A simple fingerstyle arrangement of the traditional Irish jig The Lilting Banshee, featuring easy position changes and a clear, flowing melody. Free PDF download and audio previews included.
A Lively Irish Session Jig
The Lilting Banshee is a well-known traditional Irish jig, played in sessions and enjoyed by musicians on a wide variety of instruments.
Also known as The Miller of Glanmire, Ballinasloe Fair, or Ryan’s Favourite, the tune has been around for well over a century. A version appeared in Francis O’Neill’s famous collection Music of Ireland, published in 1903.
The tune is commonly played in A Dorian mode, giving it a slightly minor flavour while retaining a bright, lively character.
With its flowing 6/8 rhythm, repeated melodic patterns, and energetic second part, The Lilting Banshee is a lovely tune to explore on the guitar – especially in DADGAD tuning!
An Easy-Picking Arrangement
This arrangement is part of the Easy Picking collection on DADGADTabs.com.
The idea behind Easy Picking is simple: less finger gymnastics, more music.
Rather than turning a lively session jig into a complicated fingerstyle showpiece, the aim is to keep the melody clear and recognisable while adding just enough accompaniment to make the tune work as a standalone guitar piece.
The Lilting Banshee is particularly well suited to this approach. Its recurring melodic phrases provide a natural structure, and the contrast between the two parts gives the arrangement plenty of musical interest.
Unlike arrangements that stay entirely in one position, this version includes a few simple position changes. These shifts are easy to manage and allow the melody to flow naturally across the fretboard without requiring awkward stretches or complicated finger movements.
The result is an accessible fingerstyle arrangement that combines straightforward picking with a little movement along the neck.
It’s a good choice for guitarists who are becoming familiar with DADGAD tuning and want to gain confidence with basic position changes, as well as more experienced players looking for an uncomplicated arrangement of a popular Irish session tune.
Listen to the Arrangement
Curious how it sounds?
Listen to the audio tracks below to hear the Easy-Picking arrangement at two different tempos.
[Insert audio player – The Lilting Banshee (Easy Picking) SLOW]
[Insert audio player – The Lilting Banshee (Easy Picking) ]
[Insert audio player – The Lilting Banshee (Easy Picking) FASTER]
Start with the slower version to become familiar with the melody, picking patterns, and position changes. Then try the faster version to hear how the tune flows at a livelier pace.
Download the Free Guitar TAB
The complete arrangement is available as a free PDF download, including standard notation and guitar tablature for DADGAD tuning (D–A–D–G–A–D).
Download Free PDF – The Lilting Banshee (Easy Picking)
Straightforward picking, a few easy position changes, and no unnecessary complications – just a lively traditional Irish jig arranged for fingerstyle guitar.
Enjoy playing!
I'm Silke, and I create the musical learning materials I once wished I had. I'm not Irish, but at least I'm a redhead! 😉