BWV 997 Gigue by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Time 2:24
 Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist whose sacred and secular works for choir, orchestra, and solo instruments drew together the strands of the Baroque period and brought it to its ultimate maturity. |
Notes
The gigue is a lively baroque dance originating from the British Jig. Jig is a folk dance, as well as the accompanying dance tune, originating in the sixteenth century. Today a jig is most associated with Irish dance music and Scottish country dance music. The Jig was imported into France in the mid-17th century and usually appears at the end of a suite. A gigue is usually in 3/8 or in one of its compound metre derivatives, such as 6/8, 6/4, 9/8 or 12/16
Time Signature: 6/8
Key Signature: A Minor (Originally in C Minor)
Tempo: Lento (slow)
Adapted from the lute
This gigue is a 2 part song. 51 unique bars. Play AABB. Repeat both parts. Part B is longer-double in duration. You will need to devote some time on this song. Don’t expect to get this song down in a week. Instead give yourself a month.
Here are 4 parts I found most challenging.
Fast hammer ons (2x) demiSemi quavers.
Bar[15]-[16] Closure of Part A
Bar[21]-[22] Part B
Bar[33]-[34] Part B
Bar[49]-[50] Closure of Part B
Cross string semi quavers. If difficult, try adding pulling off/hammer on.
Bar[26] Part A
Bar[38] Part B I’ve included an easier pull off version (bottom of tabs).
Play slow and Hold/Suspend Bass Notes in every measure. With the exception of trills, TRY to eliminate pull offs/hammer and also slides.
Once you have learnt this song. Check out BWV997 Double which sounds similar to Gigue but double in speed.
Guitar Demo (Jack Davisson)
Guitar Pro Playthrough