How to Play a Bodhran
Beginners may find playing a bodhran challenging. It requires patience and practice in order to master it; selecting an appropriate instrument is also key.
Modern bodhran drums are single-head frame drums made up of a shallow wooden shell bent into a circle shape and covered with goatskin (or similar animal hide) for one end.
It is a drum
The Bodhran is a frame drum with a goatskin head. This versatile instrument can be played either with hand or stick (cipin). Additionally, its tipper can be lathe-turned to suit player preference; furthermore it may even be tuned.
The exact origins of the bodhran remain obscure; however, ancient Irish warriors from Central Asia or South Europe could have introduced it. Since Celtic times, however, it has been an integral part of Irish music and remains popular with folk musicians today.
La an Dreoilin (Wren Boys’ Day), also known as Celtic New Year or Pagan New Year, sees Wren boys go house to house singing and dancing – probably with Celtic roots but possibly once pagan ritualistic as well – probably due to being associated with treachery it may also serve as a symbol for Irish independence! This festival takes place every January 1st (Wren Boys’ Day).
It is a musical instrument
Bodhrans are frame drums characterized by goatskin heads. Typically measuring 35-45 cm in diameter and 9-20 cm deep, these instruments may be struck either with one’s hand or using an instrument called a tipper/beater/stick/cipin to strike them.
The Bodhran is often seen as an entryway into an elite community of musicians, yet is also accessible enough for non-musicians to learn how to play it. Unfortunately, many who rely on playing Bodhrans do so only to appear like musicians – often just playing for fun rather than as actual musicians themselves.
A bodhran player must possess both the ability to improvise, as well as know which notes to strike upon the drum. Applying pressure to the underside of the skin alters its sound from urgent taps to melodious ringing beats; more experienced bodhranists may even use emotion-provoking sounds such as sobs, laughter or martial calls to action on this instrument that’s so versatile it has even created its own genre! Since so many players have their own style using it.
It is a ritual instrument
The Bodhran is one of the most influential Irish musical instruments. Since it first gained international renown as an instrument used in various styles by Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh of De Dannann, its popularity has only grown further worldwide. Vivid players like virtuoso players like Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh have developed unique playing techniques using tippers – lathe-turned pieces similar to sticks used for bodhran play that act similarly in playback – that offer new techniques when used correctly in playback mode.
There are two techniques for striking the bodhran: Kerry style and Top-End Style. Both techniques are equally effective and often combined together for use. Historically, this instrument was struck hard to create a boomy sound for dance music or celebratory events, and by wrenboys (mummers) who performed local entertainment exchanged for food or drink from local residents – perhaps this tradition dates back millennia or may be linked with St Stephen who was betrayed by an unsuspecting chattering wren while hiding from enemies and then hunted down and killed as punishment from St Stephen.
It is a percussion instrument
A bodhran is an Irish drum with roots in Celtic music that produces rhythmic tones reminiscent of its melodies and beat. You can strike it hard or softly for different tonalities; often used alongside folk songs but can also be integrated into contemporary compositions.
Bodhrans can be played using either the hands or an “tipper,” a lathe-turned stick used to dampen and change the pitch of the instrument. Advanced players often employ “rim shot,” in which they hit it occasionally along its edge, for maximum impact.
Since the 1980s, commercial Irish traditional music groups outside the ceili band genre have popularized the bodhran. Now it is an internationally recognized musical instrument due to rapid advances in mass communications that came after World War II.
