How to Play the Bodhran
The bodhran, an Irish traditional drum, experienced a revival along with Irish traditional music during the 1960s. Bodhran players from Sean O Riada such as Mel Mercier, Planxty’s Christy Moore, and De Dannan’s Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh developed new playing techniques.
As much as the bodhran appears to be straightforward, there are certain stick manoeuvres and hand movements which can be challenging for beginners to master – these movements are key components to modern-style playing!
Basics
The Bodhran (pronounced bow-rawn) is a simple frame drum which when played well by an experienced musician can produce some amazing rhythms. It has been an integral part of Irish culture, history and heritage and remains one of the most beloved drums worldwide.
First and foremost, playing a bodhran requires practice and dedication, taking some time to master its basic rhythms of jigs and reels.
Early instruction can be crucial in learning correct playing techniques from the outset, so make sure that you find a great teacher as soon as possible and start listening and studying as many bodhran players as possible to understand their playing styles and gain inspiration for your own playing style. Watching professional bodhran players play is also beneficial, with numerous videos online from beginner lessons all the way up to virtuoso masterly performances available that show exactly how a bodhran should be played correctly and can provide insight into its dynamics that help explain its dynamics better.
Rhythms
Though resembling a snare drum from its appearance alone, the bodhran must be played very differently to ensure maximum sound production. Instead of sitting upright while holding onto it with both hands (right-handed players must use only their left), this instrument must be placed on one knee while being held by one hand (for lefties it must be held with both). By striking different areas of its head you can produce various tones and sounds from it.
Jigs and reels are more advanced rhythms that can be learned once you have mastered basic beats. When learning these songs it is also important to vary the style of playing by using various means to emphasize certain beats for an original sound.
Rimshots are an easy and popular way to add extra bass to a standard beat, while Lambeg or Vellum goatskin skins offer distinctive sounds, making the change easier and creating new beats with each skin change. This will have an immediate impactful impact on how your beats sound overall.
Techniques
The bodhran is an intricate drum which requires multiple techniques for optimal playing. Though challenging to master initially, once you do you will gain an effective tool for Irish music.
Contrary to its counterpart, the bodhran drum can only be played using one hand. Played using only heel of hand for sharp beats and flat of hand for softer sounds. This gives immense variation when performing live; making every performance completely unique!
Steafan Hannigan, an internationally-recognized percussionist, uses this course to illuminate the intricacies of bodhran playing. Beginning slowly and progressing gradually towards advanced techniques, his method is suitable for beginner players of the instrument as it provides all of the techniques and nuances required to produce great bodhran music. An invaluable video method for learning the instrument – from basic techniques such as rhythm patterns for reels, jigs, hornpipes and slip jigs!
Styles
Irish traditional music utilizes the bodhran as an accompanying instrument, not as a lead instrument. Instead, its role should be to complement and embellish the beat by matching its rhythm and ornamenting its beat; traditionally this means playing reels (a standard four-beat rhythm), but this may also include subtly accentuating certain beats within a piece.
The drum can also be played using only your hands rather than with sticks, using similar wrist motion. Fingernails hit against its skin to produce various sounds; when played expertly by skilled drummers it can convey sobs, laughter or even call to action!
Modern bodhrans are frequently designed with single-end style play in mind. They tend to be smaller, making them easier for drummers to maneuver them easily, and sometimes feature cutouts in the rim for crossbar attachment. When selecting your instrument it is essential that it fits your playing style as closely as possible – both its rim and skin must suit it!
