The Bodhran is one of the most distinctive Celtic instruments. Over its 70 year existence in Irish music, the Bodhran has flourished more than any other instrument.

Irish traditional music features bagpipes as a prominent part of its repertoire, providing dynamic rhythm support to melody instruments both during informal sessions and formal performances. This video tutor contains 13 lessons for novice players all the way up to advanced mastery levels.

Origins

The Bodhran is one of the key drums in Irish traditional music, sharing similar characteristics to frame drums from North Africa and the Middle East, yet possessing unique advantages over other Irish percussion instruments in terms of dynamic control.

The origins of the bodhran remain unclear, although it could have evolved from an indigenous agricultural tool or designed initially as a winnowing basket (to separate wheat chaff from soft kernels) or peat carrier – only later to discover its pleasing sound when hit.

Modern day proponents such as Peadar Mercier and Johnny McDonagh brought it back into prominence, elevating its status within Irish musical tradition.

Construction

Skilled performers of the bodhran can use its sound to express a wide array of emotions and sounds ranging from urgent sharp taps to melodious ringing beats; sobbing laments or martial calls to arms may all be conveyed through its rhythmic beats.

A bodhran is composed of goatskin attached to a circular wooden frame and is subjected to several steps before drying – usually under sunlight – for two or more days.

Once the skin has set, it can be attached to the bodhran using nails, staples or glue. A slight amount of slack in the skin must remain so it can shrink when playing; to address this problem cardboard strips called ‘shims” can help.

Styles

Bodhrans can be played using many distinct playing styles. While anyone can use their hands to strike the drum, most players use a stick known as a cipin to strike it instead. When both ends of a cipin are directly above your head it is known as Kerry style; otherwise if one end extends above it is known as top-end style.

Bodhran masters, such as Christy Moore of Planxty, Peadar Mercier from The Chieftains and Johnny Ringo McDonagh of De Dannan have further refined bodhran playing techniques over time. This includes altering tone of drum to accompany various tunes such as reels or reels while creating complex patterns with fills – light tippers can provide greater agility during fast sessions while heavy ones offer more control and versatility.

Rhythms

Learn bodhran rhythms influenced by different playing styles to keep up with this traditional Irish drum. Modern versions feature tunable internal tone rings with screws for maximum skin control – something Seamus O’Kane revolutionized, enabling his drums to remain in tune even during damp conditions.

A bodhran is typically played seated, with both ends of its beater held above both eyes in Kerry or West Limerick style. If playing top-end style, pitch and sound characteristics may be varied by applying pressure to its rim with one hand.

Bodhrans are commonly featured in traditional Irish bands. Ramin Djawadi’s score for Game of Thrones features this instrument to emphasize its Celtic roots and epic battle scenes.

Accessories

A bodhran is a circular frame drum with a circular face which can be played either with hands or an beater known as a tipper. Originally popular in Irish folk music, today its use has expanded across genres of music.

A bodhran’s frame is composed of various woods, with denser types producing deeper tones. Modern models may feature synthetic skins for consistency and easier maintenance; their tension, which can be adjusted in tunable models, influences its pitch and timbre.

Tipper designs vary from straight sticks to those with bulbous ends to create different playing styles and rhythmic textures. Utilizing all areas of a drum’s rim is encouraged for creating complex sounds; many owners or drum-makers cover their bodhrans with tape in order to reduce edge-loading and dampen unwanted overtones.

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