10 Easy Tin Whistle Songs for Beginners (With Videos)

If you’re looking to learn some easy songs to play on a tin whistle, then this is the right place for you. We’re going to show you 10 songs that you can get started on right away.

We have tried to include a good variety of songs on this list, from movie theme tunes, Irish folk songs, to classics and pop tunes.

The songs in this list are very popular, with basic melodies that are easy to follow and play on a tin whistle.

1. Titanic – My Heart Will Go On

This is one of the classic tin whistle songs with which we’re starting off this list. As you already know, this is one of the rare pop songs that have a wind instrument similar to the tin whistle play the main theme, so it’s no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after songs to learn.

If you watch this lesson video, you’ll discover that the song is simple to play and that you will be playing it like a master in no time!

2. Lord of the Rings – Hobbits Theme Song

We continue with the soundtrack theme. Lord of the Rings is one of the most well-known stories in the history of the world, and iconic movies did well to Tolkien’s legacy.

Apart from that, they also gave us this beautiful music that’s great for beginners to learn and grasp the concept of this instrument.

3. Simon & Garfunkel – Sound of Silence

One of the most iconic tunes in the history of rock music, Sound of Silence, was recorded thousands of times by the most influential artists in the world. So, why not give it a go yourself?

It’s a simple song with a basic tune and a straightforward progression, so this lesson will walk you through all of the steps.

4. Rocky Road To Dublin – Irish folk song

One of my personal favorites of all time. Rocky Road to Dublin has a simple, catchy melody that will be stuck in your head when you hear it for the first time.

And since it’s simple enough to play on a tin whistle, you will always have that option of just playing it for yourself and your enjoyment.

5. Game of Thrones Theme Song

Did you think this list would be complete without the GOT theme song? For one of the most popular series ever to be aired, the theme song got to become as iconic as the show itself.

And even if you didn’t watch the show, you most certainly know how the song goes. So, get on to practicing and play this with your friends; they’ll love it.

6. Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace is a commonly played song for beginners on almost every instrument and the same applies to the tin whistle. The song is pretty straightforward and you will master it in no time.

Check out the video tutorial that we have embedded below to learn how to play it on your tin whistle:

7. Fairytale – Shrek

The last of the OST tracks on this list, we promise! The Shrek soundtrack song, a catchy, easy-to-play melody that anybody can play on a tin whistle, is one of the most popular tunes among tin whistlers.

The simplicity and pure beauty of the song make it a perfect theme for the first song to learn on the tin whistle.

8. The Kerry Polka

The tin whistle is best known throughout the world as the instrument of Irish folk music. Irish men used tin whistles to play their songs, and that Celtic sound swiftly traveled and took hold in other parts of the world.

The Kerry Polka is another example of a catchy Celtic tune that’s easy to play and suited for a beginner. If you’re into Irish folk music, you will find TONS of tabs and instructions on the internet, don’t worry.

9. Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah

One of the most beautiful songs ever to be made, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah is a true masterpiece. And to make things even better, the melody is really simple and doesn’t take a lot of time to master at all.

You can reach those heavenly harmonies, as you’ll see from the video below, in a matter of minutes.

10. Scarborough fair

This old traditional song is probably best known today because of Bob Dylan’s version of it, especially the one sang in duet with Johnny Cash. But, this is still a beautiful tune that’s well known around the world and makes one of the most beautiful love songs of all time.

In this video, you’ll discover everything you need to know about playing this song and see that it isn’t as difficult as it looks.

Conclusion

The tin whistle is a beautiful woodwind instrument, and it’s one of the most simple to play. Unlike other instruments, you won’t have to spend hours practicing to get a hang of things. Instead, with a little time and effort, you can master any song that you wish to learn by ear.

To be able to excel at the tin whistle, you need to master its basics and learn how to play a handful of tunes that suit both your taste and skill level.

Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t ever give up on something new that you want to try out! These beginner songs will help you out in that department. Once you get a grip on it and can easily play a tune, you’ll be able to transfer what you know and move ahead with the tin whistle.

Featured image: by Daniel Fernandez / CC BY-SA

Brian Clark

Brian Clark

I’ve been a writer with Musician Wave for six years, turning my 17-year journey as a multi-instrumentalist and music producer into insightful news, tutorials, reviews, and features.

1 Comment
  1. Thank you so much for providing these tutorials…I was getting frustrated with my progress until someone suggested to me that I needed to work more at my “grade level”….that I was picking tunes that I want not ready for….and then I found you!

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