The Bodhran is an easy frame drum with versatile sounds; when played properly by an experienced player it can produce everything from urgent taps to melodious ringing beats – ideal for people who prefer rhythm over melody.

Bodhran players require delicate yet swift wrist movements in order to play their instrument smoothly and effortlessly. Furthermore, they must know where their hands should be positioned so as to adjust pitch and timber of their drum.

Origins

The Bodhran is an Irish drum made of wooden frame with goatskin head. Tuning options range from fixed or tuneable, while tippers may also be attached for additional beaters and beater attachment. Skilled players can produce intricate rhythmic patterns.

Origins of the Irish Bodhar remain obscure; it could have come through trade or pagan traditions; its name likely derives from “bodhar”, meaning deaf or dumb as well as hollow sound.

Before the 1960s, Irish music sessions rarely included this music genre. That changed when traditional musician Sean O Riada reintroduced it through Ceoltoiri Chualann (later The Chieftains). Since then it has become a cornerstone of Irish sessions worldwide.

Construction

Though small in size, the bodhran is an intricate instrument. Composed of a circular wooden frame covered by goat skin stretched across one side, and featuring open ends which can be struck using either a tipper stick or even your hand as the striker, its components form one complete musical system.

A skin is first soaked in a solution to render it flexible before being dried – ideally under direct sunlight, to bleach out any oils that have formed on its surface and to bleach further as it dries. After drying, it must then be loosely stretched over the frame with some room left for shrinkage during drying, though too much slack could compromise sound production and sound production from a drum.

The skin can then be attached to the frame either through nailing, stapleing or glueing; glueing being the strongest and neatest option.

Sound

Although commonly associated with Irish dance music, bodhran can also be used as part of any genre of music. You can beat hard on it for a dramatic sound or softly play it for an ambient vibe.

Some players prefer using only their bare hands while playing an instrument, a technique not commonly utilized but which can produce effective rhythmic results.

Traditional bodhrans were typically constructed using lambeg skin. Today, some drummers prefer using vellum skin which provides much quieter and subtler sound production and makes the drum more responsive to player touch.

Techniques

There are numerous renowned Bodhran players and each has his/her own style of playing Bodhran. If you wish to learn the instrument, then emulating their tricks and gestures as this will allow you to improve your own playing capabilities.

Skilled players of the bodhran can use it to express sadness, happiness or martial action. Applying pressure underside of skin changes sound from urgent taps to melodious ringing beats.

A bodhran can be played using either a stick or fingers, with Kerry or West Limerick styles typically using two hands together over both ends held directly above their heads to play it in Kerry or West Limerick style. Fingers may also be used to dampen sound and change pitch; although, other players use mixed styles.

Music

A bodhran can express an array of musical emotions ranging from urgent taps to melodious ringing beats, while in the hands of an accomplished player it can emote sorrow, joy or even provide an inciting call for action.

Traditional methods for hitting a bodhran drum include striking it with one’s hand or with a stick known as a cipin. Peadar Mercier, Johnny McDonagh and John Joe Kelly have been considered leaders in developing techniques for playing the bodhran.

Their contribution has cemented the bodhran as one of Ireland’s most beloved musical instruments. Their style and technique has expanded the scope of the instrument while setting an unsurpassed standard for quality; their influence can be heard everywhere from traditional Irish tunes to contemporary compositions; melody players have also adopted it into their playing repertoires.

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