and driving rhythm, which made it ideal for dancing and for teaching beginners. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable entry-level tunes in American folk and fiddle music.

#2 Turkey in the Straw

“Turkey in the Straw” is a well-known American folk tune that dates back to the early 19th century. Its melody is believed to have evolved from earlier British and Irish fiddle tunes, with versions circulating under different names before becoming standardized. The tune gained widespread popularity through minstrel shows and rural dance music, which helped spread it across the United States. Over time, it became a staple of old-time, fiddle, and early American popular music, valued for its lively rhythm and catchy melody, and it remains one of the most recognizable traditional tunes in American music today.

#3 Old Joe Clark

“Old Joe Clark” is a traditional American Appalachian fiddle tune that dates back to the mid-19th century. Like many old-time tunes, its origins are tied to British Isles fiddle traditions, shaped and passed down through oral tradition in the mountain South. The song is known for its many floating verses, often humorous or teasing, which vary widely by region and performer. It became a staple of fiddle and banjo repertoire, prized for its driving rhythm and adaptability, and today it remains a favorite in old-time jams and beginner fiddle teaching.

#4 Blackberry Blossom

“Blackberry Blossom” is a traditional American fiddle tune most commonly associated with Appalachian and old-time music, with roots reaching back to the 19th century. Its melody is believed to be influenced by earlier British Isles dance tunes, adapted and preserved through oral tradition. Over time, it became especially popular among fiddlers and banjo players for its bright, flowing lines and danceable feel. Today, “Blackberry Blossom” is a standard in old-time and bluegrass circles, often used to develop speed, bow control, and melodic clarity.

#5 Whiskey Before Breakfast

“Whiskey Before Breakfast” is a traditional old-time fiddle tune with roots in 19th-century American folk music, particularly in the Appalachian and Midwestern traditions. Like many fiddle tunes, it likely evolved from British Isles dance melodies and was passed down orally rather than attributed to a single composer. The tune became widely popular in old-time and bluegrass circles for its smooth, lyrical character and steady groove.