The Bodhran is a hand-held frame drum that has become the iconic instrument for Irish music worldwide. Used to accompany reels and jigs during traditional Irish sessions and concerts, its rhythmic beat provides accompaniment.

Sean O Riada made the bodhran famous through Ceoltoiri Chualann in the 1960s, and its popularity has only continued to increase ever since.

History

Initially used as a farming tool, the Bodhran eventually evolved into a musical instrument. Comprised of a frame drum similar to instruments found worldwide and played either with one’s bare hand or using sticks such as tippers, beaters or cipins (tipper beater or cipin), its open side can be dampened to produce sound from deep bass frequencies up to high crisp notes.

A bodhran is typically constructed out of a wood hoop frame covered with goatskin stretched over it. Crossbars may be added behind this material for additional strength; goat skin is most frequently used, although other materials like deer, calf and even kangaroo skin have also been employed for use on some models. First gaining widespread exposure during the revival of Irish traditional music in the 1960s, it has since become an integral component in many music sessions worldwide.

Techniques

There are various techniques you can learn, ranging from basic up and down wrist movement, accompaning jigs and reels, through more sophisticated patterns and fills to intricate fills and more complex fills. But the most essential skill of all is listening to great players and learning traditional music.

The Bodhran is a frame drum instrument, whose sound depends on how its played. Popular players of the Bodhran include Sean O Riada, Peadar Mercier Christy Moore of Planxty and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh who brought it into prominence during the 1960s.

An essential feature of a good bodhran is a deep rim cutout, which reduces edge-loading and dampens unwanted overtones. Sometimes the drum-maker or the owner may also cover their drum’s rim with tape to further control tone.

Styles

At its inception, the bodhran served more as a noisy noisemaker to spur Celtic warriors in battle or cheer on local teams. Over time however, its development as tunable instruments transformed it into an instrument capable of matching rhythmic melodic phrases of tunes – eventually making its popularity internationally widespread through musical giants such as Boys of the Lough’s Robin Morton, Planxty’s Christy Moore and Peadar Mercier of The Chieftains showcasing its versatility.

A bodhran is a traditional Irish frame drum constructed with goatskin stretched over its base, played either with one’s bare hand or using a two-pronged stick called a beater, tipper or cipin. Most often decorated with intricate Celtic designs or GAA county colors as well as family coats of arms for personalization, it often makes its debut during Celtic festivals or family feasts.

Equipment

The bodhran is an instrument in its own right, as well as being an indispensable accompaniment to other instruments like flutes, fiddles and guitar. It provides rhythm and tempo for ensemble or solo playing sessions or can help elevate solo playing sessions.

An Irish drum is a flat frame drum featuring one head made from goat skin or synthetic material stretched over a wooden base, typically used by musicians to play music on. They vary in size from small souvenir units that make great Irish gifts up to large ones used by serious musicians who specialize in tuneable versions.

Beaters, tippers or cipins are used to play these drums. Their sound can be altered with damping the open side of goatskin goatskin to alter its sound quality and altering its sound characteristics. Drums may feature anything from intricate Celtic spirals and GAA county colors to family coats of arms painted onto them for aesthetic reasons.

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