A bodhran drum boasts many tonal levels that a skilled player can draw out of it. The lower head carries most of the playing load and hits all beats and rhythms.

The upper head can be used for filler notes or playing triplets in unison. Players can dampen sound intensity or alter pitch by sliding their hand from near the center to near the rim of the head.

Origins

Irish traditional music sessions rarely include an Irish bodhran drum without one being present, often featuring in various venues with its accompanying stick for playing known as a cipin or beater.

There has long been debate regarding the origins of this drum. Some believe that its development may have come from another drum or even from winnowing corn sieve, while others suggest its origin may lie further south in continental Europe where similar frame drums were prevalent. Whatever its beginnings may have been, however, today this instrument has become globally acclaimed with increased use by musicians like Sean O’Raida, Peadar Mercier and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh helping its development with innovative ideas.

Construction

A bodhran (pronounced boh-DRAHN) is an Irish frame drum constructed of wood hoop frame covered with goatskin skin that is designed for hitting with both hands or long drum sticks known as beaters, cipins or tippers.

The skin can be adhered to the frame using glue, staples, or nails; however gluing produces the strongest and neatest finish. For optimal vibration performance it must first be dampened down before stretching with sufficient slack; otherwise vibration won’t occur as desired.

Goat skin is most often used, though other varieties such as calf, greyhound and kangaroo leather may also be available. A crossbar may also be added – although this decision depends on your personal tastes and can alter the sound.

Sound

A bodhran, or bow-rawn in Irish, is an Irish frame drum with one side covered with goatskin that’s played using a double-ended beater called a beater or tipper stick. On its open ended side there’s room for one hand to be placed against its drum head to control pitch and tone.

Tradition dictated that performers used their bare hand to strike the bodhran; however, nowadays more commonly it is preferred that players use a special stick called a “cipin,” which matches the length and curvature of their hand for optimal playing style and allows precise hits of certain regions on the drum head for different pitches on this instrument.

Rhythms

Under the direction of an accomplished player, a bodhran can produce sounds to convey sobbing sorrow or military call-to-arms. Sound can be altered using skin hand to control tone; its tuning system allows for an array of notes.

Electrical tape can often be seen adorning the rims of drums, whether by their maker or owner, to reduce “edge-loading” and dampen unwanted overtones as well as enhance their timbre.

All bodhrans require regular maintenance in order to remain in top shape, such as applying dubbin or neatsfoot oil every three to four months for best results. Doing this will keep the skin supple and lively.

Techniques

Traditionalists might use only their bare hands when playing a bodhran, however today cipin sticks may also be employed; these should ideally match up to the length between player thumb and outstretched baby finger.

Right-handed players place the left hand inside of the drum with palm flat, resting against its inside surface, pressing variously against it to alter tone and pitch of drum sound. Bodhran music typically involves sitting to play this instrument.

Instead of playing hard beats, the bodhran should embellish and complement music rather than lead its rhythm and serve as a solo instrument.

Music

Bodhrans are flat drums made from wood hoops covered by goatskin stretched over them – similar to large tambourines but without the bells.

Historically, performers would use their hands to beat a drum; nowadays however, players typically use a short stick known as a cipin to play it; it has two ends that should be held by right-handed performers just above their knees for optimal playback.

The bodhran is an integral component of Irish traditional music, and in the hands of an accomplished player can evoke all kinds of emotional responses — from urgent taps to melodious ringing beats. Additionally, practicing this special instrument helps build coordination skills and increase mindfulness.

Please follow and like us: