Where celtic comes from
Traditional Irish and Scottish dance music was passed down aurally for centuries. 20th-century revival groups such as the Chieftains, and later crossover acts, brought it to global audiences and film and game soundtracks.
What makes a track sound like celtic
- Modal melodies
- Ornamented playing (rolls and cuts)
- Jig 6/8 or reel 4/4 rhythms
- Drones
Typical structure
Tunes in two parts (A and B), each played twice, then repeated or joined into sets of several tunes.
Vocals in celtic
Celtic songs often feature a clear, unaccompanied-sounding lead voice and simple harmonies, sometimes in Irish or Scottish Gaelic. Ask for "a pure, clear folk voice with harp" for slow airs.
Prompting tips
Choose a form: "jig in 6/8", "reel", or "slow air". Name the lead instrument for a clearer result.
Mixing in modern drums can make it sound like a film trailer. Ask for "traditional session" if that is not wanted.
Prompts to start from
Lively Irish jig in 6/8, fiddle and tin whistle melody, bodhrán, bouzouki chords, traditional session feel
Haunting Scottish slow air on uilleann pipes over a soft drone, misty highlands mood
Adventurous Celtic theme for a fantasy game, harp, flute, strings and a gentle frame drum