Question for pipers and enthusiasts....

[timber]

I for one really enjoy listening to bagpipes, but I am completely in the dark about what each type of tune is. Could someone explain what marches, strathspeys, and reels are?

[Macman]

Blu, I haven't learned an MSR yet because I'm still so new at it, so I can't help. I'm working hard on "Bonnie Dundee" right now.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Thanks for responses, guys.

I know.... it's a kilts board, but I thought the topic might generate a bit of interest since so many members seem to spend time at various highland games. Who'd have thought kilt wearers might have an interest in pipes and vice-versa.

[cajuncelt]

I'll take a stab at this, but will probably get tongue-tied:
Marches come in 4/4, 3/4 (retreats), 2/4 (quicks), 6/8, ect. times and are written for competitions but the timing is to march to as opposed to dance.
Strathspeys have a strong, weak, medium, weak timing and are written (traditionally) to perform a strathspey dance to.
Reels are the quicker paced dance tunes that most are familiar with if not mistaken for jigs.
These are general blanket statements, but I hope help some.

I for one really enjoy listening to bagpipes, but I am completely in the dark about what each type of tune is. Could someone explain what marches, strathspeys, and reels are?

[timber]

I'll take a stab at this, but will probably get tongue-tied:
Marches come in 4/4, 3/4 (retreats), 2/4 (quicks), 6/8, ect. times and are written for competitions but the timing is to march to as opposed to dance.
Strathspeys have a strong, weak, medium, weak timing and are written (traditionally) to perform a strathspey dance to.
Reels are the quicker paced dance tunes that most are familiar with if not mistaken for jigs.
These are general blanket statements, but I hope help some.

Thank you. That makes sense.