Bodhran drums have become an indispensable instrument of many contemporary musical genres, from Celtic rock to global fusion music. Bodhran players have developed techniques that go far beyond their Irish heritage.

Harte draws upon an engaging ethnographic tapestry to explore the long history and organological development of bodhran, as well as its more contemporary use and playing styles.

Origin

The bodhran has global origins, sharing similarities with frame drums found in Africa and the Middle East. However, its modern use as an Irish musical instrument only dates back to 1960 after Sean O Riada started using it professionally.

A gong is a shallow circular drum ranging in size from 10 to 26 inches that’s covered with goat skin on one side and open on the other. Players play it by striking it either directly with their hand or with an instrument known as a tipper beater or cipin stick.

Drummers employ dampening techniques with one hand to alter the sound produced, producing anything from low bass sounds to higher pitched ones. Master bodhran players such as Peadar Mercier of De Dannan and Johnny McDonagh from Chieftains have developed intricate playing styles over time.

Construction

Bodhrans resemble large tambourines without the jangling parts and are generally constructed of goatskin stretched over a circular wooden frame. Modern versions often include insulated edges to reduce vibration-related tones as well as screws for adjusting skin tension depending on atmospheric conditions.

For generations, the bodhran has been an essential element in Irish folk music. Its journey from rustic folk roots to polished modern performances provides insight into cultural transformation and musical innovation. Additionally, its symbolism as part of Irish heritage makes it a great way to introduce your children to its beautiful traditions. Pronounced bow-rawn, the instrument offers an ideal way to introduce Irish heritage.

Sound

Under the watchful eyes of an accomplished player, the bodhran can convey everything from urgent dance beats to melodious ringing rhythms. Pressure applied directly against its underside can also alter its sound; loud or soft volume levels may be selected according to personal taste.

The bodhran first achieved widespread renown as a musical instrument during the 1960s when featured in Irish bands Ceoltoiri Chualann and The Chieftains. At that time, virtuoso players such as Sean O Riada, Peadar Mercier, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh created new playing techniques.

Covering the rim of a drum with electrical tape has become an established practice, pioneered by Seamus O’Kane from Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh. This practice reduces edge loading, dampens unwanted overtones and allows more precise tuning of bodhran.

Rhythm

The bodhran has seen the fastest evolution among any instrument used in Irish traditional music, due to its transformation during the 1960s from ritual instrument to mainstream musical one.

Sean O Riada can be largely credited with this change, having implemented it into Ceoltoiri Chualann.

Seamus O’Kane and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh were two other pioneers on the instrument, introducing new playing techniques and employing various types of skins. Today it is common practice among bodhran players to tape up their drums which reduces edge loading while dampening unwanted overtones; this allows more sensitive, melodic playing; it also increases speed of play.

Styles

While traditionally, the bodhran was played using only one’s bare hand, today most musicians use a stick known as a “cipin”. A typical length for such a stick would be from thumb to outstretched baby finger; this style of playing is known as hand style bodhran playing.

Beaten the drum using only your bare hand is less popular but still possible; other styles have emerged due to musicians from diverse cultures adding rhythms that complement bodhran beautifully.

Many bodhran owners opt to lightly sand their drum skin. This helps smooth it out and lessens any scratching sounds when the tipper hits it.

Techniques

Current-day bodhran players have enhanced and refined the instrument for different styles of music. These advancements include using pressure from left hand on skin surface to alter timbre and pitch; playing rhythms independently of tune, including counterrhythm and syncopation; occasional rim-shots; as well as an improved tuning system.

Bodhran players may strike their drum with either their hand or a special stick known as a cipin, depending on which style best fits their region of origin; Kerry style uses both ends of its cipin while West Limerick style only one end.

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