Bodhran Music
The Bodhran is one of the most iconic Irish musical instruments, consisting of a flat drum similar to a large tambourine without its bells or jingles. Bodhran players use an “ambidextrous beater” with two ends for striking against it.
There are three primary hand styles and five stick styles for playing the bodhran, as well as tuning capabilities with keys that loosen or tighten its skin.
Origin
The bodhran is a flat, round frame drum made of goatskin stretched over a wooden hoop. Although similar to a tambourine without its jingles, this instrument must be played using either your hand or with an optional beater known as a cipin beater.
Origin of the Crowdy Crawn. (Originally, used as grain winnower; later became musical instrument.) It’s unclear whence this instrument originated; perhaps an Irish adaptation of Turkish tabur (tambourine). Or it may have come directly from Cornwall via Crowdy Crawn (a grain winnower used as grain winnowing tool used as grain winnowing device and later musical instrument.)
The Bodhran first made waves in concert halls during Sean O’Riada’s performances of traditional Irish music during the 1950s. Since then, its use has become standard fare in numerous bands, folk groups, as well as informal music sessions worldwide.
Styles
No matter whether a drummer uses brushes, beaters or fingers to play their bodhran drum, there are various styles of playing which give each instrument its unique sound. Some drummers might favor one particular approach while others employ multiple styles for an unmistakably distinct sound.
Sean O Riada and Mel Mercier have taken bodhran to new heights with their modern, innovative styles that adapt well to various musical genres. Furthermore, thanks to more accessible drums and teaching resources available today, drumming has never been more accessible to beginners.
McNeela Bodhrans are made specifically with beginners in mind, providing high quality instruments that will become great drums as you master how to play them. You have your choice between Lambeg goat skin or Vellum goat skin so you can select which style works for you.
Techniques
The Bodhran is typically played sitting, with the drum resting erect on one leg. To play it, players hold onto a stick called a Bodhran Tipper held by their right hand (if they are right handed). By touching various points of goat skin with this stick tipper they can change pitch and sound characteristics of their drum.
A skilled bodhran player can strike their drum in different ways to produce various sounds ranging from sharp urgent taps to more melodious ringing beats, producing everything from sharp urgent taps to melodious ringing beats. A drum played skillfully can convey sobs, joy or even martial calls for action! Modern-day bodhrans come equipped with tunable goatskin heads which enable players to adjust the tone of their drum.
Materials
The Bodhran is a type of frame drum with its own distinctive playing techniques: either by using your hand or stick (tipper, cipin). As part of this rhythmic act, dampening the skin on its open side alters its sound from low bassy sounds up to extremely high pitched ones.
A drum is comprised of a circular wooden frame clad with goatskin stretched over it and secured. To secure its position on the frame, either nails, staples, or glue are used; glueing offers more precise tone adjustments.
Irish folk musicians use a bodhran, also known as an Irish drum of sorts, as a form of entertainment and stress relief. While its exact source remains uncertain, some speculate it might have evolved from Arabic tambourines or agricultural grain winnowers.
Sizes
Choose a Bodhran drum that suits your hand size and feels comfortable for maximum enjoyment. Additionally, decide if you would prefer shallow or deep frame drums with tuneable skins for best results.
Non-tunable bodhrans may be better for beginners, but investing in a quality tunable bodhran will yield better sound and can compensate for changes in skin tension caused by heat or humidity.
Bodhrans can feature either single or T-bars at the back, limiting how far your tone hand can move around the instrument. Try not to restrict your hand too severely as doing so may restrict its sound output.
