Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay: Mandolin Tab
Mandolin tab and sheet music with synced audio · Key of A · 120 BPM · 4/4 time · Scottish Reel · Beginner
Chords used in this arrangement: A, E, D, G.
This tune is named after Whalsay, a tiny Shetland island that locals have long called "The Bonnie Isle," a nickname that comes with some irony given that its Old Norse name, Hvalsey, actually means "Whale Island." The tune itself is a proper Shetland reel at heart, not just generically Scottish, and it's got a cool modal twist. The A-part sits squarely in A major, but the B-part slides into A Mixolydian, which gives it that slightly open, bittersweet flavor that's so characteristic of Shetland fiddle music.
In Shetland sessions, this tune anchors a famous five-reel set — sometimes called the "Auld 5" — that Tom Anderson, Aly Bain, and others recorded together, and it's said that if someone calls for "the five reels," this is always the closer. Watch for those natural G notes in the B-part; they're what make the Mixolydian thing work, so don't let your fingers default to G-sharp on autopilot.
Enjoy this mandolin tab version of Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay.
This page includes mandolin tablature, standard music notation, and a chord chart, printable as PDF and playable in sync with the original recording. Change the key, slow the tempo down, and loop the bars you want to practise. Download the Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay PDF.
Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay: questions and answers
What key is Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay in?
Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay is in A major. The transpose control on this page moves the tab, notation and chords to any other key.
What chords are used in Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay?
The chords in this arrangement are A, E, D, G. The chord chart on this page shows each shape and highlights the current chord as the tune plays.
How fast is Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay played?
This recording is at 120 BPM in 4/4 time. Use the speed control to slow it down without changing the pitch, then work back up to full tempo.
Is Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay a good tune for beginners?
Yes. Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay is rated beginner, so it suits players who are still learning their first tunes.
Can I download Bonnie Isle o'Whalsay as sheet music?
Yes. A printable PDF with the mandolin tab and standard notation is free at /tab/bonnie-isle-owhalsay.pdf, and there is a download button on this page.
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