The Bodhran is at the core of Irish traditional music. Capable of complex rhythms when performed successfully, when played well it can truly enhance any piece.

Bodhran playing can be an enjoyable way to connect with Irish heritage and express creatively, while improving physical coordination and mental focus.

The history of the bodhran

Nowadays, it is hard to imagine an Irish music session without hearing the distinctive percussion sound of the bodhran, but this wasn’t always the case.

Bodhrans are circular drums composed of animal skin (usually goatskin) stretched tightly across one side. On the opposite side is left open for players to place their hand for pitch and tone control.

This percussion instrument may have evolved from the tambourine, a widespread European instrument. It likely arrived in Ireland sometime during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries through trade routes with southern England.

Bodhrans became a regular feature in folk traditions of St Stephen’s Day, where Wren boys would beat them as part of an ancient ritual known as ‘hunting the wren’. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that playing became more musical; during that decade saw virtuoso players such as Robin Morton of The Boys of the Lough; Peadar Mercier from The Chieftains; Christy Moore of Planxty; Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh from De Dannan; all players developed new playing techniques; De Dannan’s Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh developed his playing techniques as well.

The frame

A bodhran is a type of frame drum featuring stretched skin stretched over a circular wooden frame, typically goat skin which is either tacked down or glued directly onto it. Modern versions also include tuning systems which enable drummers to control the quality of sound produced by this instrument.

The Bodhran is an adaptable percussion instrument; when played skillfully it can convey a range of emotions from urgent military marches to melodious orchestral cymbal-esque beats. Pressure applied directly beneath its drumhead can change its tone instantly.

Traditionally, the bodhran was held with one hand, with its heel creating loud beats while its flat palm produced softer ones. Nowadays however, most players use both hands simultaneously, hitting various parts of their body to produce different sounds from it.

The skin

A bodhran is a single-headed frame drum with goat skin stretched across one side, played using a wooden beater or tipper known as a beater, tipper or cipin to strike its surface. Tighten or loosen its skin to adjust pitch and timbre accordingly.

Modern bodhran owners frequently cover the rim of their drum with electrical tape to reduce “edge-loading,” which affects tone quality and dampen unwanted overtones. Doing this helps decrease edge loading while also dampening unwanted overtones.

Bodhrans that are regularly treated will produce crisp, clear sound. Treatment frequency depends on climate; for optimal results it should take place at least once every month in wet climates; otherwise treat more frequently if your climate is dry. Be wary not to overcondition as overdoing it could result in shrinking skin or tone loss; to warm it up first before treating, position near a low heat source like an electric fireplace or radiator.

The beater

A bodhran is an Irish drum comprised of a circular wooden frame with an attached goatskin head tacked onto one side, played using a small stick known as a beater, tipper or cipin to control pitch and tone. Furthermore, one side of the drum remains open-ended so players can apply pressure with their hand for greater pitch and tone control.

Beaters come in various shapes and sizes, each producing its own distinctive sound. Selecting an appropriate beater can help you begin playing bodhran or take your existing instrument to new levels of success.

Hot rod beaters are an extremely popular option, consisting of multiple thin dowels held together with tape. This beater produces a softer sound with just a subtle click that is more versatile than hard tippers which only produce one tone. You could also try weighted beaters which feature metal weights fixed inside their tips to lessen pressure applied on wrists and relieve pressure during practice sessions.

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