The Bodhran Instrument
For those who enjoy creating rhythms, the bodhran is an ideal instrument. Additionally, its melodic nature makes it suitable for accompanying melodies.
The bodhran is an intricate drum made up of a circular wooden frame and goatskin head. To reduce edge-loading and dampen unwanted overtones, its rim may often be coated with tape – this helps minimize “edge-loading”.
Origin
Ireland has long relied on drums played with both hands or sticks since ancient times, yet only became recognized as a musical instrument during Sean O’Riada and others’ revival of Irish folk music in the 1960s.
Seamus O’Kane pioneered techniques that revolutionized both playing and making for the bodhran. These included using thin Lambeg skins, an adjustable tuning system with screws to tighten or loosen its head, and an internal tone ring which reduced edge-loading.
This elevated both the lowly bodhran and Irish music itself. No longer limited to kitchen sessions and pubs, the humble frame drum found itself playing concerts and theatre shows around the country.
Construction
The bodhran is a frame drum similar to tambourines found across different cultures. Traditionally, its drumhead was traditionally made from goat skin for an authentic tone; however, synthetic heads are becoming increasingly popular due to less maintenance requirements and providing consistent sound quality.
Bodhrans can be constructed with either solid wood or veneered shells. Staved shells tend to be cheaper but may warp over time; veneered shells provide greater longevity.
A revolutionary design allows the bodhran to be tuned by driving an internal tone ring with screws to tighten or loosen its head, eliminating external tuning altogether and making for lighter and more musical playing styles. Most professional makers now utilize this approach.
Tone
The Bodhran is an Irish drum with its own distinct sound. Although fully developed since 1950, its playing technique was refined over time by musicians such as Seamus O’Kane and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh who further refined it over time. Today it remains a beloved Irish instrument both within Ireland and around the globe.
McNeela Irish Bodhran Course offers students a thorough education in playing the bodhran using proper technique; from holding it correctly and playing basic strokes and accompanying reels and jigs to varying tone of their drum and playing more complex patterns and “fills”, always emphasizing proper techniques and hand/arm control as each note must be played using wrist.
Techniques
The Bodhran is a hand-held frame drum played with a tipper or beater stick, striking down on its goatskin skin for rhythm and sound production.
Historically, performers would use only their hands to play a bodhran; however, today more drummers use bodhran sticks when performing.
A bodhran stick resembles the shape of a pencil or pen and should be held by right-handed musicians (if applicable). Players gently hold onto its wooden rim, pressing it against the skin of the drum. Finally, using its backside as an expressive canvas surface.
Practice
As with any musical instrument, mastering the bodhran requires time and dedication. Listen closely to experienced bodhran players, and observe how they emphasize and accent natural rhythms within tunes.
A bodhran may be struck either with one’s bare hand or using a double ended stick called a tipper, beater, or cipin – which should correspond in length with their hand from thumb to outstretched baby finger.
Bodhrans should be played carefully to preserve their skin – the most essential component of any drum! Once players have acquired basic rhythm techniques, they can move onto more intricate accompaniment such as reels and jigs and even more complex patterns and “fills.”
