Dailey's Reel: Mandolin Tab
Mandolin tab and sheet music with synced audio · Key of Bb · 120 BPM · 4/4 time · Bluegrass · Beginner
Chords used in this arrangement: Bb, F, Eb.
This is a fairly standard mandolin tab version of Daley's Reel. This one's got a cool little secret - despite living comfortably in the bluegrass world, Dailey's Reel (or sometimes written as Daley's Reel or Daly's Reel) is thought to be Canadian in origin. It got picked up by Kentucky fiddler Kenny Baker out of Letcher County and spread through the bluegrass scene via recordings in the late '60s and '70s, but it's such a universal melody that Irish fiddlers and even a Northumbrian piper eventually grabbed it too. Because it is in Bb, it's probably not that popular at jam sessions, as that key puts some pickers on the back foot, but it's also what gives the tune its distinctive character. The B part especially has a harmonic lift that feels almost surprising the first time through, so enjoy that moment when it hits.
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 Dailey's Reel PDF.
Dailey's Reel: questions and answers
What key is Dailey's Reel in?
Dailey's Reel is in B flat major. The transpose control on this page moves the tab, notation and chords to any other key.
What chords are used in Dailey's Reel?
The chords in this arrangement are Bb, F, Eb. The chord chart on this page shows each shape and highlights the current chord as the tune plays.
How fast is Dailey's Reel 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 Dailey's Reel a good tune for beginners?
Yes. Dailey's Reel is rated beginner, so it suits players who are still learning their first tunes.
Can I download Dailey's Reel as sheet music?
Yes. A printable PDF with the mandolin tab and standard notation is free at /tab/daileys-reel.pdf, and there is a download button on this page.
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