A bodhran is an Irish drum with an open single-skin frame design and simple sound quality, typically played by Irish music groups. Some players beat it using only their hands while others use a stick known as a “cipin”.

The oldest depiction of a bodhran dates back to 1833 when it appeared in a painting of a house party on Halloween.

Origin

There has been much discussion of the roots of this humble Irish frame drum. Some speculate its development from a Celtic war drum while others point out similarities with tambourines found throughout southern continental Europe.

The bodhran first rose to fame during the folk revivals of the 1950s and 60s, yet evidence suggests its existence for much longer. Musicians used it for entertainment on Saint Stephen’s Day (December 26) known as wrenboys or strawboys to entertain local communities through dances, songs and plenty of good cheer – an event known as Saint Stephen’s Day Carnivals (sorry!).

Sean O Riada is widely acclaimed as one of the pioneers who brought bodhran into wider public awareness through leading Ceoltoiri Chualann with Peadar Mercier of the Chieftains as one of its members. A true innovator, Sean invented numerous revolutionary playing techniques such as backslide playing on drum rim and backslide playing to expand bodhran’s appeal and accessibility.

Styles

The Bodhran is an ancient drum with an iconic goatskin drumhead and an X-shaped crossbar at its back – something not found elsewhere, though likely one of the oldest musical instrument designs worldwide.

Modern bodhrans are typically constructed from a combination of materials, including wood, leather and synthetic skin. Some models feature an automatic tuning system to loosen or tighten the drumhead; others may use Vellum skin that was traditionally used to produce ancient Irish manuscripts.

As with any instrument, playing a bodhran requires following the rhythm of music closely, with good partitions between left hand and right hand for partitioning, clear rhythmic structures and structured play, appropriate embellishments as needed and conscious volume control being key components to successful bodhran playing.

Techniques

There are various techniques for playing bodhran. It can be played sitting down or standing up and hit with either a short stick called a cipin, beater, or tipper; alternatively it may also be played using either just the knuckles of one hand (Kerry style) or both ends (Kerry style).

Electrical tape is often applied to the rim of a bodhran by both its maker and owner in order to reduce edge loading of its skin and dampen unwanted overtones, giving greater control of its sound. Sean O Riada, Mel Mercier and Johnny McDonagh have further refined playing techniques on bodhrans as part of traditional Irish music; furthermore they have also contributed contemporary Irish music alongside Mike Oldfield.

Recordings

There are various recordings available of the bodhran. While some focus on one specific genre or style of music, others provide general inspiration. They can provide beginner players with great sources of motivation. Irish rhythm instruments differ from rock instruments in that they do not create rhythm but rather emphasize it by accentuating or emphasizing existing beats and accents.

The Bodhran is also associated with the ancient St Stephen’s Day tradition of hunting the Wren. This may have its source in both mythological associations with treachery as well as pagan Celtic midwinter rituals.

Sean O’Riada introduced the bodhran into traditional Irish music in the 1950s through LP recordings he produced. Through his efforts, its global popularity spread and players such as Mel Mercier and Johnny McDonagh developed new playing techniques on this ancient instrument.

Instruments

Bodhrans are Irish frame drums ranging in size from 9 to 25 inches. Their shallow cylindrical shell is typically constructed out of steamed plywood bent into a circle, covered by goatskin that has been attached by tacking. Their back skin is punctured by two wood strips intersecting at right angles to provide handles.

The bodhran has long been the subject of considerable debate regarding its etymology, origin and history (e.g. MacMahon 1978; Such 1985; McGann 1996; Cunningham 1999).

Selecting the ideal bodhran size is key for successful playing. Aim for one that fits comfortably in your hand without dropping it, while also helping it stretch to produce different tones and sounds. Rubbing its surface with clean water prior to use may further expand its potential and produce greater variations of sound production.

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