Historically the guitar had a minor role in Celtic music; only recently has it been adopted seriously. Scottish guitarist Dick Gaughan (b. 1948), for instance, emerged in the late 1960s, playing Scottish and Irish instrumental music. His album, Coppers 8cBrass (1977), was a landmark in the development of a linear technique and style for the guitar.

ARTY McGlynn

Irish guitarist Arty McGlynn marks a move forward in Irish music. On his album, McGlyrm's Fancy (1980), the number "Carolan's Draught" features double-tracked chords with a single line weaving through them. He creates a feathery-light phrasing on the reels "The Floating Crowbar" and "The Star of Munster," and his picking dances through the pieces as he hits accents incisively. The jigs "Peter's Byrne's Fancy" and "Creeping Docked" have a resonant depth with finely-played ornaments. "The Blackbird," a slow air, starts with the unaccompanied single-line melody played with a sweet tone. Mc Glynn then adds sedate and tasteful chordal accompaniment. Vibrating the pick, he plays "Jenny's Welcome to Charlie" and "The Connacht Heifers," hitting a pivotal drone note before he is supported by a low drone from a keyboard.

Irish bands

The guitar has often played a peripheral role among major Irish groups. Planxty, for instance, with guitarist and singer Christy Moore (b. 1945) and guitarist and bouzouki player Donal Lunny, use it for chordal harmonic layering, as can be heard on the album, Planxty (1973). Irish folk-rock was developed by Horslips, who formed in the early 1970s. Guitarist John Fean joined in 1977 and plays on the album The Man Who Built America (1979), which features rock and blues as well as traditional material. One of the most influential groups, Moving Hearts, emerged in 1981 with Christy Moore and Donal Lunny. They fused uilleann pipes with jazz-rock, contributing to the foundation of modern folk fusion. With Declan Sinnott joining on guitar, their high-powered sound is featured on the album The Storm (1985).

Arranging music

In recent years musicians have shown a tremendous interest in playing "Celtic" music, with jigs, reels, hornpipes, and other forms being widely performed. These forms are not meant to be harmonized; instead guitarists use drones and open tunings such as DADGAD and CGDGAD. The lower string is damped to play rhythms, mimicking the bodhran drum. A number of guitar players have been developing material and differing styles, including Dave Evans, who uses attractive open tunings. One of the finest albums in this "Celtic" genre, The Swans at Coole (1989), has Steve Tilston bringing a classical flavor to Celtic music.