Bodhran is a frame drum played with one or both hands. Although the technique may appear straightforward, playing it requires skill and precision for optimal results.

Bodhran has long been associated with Irish tradition, particularly during the hunt for Wren on St Stephen’s Day. But in more recent years, it has also become an instrumental powerhouse with innovations from players like Johnny Ringo McDonagh from De Dannan and Stocktons Wing’s Tommy Hayes from Stocktons Wing.

Origins

There is not much known about the origins of the bodhran drum. Beating it either by hand or with a tipper-beater-cipin made from lathe-turned wood allows for expansive sound production while using a lathe-turned cipin allows fine control over dynamics.

It is thought that the Bodhran originated from the frame of a Cornish traditional instrument known as Crowdy Crawn. After experiencing a major revival in the 1960s thanks to Sean O Riada, it has since become an essential element of Irish music – providing melody, harmony and rhythm as elements required by music itself.

Construction

A bodhran frame consists of a circular wooden hoop covered with goatskin, sheep skin or other animal hide. Once stretched over the frame and secured using nails, staples or glue, this skin must have enough give to stretch over it without becoming loose – otherwise sound will not come through clearly enough!

The Bodhran is an integral component of Irish Traditional Music, particularly as an accompaniment for flute players. Additionally, its use adds lift and energy to seisun or groups of musicians playing jigs, reels, polkas and so forth.

Sound

Goatskin adds an intriguing, rich sound to this instrument that’s exclusive to itself and allows for various tones depending on how it’s played.

Traditionaly, performers would use both hands or sometimes a stick called a cipin to beat the drum; however, with modern innovations such as thin lambeg skins and improved playing techniques, sound quality of the bodhran has greatly increased.

Peadar Mercier, Johnny Ringo McDonagh and John Joe Kelly have brought the bodhran to the forefront of Irish traditional music over recent decades with their innovative play on this instrument that harmonizes with other melodic instruments.

Techniques

The Bodhran is traditionally played by resting it on a musician’s knee and striking it with a short double-ended stick called a tipper, creating its signature sound – thudding, which is very characteristic of Irish traditional music.

Peadar Mercier and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh were pioneers in introducing bodhran playing into band context, while John Joe Kelly introduced more rhythmical forms that integrated drum set grooves into bodhran playing.

Today there are numerous styles and techniques for playing bodhran, such as using the skin hand on the back of the frame to dampen or adjust pitch; or employing melodious beats on its cipin for melodious beats.

Styles

The Bodhran is an ideal instrument to accompany melody players at an Irish music session, offering endless rhythmic possibilities.

A bodhran is played using a “cipin,” or playing stick, that should extend from thumb to baby finger on both hands of the player and be long enough for them to use their thumb and forefinger for strumming on top of the drum while striking against its surface to produce rolls.

Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh was an innovator on the bodhran, pioneering new playing techniques and joining groups such as De Dannan. Additionally, he was among the first to use one hand on its back to dampen its sound – making his instrument more quiet while performing.

History

In its early history, the Bodhran was used by farmers to sort grain seeds from heavier shells or chaff, as well as an instrument played musically during Saint Stephen’s Day harvest festivals by Wren boys and Mummers who entertained locals during Saint Stephen’s Day harvest festivals.

Today, the bodhran is one of Ireland’s most beloved musical instruments, enjoying unparalleled popularity since traditional Irish music’s revival during the 1960s.

Collins Harte explores how the design and playing style of the bodhran have evolved throughout its history through interviews with participants involved with its creation and performance practice – an invaluable source of information on this important drum.

Please follow and like us: