Learn to Play the Bodhran
The Bodhran is a frame drum played with either hands or sticks and offers great versatility as an instrument, producing everything from urgent taps to melodious ringing beats, sobbing calls, or cheerful rally calls.
Its versatility has transformed it from an obscure farm implement to an intricate musical instrument, adding rhythm, depth, and energy to Irish music.
It is made of goatskin
The bodhran is a circular frame drum with goatskin attached on one side. Used as a percussive instrument, the bodhran can be played both barehand and with a stick called a cipin. Traditionally the skin would have been preserved using cow manure; modern versions now utilize synthetic leather, providing more consistent sound quality while giving players greater control when striking the drum more precisely.
Decorated drum skins range from Celtic spirals to GAA county colors or family coats of arms; none of these additions interfere with sound production but instead add visual interest and enhance its visual beauty.
The bodhran has become a prominent element in Irish traditional music and other musical styles alike. Sean O Riada is one of the foremost innovators on this instrument; under his guidance more bands now utilize this instrument. Mel Mercier, known for playing it within De Dannann as well as with Mike Oldfield is another well-recognized bodhran player.
It is played on the side
No matter your skill level or experience with drumming, anyone can learn to play the bodhran. Just be patient and practice regularly until you become adept at it – the key is following the rhythm of whatever music you’re playing!
A bodhran is a simple drum made up of a frame with goatskin stretched on one side; these days synthetic skin is often preferred over real goatskin. Bodhrans can either be played sitting down, standing up, or using sophisticated pitch-changing techniques allowing a player to adapt it for each song being performed.
Listening to professional bodhran players is the best way to practice. Pay attention to how they highlight natural rhythms of tunes, then try and emulate their playing styles. Also take notice of how they hold the instrument, as this will help develop better grip. Keep in mind that many bodhrans don’t come equipped with internal tuning mechanisms but rather can be easily tuned via external means.
It is played with a stick
The Bodhran is an Irish frame drum traditionally played with a stick. Featuring a shallow circular frame covered with goatskin, this instrument can be played both sitting or standing and usually held erect on one’s thigh for optimal playing position. A skilled player uses their stick to strike different parts of its skin to alter pitch and sound characteristics; also used for dampening sounds and producing urgent taps or melodious ringing beats depending on his playing skills.
Early bodhrans were frequently employed in ritualized performances, particularly on St Stephen’s Day (26 December). Wren Boys would travel from house to house hunting for treasure and entertaining local people with music, songs and dance.
Today, bodhrans are used both musically and ritualistically. Additionally, they’ve become widely popular as decorative items; with styles spanning the gamut from contemporary to retro adorned with eye-catching artwork that shouldn’t be missed.
It is tunable
The bodhran is an Irish musical instrument with wide-ranging applications, from decorative piece to serious instrument. This versatility has elevated it from simple farm implement to sophisticated musical instrument. While traditionally, tuning was done through adding or subtracting shims, these days electrical tape can often be used instead to reduce edge loading, increase skin tension and control overtones while attenuating overtones for greater control of tone control in drumming timbre.
Hold the bodhran near a source of heat to quickly adjust it; this may initially tighten and raise its pitch; however, over time this effect should diminish as its surroundings cool off.
At this time, innovative bodhran players like Sean O Riada and Peadar Mercier were pioneering new techniques. Since then, thousands of people have become adept in playing this ancient instrument which now plays an essential part of Irish music and culture; indeed it even makes an appearance at many fireplaces!
