Start playing the bodhran without needing prior musical experience; however, some stick and hand movements may require practice to master.

McNeela Music in Dublin provides this free bodhran lesson that is sure to get your playing off on the right foot. Their video lesson is comprehensive yet user friendly – giving an introduction into playing Irish traditional instruments.

Learning the basics

Starting a new instrument can be daunting. Finding a qualified teacher and developing correct playing technique from the outset are essential. Paying attention to professional bodhran players may also speed up this process by showing how they embellish natural rhythms of songs while matching up their tempo with that of music is also highly helpful.

The Bodhran is an Irish drum composed of goatskin or calf skin stretched over a wooden frame, played using a tipper stick usually held like a pencil in one hand. As one of the oldest musical instruments ever created, its popularity and significance in Irish culture and heritage are undeniable.

The word bodhran comes from Irish Gaelic root bodha, meaning “deaf,” and can be pronounced bow-rawn. There are various other names for the drum in different languages but bodhran remains one of the most prevalent choices. While learning it quickly is possible, mastery takes time and dedication.

Rhythm

Learning rhythm is central to mastering the bodhran. Traditionally used as an accompanying instrument, and often positioned before other instruments in a musical ensemble, keeping time with and matching your own rhythm with that of other musicians is of vital importance when performing on this instrument.

The Bodhran is an indeterminate-pitch drum with many variations possible when played by an experienced musician. Striking occurs with either hand while adding the double ended stick known as a Cipin (tipper) allows a range of strokes which create different rhythms and textures.

Keep the bodhran on your left leg (if right-handed), with its goatskin drum head facing right, holding a cipin in your right hand like you would hold a pencil. Aim the writing tip of your stick at the back of the drum, striking upwards onto its skin for an audible and soft tone.

Tuning

Skilled players of the bodhran can use it to produce an array of notes and sounds, particularly if there is no handle. It is typically played sitting down, with one hand (in case of right-handeders the left) resting underside of drum, and one beater or stick placed over both ends of its head.

Initial bodhrans were noisy drums with bells attached to their frames or jingles on their skin, but as interest in Irish traditional music increased so did its quality. Renowned players like Peadar Mercier from The Chieftains, Planxty Christy Moore, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh from De Danann and De Danann’s Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh developed playing techniques which elevated bodhrans beyond just an accompaniment percussion instrument.

Tuning a bodhran is an integral component of learning this instrument. Your aim should be to achieve an even tone across its free vibrating surface with even tension throughout its skin, producing an earthy sound color and nice post-pulse oscillation.

Technique

Learning the bodhran requires keeping in mind that you’re not simply trying to beat time; rather, your aim should be elevating the music and keeping listeners interested in what they hear. A skilled bodhran player makes for an engaging musical experience for their listeners – knowing tunes well so you can follow along is essential!

Easy as it may be to pick up on the basic rhythm, more work is required to develop skills that elevate music. Bodhran can be an intimidating instrument to master with its various stick movements and hand positions which may prove tricky to control.

Steafan Hannigan’s comprehensive tutor book on traditional bodhran playing provides all of the details and guidance a beginner needs for successful bodhran play, without taking anything for granted. All aspects are explained step-by-step using numerous examples and exercises, from care-and-maintenance instructions through music help features to an extensive discography of Irish folk musicians who use bodhrans; plus there is even a CD of demonstration tracks played by Steafan Hannigan himself!

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