The Bodhran is a Key Component of Irish Music
The bodhran, an instrument similar to a tambourine, is an integral component of Irish music. From accompanying folk tunes or playing an ensemble piece, its lively rhythms add depth and vibrancy to songs and scenes alike.
Material composition does not significantly impact how a bodhran tipper sounds, but does influence comfort and maneuverability for players. For example, felt tippers are designed to relieve wrist pressure without impacting performance.
Basics
Bodhrans (pronounced bo-rawns) are essential percussion instruments of traditional Irish music, playing an essential part in its soundscape. Classified as frame drums, these hand-held instruments can be played with a small stick called a cipin or tipper or beater for performance.
The bodhran is an easy drum to learn, although some of its intricate maneuvers and hand movements required in modern playing style may require practice to fully comprehend. Luckily, there are numerous tutorial videos online which can assist in your pursuit of playing it like an expert.
These videos begin by providing instructions on how to hold, lock in place and begin learning the fundamental up and down strokes of bodhran playing. When comfortable with these movements you can then develop your own unique styles of bodhran play!
Materials
The bodhran is one of the easiest musical instruments to start playing, unlike traditional Irish instruments like flute or fiddle which may require extensive practice before beginning to make music with! Get started right away! This frame drum provides immediate feedback for creating rhythm.
Bodhran beaters don’t make a significant difference to the sound produced, but the material and shape can affect how comfortable it feels in your hand. You can find an assortment of bodhran beaters online including budget options as well as handcrafted ones.
Hard bodhran beaters are among the most widely used, creating a crisp, loud tone. Other types include split beaters, hot rod dowel beaters, mixed and weighted beaters.
Sizes
The Bodhran is a simple frame drum with a goat skin head tacked to one side and played using a stick called a beater (or tipper, or cipin). Modern playing style requires that one use their beater in order to produce all of the sounds associated with Irish music.
There are various beaters available for use with the bodhran, each producing its own distinct sound. From hard beaters with teardrop or elipsoid heads to split tippers, hotrod dowel beaters, mixed beaters and brushes – the choice of beaters for your instrument is truly vast!
Stevie Moises has also designed several series of beaters with veteran and world-renowned bodhran players in mind, reflecting their individual playing styles and sound ideals. Examples include the RWE-Grip tipper designed with Rolf Wagels; Bodhrods series created for Cormac Byrne; and Eamon Murray’s own EMO beaters series.
Tips
While it is possible to play a bodhran by hand, Irish bodhran playing relies heavily on using a beater or tipper stick made of wood to strike its goatskin drum head and produce various sounds. There are various shapes and sizes of beaters/tipppers on the market which provide plenty of variations for Irish musicians to experiment with when it comes to modern Irish bodhran music.
Hold the Bodhran Beater: For right handed players, place it in your right hand, just above the base of your thumb, with its tip resting between index finger and thumb while resting gently against its tip.
High-quality and lightweight bodhran beater that is suitable for beginners as well as professionals. The double-slopped design helps prevent it from slipping out of your hand, while its slightly longer than average length enables experienced players to nail triplets effortlessly. While there have been some complaints of weight issues associated with it, overall this beater makes a fantastic addition for serious bodhran players!
