How to Play the Bodhran
The bodhran is an Irish traditional drum featuring a goatskin head and wooden frame. It can be played either with one’s bare hands, or using an instrument called a “cipin,” “tipper,” or “beater” stick.
No matter which approach you take to learning how to play the bodhran, playing it should be relatively straightforward. Certain hand movements and placements may prove more difficult.
Basic techniques
The bodhran may resemble a snare drum in appearance, but its playing technique differs significantly. Before beginning to play this instrument, it’s essential that you first familiarise yourself with its basic techniques so you don’t make errors that could result in injury or hinder your playing style. One great way to learn these fundamentals is via online tutorial videos.
A bodhran is a circular drum with an inner skin and outer rim that’s designed for comfortable playing by its drummer. To play properly, players must keep its wooden rim against his or her thigh or knee when performing.
Tommy Hayes provides an introduction to playing the bodhran. This video covers fundamental techniques as well as regional styles of bodhran playing such as tone variations and rolls; advanced techniques such as triplets and upbeats; this tutorial serves as an excellent resource for anyone seeking to master basic bodhran playback techniques.
Techniques for playing reels
The bodhran is an Irish drum which can be played using both hands, however most players prefer using only one to hold the beater and use their other to play the drum – this method of play is known as bare-hand style and requires less muscle strength to perform effectively.
Beginners just learning the bodhran may benefit from playing in this style as it allows them to develop basic techniques of playing it while exploring various rhythms and techniques. McNeela Irish Bodhrans offer quality instruments for practice sessions of this sort.
Reels in 4/4 time are iconic Irish dance tunes with strong rhythm and melodic features, perfect for practicing basic techniques of playing the bodhran while learning accentuating downstrokes and upstrokes. Furthermore, matching your playing to the tempo and feel of each song is also key.
Techniques for playing jigs
As with any instrument, regular practice is the key to mastering the bodhran. Experiment with various strikes and rolls until you find one that suits your unique style. Try keeping your tempo consistent and follow the rhythm of each tune – understanding Irish traditional music dynamics will also be beneficial when practicing the bodhran.
The Bodhran is an exceptionally versatile drum that can be played using many techniques. Playing it can be both relaxing and engaging; join a Bodhran Group or attend workshops to enhance your playing.
Irish music’s key point is that its tune is everything. Mike O’Regan writes on IRTRAD-L that, for instance, bodhran should not serve as a rock drummer but should rather accompany and match its rhythm with that of the tune, something which requires considerable practice, listening, and experimentation with different players and tunes.
Techniques for playing syncopated rhythms
Bodhran players historically employed their hands when playing, but these days most use a wooden stick called a cipin, beater or tipper to strike its goatskin head. This allows a variety of rhythmic expressions from urgent taps to melodious ringing beats; when played by skilled musicians it can even convey sobs, mirth or martial calls for action!
Two different playing styles are popular. If both ends of the cipin are held directly above the head, this is known as Kerry or West Limerick style; when one end lies above and another below, this is top-end style; although many players do not stick strictly to either one.
One way to change the sound of a bodhran is to emphasize its weak beats (beats two and four) which typically aren’t highlighted in Western music, creating new patterns that are very cool to listen to.
