Banish Misfortune
Key: D Mixolydian | Meter: 6/8 | Tempo: 110 BPM
Key: D Mixolydian | Meter: 6/8 | Tempo: 110 BPM
ABC length: 376 
X: 5
T: Banish Misfortune
R: jig
M: 6/8
L: 1/8
K: Dmix
:"D"fed "C"cAG|"D"A2d "C"cAG|"D"F2D DED|FEF "C"GFG|
"D"A2A "C"cAG|"D"AGA "C"c2e|"D"fed "C"cAG|"D"Ad^c d2e:|
|:"D"f2d d^cd|f2g agf|"C"e2c cBc|e2f gfe|
"D"f2g agf|"C"e2f gfe|"D"fed "C"cAG|"D"Ad^c d2e:|
|:"D"f2g "C"e2f|"D"d2e "C"c2d|"D"ABA "C"GAG|"D"F2F GED|
"C"c3 cAG|AGA cde|"D"fed cAG|1 "C"Ad^c "D"d2e:|2 "C"Ad^c "D"d3||

Overview

Banish Misfortune is a traditional Irish jig in D Mixolydian, widely played in Irish traditional music sessions. Its lilting rhythm and modal melodic shape give it a distinctive sound that’s beloved by fiddlers, flutists, and accompanists alike. The tune appears in many historic collections and recordings, helping cement its place in the modern session repertoire.12

About This Tune

Name: Banish Misfortune
Other Titles/Variants: The Bag of Meal, The Humours of Mullinafauna, Nancy Hynes3
Mode: D Mixolydian (implied C natural)1
Key Signature: One sharp (F♯)2
Meter: 6/8 (double jig)1
Structure: AABBCC (common form in traditional sources)1
Typical Tempo: ~100–120 BPM (lilting jig feel)

Mixolydian mode gives the melody its characteristic sound, with C natural (flat 7) adding modal colour while still fitting easily with common accompaniment patterns.12

These chords highlight the modal flavour of the tune rather than forcing it into strict D major harmony.

Common Chord Set:

  • D – I (tonic)
  • C – VII (flat‑7 modal chord)
  • G – IV (subdominant)
  • Am – v (minor dominant flavour)
  • Bm – vi (optional colour)

Using C major reinforces the modal flavour. Some players still include A major/A7 for a more major-leaning resolution, but that’s stylistic rather than strictly modal.45

Chord Progressions (Single Block)

Part A
D  C  D  C
D  G  D -> C  D

Part B
D  C  D  C
D  G -> C  D  D

Notes on Choices

  • Alternating D ↔ C emphasises the Mixolydian mode and is common in jigs.5
  • G adds lift without forcing a major resolution.4
  • Am can be used sparingly for colour.4
  • A / A7 is optional for a more “major session” feel.

Learning Tips

  • Feel the Jig Pulse: Think in two groups of three — “ONE-two-three, FOUR-five-six.”
  • Phrase in Sections: Learn A and B parts as repeating 8-bar phrases.
  • Emphasise Character: Modal flavour comes from phrasing, not just notes.
  • Listen to Recordings: Traditional players leave room between phrases — letting the tune breathe is key.
  • Ornament Sparingly: Rolls and cuts enhance melody; clarity is essential at speed.

Performance Notes

  • Lift the First Beat: Emphasise the first note of each triplet group.
  • Use Open Strings / Drones: Bouzouki/guitar accompaniment benefits from open D or C.
  • Light Accompaniment: Let melody instruments lead in group settings.
  • Variation: Once confident, add subtle melodic variations in repeated sections.

Sources

  1. Irish Traditional Music Tune Index — Banish Misfortune (irishtune.info) ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Sheet info, mode, and key signature — Banish Misfortune (tunesource.net) ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Alternate titles and historical context — archival collections (bushbanjo.net) ↩︎

  4. Modal chord usage and session arrangements — D Mixolydian guide (hanssenstudios.com) ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  5. Practical session chord patterns and explanations (celticguitarmusic.com) ↩︎ ↩︎