The Bodhran has become the heartbeat of Irish music. Sean O Riada and Ceoltoiri Chualann’s efforts facilitated its rise rapidly.

Peadar Mercier and Johnny McDonagh have revolutionized bodhran playing techniques over the years, changing how musicians approach this versatile instrument.

Origins

There has been much discussion surrounding the origins of the bodhran. Some believe it was initially designed as a tool or implement before being discovered as a means of making music; others speculate it may have evolved from an existing drum or tambourine.

Historically, performers shook the bodhran with their bare hand or occasionally attached jingles to its frame. Later on a stick known as a cipin was created which allowed drummers to control both tone and beat with more accuracy.

The name Bodhran comes from the Irish term for deaf or dull sound and there are various theories as to its origins. One such theory suggests it may have its roots in Christian allusions of St Stephen betraying by talking back; an event which later inspired hunting wrens on his day in memorialization of this unfortunate incident.

Construction

A bodhran is a shallow circular cylinder covered with goatskin on one side. To play it, strike with hand or use an instrument called a “cipin”. Sound quality depends upon individual player style and technique; each sound may vary greatly between different players.

Initially popular during Sean O Riada’s Irish folk music revival of the 1960s, then further popularized by Peadar Mercier, Tommy Hayes and Johny Ringo McDonagh after they took it further musically; nowadays this drum has reached new musical heights thanks to innovative players like Peadar Mercier, Tommy Hayes and Johny Ringo McDonagh who have taken its popularity further still. Bodhran players like Peadar Mercier, Tommy Hayes and Johny Ringo McDonagh have taken it further still; world percussionists also love playing this instrument that shares similarity with frame drums from Middle Eastern frame drums as well as tambourines used by different countries; ultimately it has evolved faster than most Irish traditional instruments of similar type in terms of its development than most Irish traditional instruments of Irish origin!

Sound

The Bodhran is an all-purpose drum that can be played both by hand and using a stick known as a Cipin. It produces sounds ranging from urgent, pulsing beats to melodious ringing tones; and can express various emotions ranging from sobs, grooved session percussion and martial shouts and commands.

The Bodhran was neglected throughout much of the 20th Century until Irish Traditional Music gained popularity during the 1960s. Since then it has seen a dramatic comeback, becoming an integral part of bands such as Chieftains with players like Sean O Riada, Peadar Mercier (and his son Mel), Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh and John Joe Kelly taking it to new heights while others continued developing new techniques and innovations on it as well.

Techniques

There are various styles of playing the bodhran. As a starting point, find one that resonates with you and learn how to play it properly – this shouldn’t be hard as there are workshops, online videos and teachers offering instruction. Also listen out for professional players and study their playing styles for inspiration.

As a beginner, it is crucial that you master the rhythm of music. Start off simple rhythm patterns before progressing onto more complicated ones.

When striking a beater, make sure it is held with your dominant hand with its knuckles just above the playing surface – this provides control over where and how you strike and allows you to produce different tones. Make sure the beater waggles freely in your hand but does not slip too easily out.

Tips for beginners

As with any instrument, practice is key for mastery – and bodhran is no exception. Too many beginners pick up this drum with the good intention of joining Irish music but without dedicating the time needed to mastering it properly.

Listening and learning from professional bodhran players is key when starting out on the instrument, as this will give you a feel for how to play both hands at once. Be sure to choose a size-appropriate drum from Waltons; we offer everything needed for starting playing!

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