The most common tune played immediately after The Kesh Jig in sessions is Morrison's Jig (Jig, E Dorian), appearing in 28.38% of sets. The second most popular choice is Out On The Ocean (9.11%), followed by The Swallowtail Jig (6.60%). Sourced from 955 session sets, these represent the top double-jig transitions in live music.
Why this page is useful: The Kesh Jig is the ultimate G major session starter. We analyze our set transition database to show how players bridge this jig into other tunes.
1. Introduction & Sourced Statistics
If you walk into a traditional session, the moment someone plays the opening G chord of The Kesh Jig, you know the room is about to lift. As one of the most recognizable jigs in the Irish tradition, it is a universal session starter. But once the Kesh concludes, where do the musicians take it? Sourced from our database of nearly 1,000 sets, we analyze the statistics and musical chemistry behind the top follow-on tunes for The Kesh Jig.
The database ranks these top 5 follow-on tunes played immediately after The Kesh Jig in live sessions:
| Rank & Tune Name | Key / Mode | Sets Occurrences | Transition Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Morrison's (ID: 71) | E Dorian | 281 sets | 21.42% |
| 2. Out On The Ocean (ID: 108) | G Major | 88 sets | 6.71% |
| 3. Swallowtail, The (ID: 106) | A Dorian | 67 sets | 5.11% |
| 4. Connaughtman's Rambles, The (ID: 19) | E Dorian | 40 sets | 3.05% |
| 5. Blackthorn Stick, The (ID: 702) | G Major | 38 sets | 2.90% |
2. Visualizing the Three-Level Set Continuation Tree
Set building isn't just about the next tune—it's about the entire arc. Below is a three-level set continuation tree showing what tunes follow immediately, and what tunes usually follow *those* in three-part combinations:
Three-Level Set Continuation Tree: The Kesh Jig (Root)
-
Root: The Kesh Jig (JIG, G Major)
-
→ 1. Morrison's (ID: 71, E Dorian) —
21.42%
- * Drowsy Maggie (ID 27, D Dorian) — 9.18%
- * Swallowtail, The (ID 106, A Dorian) — 6.53%
- * Out On The Ocean (ID 108, G Major) — 5.31%
- * Banish Misfortune (ID 9, D Mixolydian) — 4.08%
-
→ 2. Out On The Ocean (ID: 108, G
Major) — 6.71%
- * Lilting Banshee, The (ID 60, A Dorian) — 5.24%
- * Connaughtman's Rambles, The (ID 19, E Dorian) — 4.63%
- * Tripping Up The Stairs (ID 111, D Major) — 4.37%
- * Morrison's (ID 71, E Dorian) — 4.10%
-
→ 3. Swallowtail, The (ID: 106, A
Dorian) — 5.11%
- * Morrison's (ID 71, E Dorian) — 9.43%
- * Lilting Banshee, The (ID 60, A Dorian) — 5.41%
- * Irish Washerwoman, The (ID 92, D Major) — 4.72%
- * Tripping Up The Stairs (ID 111, D Major) — 4.58%
-
→ 4. Connaughtman's Rambles, The (ID:
19, E Dorian) — 3.05%
- * Out On The Ocean (ID 108, G Major) — 11.70%
- * Calliope House (ID 15, E Major) — 5.31%
- * Morrison's (ID 71, E Dorian) — 4.63%
- * Lilting Banshee, The (ID 60, A Dorian) — 3.27%
-
→ 5. Blackthorn Stick, The (ID: 702, G
Major) — 2.90%
- * Rakes Of Kildare, The (ID 84, A Dorian) — 11.90%
- * Connaughtman's Rambles, The (ID 19, E Dorian) — 4.11%
- * Out On The Ocean (ID 108, G Major) — 3.90%
- * Irish Washerwoman, The (ID 92, D Major) — 3.03%
-
→ 1. Morrison's (ID: 71, E Dorian) —
21.42%
To visualize how the Kesh Jig branches into hundreds of different session sets, view the interactive D3 Set Follow-On Tree.
3. Musical Analysis of Key Transitions
Why the Top Transitions Work Musically
Jig transitions rely on a clean bounce and a smooth modal shift. Here is why the Kesh Jig transitions are so popular in traditional sets:
This is a classic "relative modal shift." G Major and E Dorian share the exact same key signature (1 sharp: F#). This means the scale notes are identical, making the transition exceptionally fluid for fingers and breath. However, because the tonal center shifts from G (bright major) to E (driving Dorian/minor), it creates an immediate, exciting mood shift without disrupting the tempo.
Sticking within the key of G Major, this transition maintains a sunny, open-air feeling. Out On The Ocean starts on a B note (B3 BAG...), which is the major third of the G chord, easing the ear into the new melody with a beautifully resolved, melodic tone.
4. Commercial Recording Examples (Landmark Albums)
Artist Examples: Who Recorded These Sets?
The Kesh Jig transitions are documented on several milestone traditional albums:
The Bothy Band — The Bothy Band (1975)
Track Set: The Kesh Jig → Morrison's Jig
On their self-titled debut, The Bothy Band popularized this pairing. Featuring pipes, fiddle, and flute, it remains the standard combo that every learner learns first.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Morrison's Jig so popular after the Kesh Jig?
They share the exact same key signature (1 sharp: F#), representing a relative-modal transition (G Major to E Dorian). It shifts the mood from bright-major to driving-minor/Dorian smoothly and naturally.
6. Conclusion
Understanding tune transitions is key to developing your session craft. Start practicing these popular pairings to build cohesive, high-energy sets.
Build your own tune sets using Trad Tune Explorer.