The Bodhran- Beginning Notes.
Bodhran is pronounced as "bough-run."
Background:
The bodhran is a type of drum in which the frame is used in place of a body and is therefore called a frame drum. According to Micheal O' Suilleabhain, in his 1984 publication, the word bodhran is derived from the word bodhar, which means deaf and dull-sounding.
The skin or synthetic surface of the drum is called the head. The stick used to play the bodhran is called either a beater or a tipper.
Holding the Beater
You will see many different ways to hold the tipper if you observe Irish bands, but the most common way seems to be to pick the tipper up as you would a pencil, but then bend your wrist so that your knuckles are facing the drum head. While seeming initially awkward, this grip will allow you to play at high speeds with the least effort.
Single Sticking
When learning the basic rhythms, we'll just be using the bottom of the tipper. This is called Single Sticking. Later, as you progress in your playing, you will learn to use both ends of the beater to embellish the basic rhythms.
Less Is More and Bodhran Etiquette
The new bodhran player must be especially sensitive to group dynamics when playing with other musicians.
First of all, play softly by holding your supporting hand against the back of the head to dampen the sound.
Second, most groups neither need nor want more than one bodhran playing at a time. If there is already another bodhran player in the group, wait until that player takes a break before you start playing.
Third, play simple and basic rhythms until you see how the tune is going to be played by the groups.
Good luck and enjoy playing your new instrument!
The bodhran is a type of drum in which the frame is used in place of a body and is therefore called a frame drum. According to Micheal O' Suilleabhain, in his 1984 publication, the word bodhran is derived from the word bodhar, which means deaf and dull-sounding.
The skin or synthetic surface of the drum is called the head. The stick used to play the bodhran is called either a beater or a tipper.
Holding the Beater
You will see many different ways to hold the tipper if you observe Irish bands, but the most common way seems to be to pick the tipper up as you would a pencil, but then bend your wrist so that your knuckles are facing the drum head. While seeming initially awkward, this grip will allow you to play at high speeds with the least effort.
Single Sticking
When learning the basic rhythms, we'll just be using the bottom of the tipper. This is called Single Sticking. Later, as you progress in your playing, you will learn to use both ends of the beater to embellish the basic rhythms.
Less Is More and Bodhran Etiquette
The new bodhran player must be especially sensitive to group dynamics when playing with other musicians.
First of all, play softly by holding your supporting hand against the back of the head to dampen the sound.
Second, most groups neither need nor want more than one bodhran playing at a time. If there is already another bodhran player in the group, wait until that player takes a break before you start playing.
Third, play simple and basic rhythms until you see how the tune is going to be played by the groups.
Good luck and enjoy playing your new instrument!
