John Ryans
Key: D Major | Meter: 2/4 | Tempo: 90 BPM
Key: D Major | Meter: 2/4 | Tempo: 90 BPM
ABC length: 300 
X:6
T:John Ryan's
R:polka
M:2/4
L:1/8
K:D
Q:90
|:"D"dd B/c/d/B/|"Bm"AF AF|"G"dd B/c/d/B/|"A7"AF ED|
"D"dd B/c/d/B/|"Bm"AF Ad/e/|"G"fd "A"ec|1 "D"d2 d2:|2 "D"d3 "A"d/e/||
|:"D"fd de/f/|"G"gf "A"ed/e/|"D" fd "Bm"Ad|"A"fe/f/ a3/2g/|
"D"fd de/f/|"G"gf "A"ed/e/|"Bm"fd "A"ec|1 "D"d2 "A"dd/e/:|2 "D"d2 d2||

Overview

John Ryan’s Polka is a traditional Irish polka in D major that’s become a core session favourite worldwide. It’s lively, rhythmically distinct, and sits comfortably on most traditional instruments.12 Originally part of Irish folk tradition, the tune gained wider recognition after appearing on albums by the band Planxty and in popular media performances. 23

About This Tune

  • Name: John Ryan’s Polka
  • Other Titles/Variants: Ryan’s Polka, Seán Ryan’s Polka, Keadue Polka, Armagh Polka145
  • Key: D major15
  • Meter: 2/4 (Polka rhythm)15
  • Structure: AABB (two 8‑bar sections)15
  • Typical Tempo: ~120–140 BPM (energetic dance feel)
  • Common Setting: Irish traditional sessions, dances, céilís, pub gigs

Polkas in Irish trad evolved from continental European dance music but have taken on a distinctive Irish feel, often played at brisk tempos with strong rhythmic drive. 2

Chords

These are typical accompaniment patterns used in sessions. Chords are described in functional progression rather than exact voicings.

Part A

| D | A | | D | A | | D | A | | D → A | D |

Part B

| D | G → A | | D | A | | D | G → A | | D → A | D |

Notes on Chord Choices:

  • The tune revolves around the I (D), IV (G), and V (A) harmonies typical in Irish trad.
  • Using A7 instead of plain A on cadential bars adds a pleasant tension‑to‑resolution effect.
  • For a “modern feel,” players often use richer progressions and occasional relative minors (e.g., Bm, Em) in performances.

You can find chord suggestions in various traditional tune sources, and these patterns align with standard session voicings. 6

Learning Tips

  • Feel the Polka Pulse: Polkas emphasize the upbeat (“oom‑pa, oom‑pa”) — focus on steady 2/4 rhythm.
  • Loop Short Phrases: Break the tune into 4‑bar chunks for practice before joining the full A or B parts.
  • Watch the A‑B Interaction: Notice how the ear anticipates the second section (B) based on the melodic pattern you’ve learned in (A).
  • Listen to Recordings: Try recordings by traditional groups — Planxty’s versions and session videos available online help internalize timing and ornamentation.
  • Play with Others: Irish sessions are collaborative — playing John Ryan’s with others helps lock in feel and phrasing. 13

Performance Notes

  • Dynamic Drive: Keep a steady underlying pulse — the secret to a good polka is not volume, but rhythmic consistency.
  • Ornamentation: Graceful rolls and cuts can enhance the melody — but in fast polkas, simplicity often sounds best.
  • Bell/Accent Patterns: Try small accents on the upbeat notes to reinforce the polka “bounce.”
  • Instrument Balance: In group settings, ensure chordal instruments support the melody without overpowering wind or lead instruments.

The tune’s recurring patterns and rhythmic repetition make it easy to memorize, but the real skill lies in keeping the groove tight while expressive players around you embellish their parts.1

Sources

  1. John Ryan’s Polka overview and transcription data — TuneSource.net provides musical description, key, and structure. John Ryan’s (Tunesource) ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Historical and cultural context, origins from Bohemia, Planxty influence, and comments on the tune’s session prevalence. Alton Steady Session: John Ryan’s Polka ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Broad description and cultural references indicating popularity and recordings, including film usage. TrailJams: John Ryan’s Polka info ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. Alternate titles and session use — The Traditional Tune Archive annotation listing variants including “Seán Ryan’s Polka.” TTA Annotation: John Ryan’s Polka ↩︎

  5. Structural and key info from the Irish Traditional Music Tune Index. IrishTune.info: John Ryan’s Polka ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  6. Chord suggestion examples from online chord PDFs and session sources. John Ryan’s Polka chords PDF examples ↩︎