Dulcy's (very) Basic Bodhran Lesson

Sarishan, friends,

Since I am short on content this month (I'm looking directly at you, Populace of Nottinghill Coill), I'm going to share something with you you might find interesting or useful. I get people asking me from time to time about playing the bodhran, or the "Irish drum". If you dont' know what one is, listen to some upbeat Irish music and that low, soft heartbeat of percussion you hear is a bodhran.

Bodhrans are thought to be right on the upper edge of our timeline, so they are arguably late period.. In any case, you see them at events from time to time.

Number one question I get asked about playing this instrument is "how do I hold the tipper (or beater, or stick, or dooflatchy thing)?"

I'm not going to kid you, it takes a little patience and practice and will feel a little awkward at first. It's like riding a bike. You'll get it all at once. Hold it like a pencil about three quarters towards the business end (I know they are both " business ends"...just ignore the rear one for now.) Curl your arm out in a low arc, curl your hand so the stick is sort of pointing at your chest.

You'll hold the drum on your thigh (for now) at a 45 degree angle to your tipper arm.

About the drum: if the skin is very tight, wet it down with plain water. Yes, I know people say use Guinness and I'm going to ask you not to do that. If the head is perpetually extremely tight, you may rub it down with some Burt's Bees ResQ ointment, but be aware this will be kind of a permanent fix. Proceed cautiously. But plain water is fine. I've seen Ivar put his drum in Katherine's kitchen sink and turn the tap on before (Ivar's bodhran is very, very tight.). Your drum should not sound like a piece of tin when you strike it. It should have a bit of a dull bounce to it. If it's a low humidity situation, you'll have to dampen it often. Bodhran players keep water misters in their kit bags for this reason.

Now, put on some music you like. Something fast with a good, simple beat. It's harder to play slowly when you're learning. Avoid waltzes or slip jigs for now, they're a little more advanced. If you can't find an easy beat, find another song. I recommend a 4/4 or a 2/4 beat. Something with an even number of beats in each measure.You may use rock, or any other genre, if you like. I, for instance, know what a lot of Def Leppard songs sound like with an Irish bodhran added. I'm just saying.

Concentrate on just keeping the beat steady. Do not worry about the other end of the stick, learning to play both ends of the stick will come later. If you can't keep a steady beat with one end, you  aren't ready to try it with both.

The tipper strike ought to have a little bounce. Keep your wrist relaxed and your fingers on the stick firm so you don't drop it. I found it useful to practice a lot of little five minute sessions spread over my day rather than sitting around in one long frustrating session. You'll find your own way. Let the stick dance over the skin and enjoy the music. If you get frustrated, put it away and come back.

There's all sorts of techniques, from how to hold the stick, how to do rimshots, how to use your other hand to affect pitch and volume and whatnot. This article won't go into that. Right now, keep a beat, have fun, and get comfortable with the instrument.

I will leave you with this bit of wisdom: Not all songs or tunes need percussion, and the ones that do are not contests to see who can be louder or more overpowering. If you're all that noticeable as a bodhran player, you probably ought to consider backing off a little. Listen to what's going on around you. Sometimes the best thing you can give a tune is some breathing space. If so, simply listen to and appreciate the tune for it's own sake, and look for the next opportunity for you to join in and add something that fits!

Nais tuk and latcho drom!
Dulcy