Danse du barbier

This is a nice easy tune, and so fun to play. Everyone joins in to this one in a Québecois session. The tune is in the brandy style, which means it is like a reel in 3 beats rather than 2.

There are two major variations of this tune in the 2nd measure of the B part. Each session has a very specific preference for one of these options over the other.

In one version, the 2nd measure switches back to the I-chord (G), whereas in the other version, the 2nd measure stays on the V-chord (D). This means the tune players should know several ways to end the second measure to stay in line with the rest of the group.

I always love Alexis Chartrand’s playing. Here he plays the tune for us with his usual subtlety and artistry. This version goes to the G chord in the B part, second measure.

This transcription from the Tune Archive version stays on the V-chord in B part, bar 2.

X:1
T:Danse du barbier
S: Laurie Hart
D: Danse ce soir ! Traditional tunes of Québec • 2001
Z: Malcolm Schonfield 2024-01- (08-09)
L:1/4
M:3/2
K:G
[P:A] B.d .d.e dc/B/ | A.d .d.e d>c |
Bd de dc/B/ | Ac BA [1 G>A:| [2 G>G ||
[P:B] |:DG FG A/B/A/G/ | Ad cB/c/ A>A | 
DG FG A/B/A/G/ | Ad AB [1 G>G :| [2 G>!D.C.!A |]

On the show, Soirée Canadienne (1976), the actual barber’s dance is shown, shaving while step-dancing to another, different, happy tune. Watch this one for the dancing; watch the others for the tune.