The Bodhran is an Irish circular frame drum which first gained widespread recognition during the folk music revival of the 1960s and has since evolved into an intricate modern instrument.

The bodhran can be played using both fingers and a stick known as a “cipin.” Prominent players like Peadar Mercier of The Chieftains, Tommy Hayes from Planxty and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh all contributed innovative techniques that expanded its musical possibilities.

Origins

Harte offers an entertaining look into the bodhran’s global roots and similarities with older drums found throughout Africa and the Middle East. She explores these basic similarities while taking readers on an engaging tour of its historical and organological development as well as gradual transformation in playing styles over time.

Sean O’Riada can be credited for spearheading the rapid rise of the bodhran drum as an integral element of traditional Irish music and its use in his band The Chieftains, becoming part of it as part of this act’s sound. Since then, it has become the chosen instrument of many musicians worldwide and continues to change and adapt alongside new ideas and innovations.

Construction

At its core, a bodhran is a drum made with goat or calf skin stretched over a circular wooden frame, tuned to produce various notes from urgent to melodious ringing beats and anything in between. When played by an experienced player it can convey anything from sadness and discontentment all the way through to excitement or martial call-to-arms calls.

Historically, the instrument was played using one’s hand or a stick called a cipin, but modern day bodhran players such as Peadar Mercier, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh and John Joe Kelly have elevated its playing capabilities with their sophisticated playing styles.

Sound

The Bodhran is a round frame drum covered with animal skin (typically goat), stretched over one side. To play it, hold its frame with one hand while using another to beat its skin with a tipper stick known as cipin (tipper means to tap); by changing stroke angle and speed, different sounds are created by different players.

The bodhran is unique in that its player can use their skin hand to dampen and tune its drum, changing its sound from low bassy sounds to higher pitched ones. This playing technique was only developed in the 1950s. Christy Moore is an iconic Irish singer/bodhran player renowned for using the instrument alongside her melodic songs.

Techniques

The bodhran has found itself at home across multiple musical genres and become an indispensable component of contemporary music. Its versatile playing techniques enable it to provide either subtle accompaniment or assert itself as a forceful accompaniment in modern songs.

Peadar Mercier and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh have pioneered new playing styles on the bodhran, giving rise to more recognizability and versatility while remaining true to its Irish heritage. Therefore, finding a quality bodhran which can support these evolving musical styles is essential – the McNeela Classic Performance Bodhran offers an affordable yet accessible method of learning advanced rhythm techniques.

Reliability

Most bodhrans are typically played using a small double-ended drumstick known as a “tipper”. Tippers come in various shapes and sizes to offer players different sounds when playing their instrument.

All bodhran techniques rely on two main rhythms, known as jig time and reel time. Once these have been mastered, the bodhran should support melody instruments without drawing too much attention itself.

John Joe Kelly, who plays with Flook and others, is a fine example of this phenomenon. His mastery at accentuating 2+4 adds tremendously to the music, while not mentioning meter can throw most Irish traditional musicians off-balance.

Styles

There are various styles for playing the bodhran, from traditional to contemporary playing techniques. Traditionally, performers would use their bare hand to beat the drum; nowadays a stick called a “cipin” may be preferred instead; its length should match that of your thumb to baby finger to avoid injury.

A bodhran can be constructed using various materials, from synthetic to goatskin. Natural materials produce more authentic and traditional tones. McNeela offers Lambeg and Vellum goatskin that can be attached directly to bodhrans for customization of sound – this allows musicians to explore their individual styles while becoming master percussionists.

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