Bonnie Kate: Mandolin Tab

Mandolin tab and sheet music with synced audio · Key of G · 180 BPM · 4/4 time · Irish Traditional · Beginner

Also known as The Bonny Lass of Fisherrow, Cáit Álainn.

Chords used in this arrangement: G, D, C, Em, Am, G7, Bm.

"Bonnie Kate" actually started life in Perthshire, Scotland, written by a composer named Daniel Dow around 1773 under the title "The Bonny Lass of Fisherrow," and somewhere along the way it crossed the Irish Sea, picked up an Irish name (Cáit, or "Cáit Álainn"), and got so thoroughly absorbed into the tradition that, as one researcher put it, it's been in Ireland "as long as most of the indigenous repertory." It was first recorded in 1916, but the version most people know today comes from the great Irish-American fiddler Michael Coleman, whose 1934 recording — paired with "Jenny's Chickens" — became the definitive template. One thing worth knowing is that the tune leans heavily on repeated phrases, which means the magic really comes from what you do with ornamentation — rolls, triplets, little variations — so as you get comfortable with the notes, that's where you can start having fun and making it your own.

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 Kate PDF.

Bonnie Kate: questions and answers

What key is Bonnie Kate in?

Bonnie Kate is in G major. The transpose control on this page moves the tab, notation and chords to any other key.

What chords are used in Bonnie Kate?

The chords in this arrangement are G, D, C, Em, Am, G7, Bm. The chord chart on this page shows each shape and highlights the current chord as the tune plays.

How fast is Bonnie Kate played?

This recording is at 180 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 Kate a good tune for beginners?

Yes. Bonnie Kate is rated beginner, so it suits players who are still learning their first tunes.

Can I download Bonnie Kate as sheet music?

Yes. A printable PDF with the mandolin tab and standard notation is free at /tab/bonnie-kate.pdf, and there is a download button on this page.

Is Bonnie Kate known by any other names?

Yes. It is also called The Bonny Lass of Fisherrow, Cáit Álainn. The same melody often travels under several titles in different regions and collections.

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