The bodhran is an Irish frame drum traditionally played with one’s hands; nowadays however it is most frequently struck with a stick known as a cipin.

Since Sean O’Riada first made the bodhran famous, innovative ideas have continued to be added by players and makers alike. For example, electrical tape is often used to cover the edge of skin plates to reduce edge-loading while dampening atmospheric conditions.

Origins

There are various theories as to the origins of the bodhran. It may have descended from frame drums used by Celts and has similarities with older drums from northern Africa and the Middle East.

James Davey began making bodhrans commercially for tourism purposes during the 1920s; however, soon enough they were overwhelmed by demand from musicians’ circles.

Innovative players such as Peadar Mercier and Johnny McDonagh have expanded the boundaries of playing techniques. John Joe Kelly brought rhythms from other music into bodhran playing during the nineties and developed a unique technique for dampening and altering pitch of skin with left hand dampening and changing pitch.

Construction

A bodhran is a frame drum similar to that found on tambourines without its jangling parts and with a deep, somber tone. Originally played with one hand but later players used a small beater known as a “cipin”.

Variations in atmospheric conditions may cause the skin of the drum to tighten or loosen, altering its pitch. To account for these fluctuations, many players saturate it with water or beer (which could damage its long-term integrity) in order to adjust accordingly.

Other methods of pitch adjustment involve placing the bodhran near an external heat source such as a radiator, hair-dryer, stove or hearth and tapping with care until its skin has adjusted to temperature changes.

Sound

Bodhrans have come a long way since early frame drum-esque instruments used in ancient ceremonies. Thanks to innovations in construction and playing techniques, today this versatile instrument is an essential element of traditional Irish music.

Sean O Riada reintroduced bodhrans, while Peadar Mercier took them to new heights through The Chieftains. Johny Ringo McDonagh further explored techniques such as dampening sound with one hand while changing pitch with another; innovative players like Flook’s Tommy Hayes have even integrated rhythms from other genres into their work! Today bodhrans are readily available, with beginner workshops online encouraging newcomers while more experienced musicians push its boundaries beyond traditional Irish music.

Techniques

As part of the Irish traditional music resurgence in the 1960s, bodhran playing techniques were refined. This included eliminating jingles and using thinner lambeg skins for improved sound quality; players such as Peadar Mercier, Christy Moore and Johnny Ringo McDonagh further refined playing styles and styles.

Tippers are another key element of bodhran playing and should be carefully considered when choosing one to fit one’s rhythmic or energetic playing styles. By testing out various tippers to find one which best meets a player’s preferences.

Styles

Harte’s book provides an insightful account of the history and development of playing styles for bodhran. Based on extensive interviews with makers, players, musicians, historians and more than 250 bodhran players from around the world he researched his findings extensively.

Bodhran players should experiment with various tippers until they find one that best meets their needs. A light tipper might work best with faster reels while heavier models might be suitable for slower jigs.

Listening to different styles of bodhran playing in context with a track can also provide invaluable insight. Listen carefully as to how each bodhran player positions themselves/themselves relative to the tune and complements other backing musicians.

Recording

The Bodhran is an integral component of Irish traditional music, though its presence can also be heard in Celtic rock and world music. An accomplished Bodhran player can provide rhythm and tone that accent the melody or complement other instruments within a piece.

Traditional performers would strike the drum with their hands; nowadays a stick called a cipin is often preferred; its ideal length corresponds to that of an outstretched thumb to outstretched baby finger on an outstretched hand.

Innovative bodhran players have pioneered techniques that extend its versatility and depth of sound. Peadar Mercier pioneered incorporating drum set grooves into session work; John Joe Kelly added rhythms from other musical genres into his melodic playing.

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