Rakes of Mallow Tin Whistle Lesson
Rakes of Mallow is a lively next-step tune that works well once you can already keep simple polka-like motion from running away.
What you will practice on this page
- High D whistle in G Major
- The note set `G A B C D E F# G`
- 6 short phrase drills, each grouped into two bars when possible
- One final challenge on the closing phrase
- A full-song practice link when you are ready to play the whole tune in one run
Notes you need before the tune
The G-major material is familiar, but the tune asks for stronger rhythmic discipline and cleaner lift.
The note family for this arrangement is G A B C D E F# G.
Get the note set under your fingers
Walk through the notes used in the tune, then come back down with the same calm breath and finger height.
Hover a control to see what it does.
Fingering tips for this tune
- Keep your fingers light and bouncy for the polka rhythm.
- Watch the high G (G5) at the top of the range.
Practice tips for this tune
- Polkas are dance tunes—keep the beat steady and energetic.
- Accent the off-beats slightly for a "lift".
- Start slow; speed comes with relaxation.
Bars 1-2: set the opening phrase
Start the tune with a calm attack and make the first phrase feel deliberate before you move on.
Bars 1-2
Start the tune with a calm attack and make the first phrase feel deliberate before you move on.
Hover a control to see what it does.
Bars 3-4: steady the middle phrase
Use this phrase to keep the rhythm compact and stop the line from opening up too early.
Bars 3-4
Use this phrase to keep the rhythm compact and stop the line from opening up too early.
Hover a control to see what it does.
Bars 5-6: repeat without losing control
Use this phrase to keep the rhythm compact and stop the line from opening up too early.
Bars 5-6
Use this phrase to keep the rhythm compact and stop the line from opening up too early.
Hover a control to see what it does.
Bars 7-8: keep the line connected
Use this phrase to keep the rhythm compact and stop the line from opening up too early.
Bars 7-8
Use this phrase to keep the rhythm compact and stop the line from opening up too early.
Hover a control to see what it does.
Bars 9-10: prepare the ending
Use this phrase to keep the rhythm compact and stop the line from opening up too early.
Bars 9-10
Use this phrase to keep the rhythm compact and stop the line from opening up too early.
Hover a control to see what it does.
Bars 11-12: close the tune cleanly
Treat bars 11-12 like their own exercise and make the last landing sound settled, not accidental.
Bars 11-12
Treat bars 11-12 like their own exercise and make the last landing sound settled, not accidental.
Hover a control to see what it does.
Common beginner mistakes in this tune
- Speeding up because the tune feels fun under the fingers.
- Driving the upper notes too hard.
- Letting the repeated motion lose clarity.
Final phrase challenge
Challenge Progress
Complete one scored challenge run to start tracking progress.
Recent Scores
No recent score yet. Your finished challenge runs will appear here.
Press Challenge to start a scored run.
Ready for the full tune?
This page is for phrase-by-phrase work. When you want to play the whole tune in one pass, switch to the full practice page and use Play, Follow, or Challenge there.
Practice the full song on the play page
Tune background
The Rakes of Mallow is a traditional Irish tune dating back to the 18th century, closely associated with the town of Mallow in County Cork. The title refers to the 'rakes' or fashionable young men of the area, known in folklore for their lively, extravagant lifestyles. Originally connected with a satirical song, the melody later became widely popular as a fast dance tune, particularly as a reel or hornpipe in Irish traditional music. Its energetic character and strong rhythmic drive made it a favorite for social dancing and public entertainment. Over time, The Rakes of Mallow entered the core Irish instrumental repertoire and spread internationally through printed collections and emigrant communities. Today, the tune is commonly performed on fiddle, flute, and tin whistle and is frequently used in music education to introduce Irish dance rhythms and stylistic phrasing, while remaining a vivid example of Ireland’s musical and social history.
Next song
If this tune now feels more settled, move on to another melody with a similar note shape.