The Bodhran Drum is a Key Part of Irish Traditional Music
The Bodhran is an integral component of Irish traditional music, functioning as a rhythm instrument that keeps time with the beat of music and is widely used for dance tunes such as reels and jigs.
Bodhrans have become an icon of Irish identity worldwide and an indispensable musical instrument in world music.
Origins
The bodhran is an Irish frame drum with roots in Celtic culture and similarity to older frame drums used throughout Africa and the Middle East.
Traditional drumming was done using one’s bare hand; today however, most performers utilize a stick called a cipin to produce an array of sounds on the instrument.
Upon the revival of traditional music in the 1950s, led by Sean O’Riada’s arrangements for Ceoltoiri Chualann (later dubbed The Chieftains), bodhrans once more became widely played, eventually spreading throughout Ireland and beyond due to masterful players like Peadar Mercier and John Joe Kelly as well as innovative ideas from makers and players. Bodhrans have since become staples in Celtic musical genres worldwide.
Construction
A bodhran is a drum made from goat or calf skin stretched over a wooden frame and immersed in a solution of water and glue for two days, then stretched and dried out of doors to avoid an unpleasant odour.
The drum should be played while sitting erect on one thigh with one hand (in case of right-handeders it should be their left). By touching various areas on its skin pitch and sound characteristics can be varied to create different pitches and sounds.
Since Sean O Riada reintroduced the bodhran during Ireland’s traditional music revival of the 1960s, countless musicians have elevated its playing technique and increased its versatility through creative playing techniques and innovative makers and tippermakers. However, while this instrument may appeal to some people more than others, too many individuals pick it up without dedicating enough time or energy towards learning how to properly play it.
Sound
No traditional Irish music session would be complete without hearing the distinct sound of a bodhran drum, thanks to its popularity worldwide following Irish folk music revival’s start in the 1960s.
Sean O Riada, Peadar Mercier and the Chieftains are largely responsible for reinvigorating bodhran music with their performances; their innovations established it as an integral component of Irish musical culture.
Bodhrans can produce an array of sounds, from sharp urgent taps to more melodious ringing beats. Achieving great sound production lies with both technique used by players and quality of drum itself; atmospheric conditions also affect its pitch.
Techniques
No matter your skill level, finding an instructor to guide your playing techniques early on is vital for avoiding bad habits that could result in repetitive motion injuries.
Additionally, it’s advisable to listen to as many different bodhran players as possible in order to gain an appreciation for their individual styles and roles in traditional Irish music. Gaining knowledge of different tune types will prove useful when attending sessions.
Experienced percussionist, Steafan Hannigan provides all of the details and techniques involved with playing bodhran in this softcover book with CD. Perfect for beginners and with plenty of examples and exercises included throughout.
Equipment
The skin can be attached to the frame in various ways: nailing, stapleing or gluing are all viable methods; glue provides for the tightest stretch possible of the skin and is typically dampened prior to attachment to reduce edge-loading and dampen unwanted overtones.
Irish percussionists like Peadar Mercier, Tommy Hayes, Johny Ringo McDonagh and many others have elevated this humble drum to new heights in concert hall settings bringing with them traditional Irish music from home.
Professional modern bodhrans often include adjustable tuning mechanisms similar to those found on drum kits, which can be adjusted with a hex key. Some frames also include one or two crossbars that can be removed for pitch-bending techniques used today.
