History of the Bodhran

The exact history of the bodhran has never really been discovered. There are various theories regarding how the instrument came to be, as well as many theories relating to how the instrument has been used throughout its life. This article investigates these different theories and, examines how the bodhran is used today.

bodhran

A painted bodhran drum.

Where does the Bodhran come from?

As explained, there is no concrete evidence to pinpoint from where the bodhran emerged. However, there are a couple of theories which are considered to be the most probable answers. These two theories are:

The bodhran was invented in Ireland. At first, it was not used as a musical instrument. Instead, the bodhran was used for carrying, storage and serving food. It may also have been used on farms to sift grains from the chaff.
The bodhran originated from either Africa or Asia. It was then introduced into Ireland through established trading routes and Celtic migrations. Those who support this theory explain how ancient drums similar to the bodhran have been found within African and Asian cultures.

Regardless of which, if either, theory is correct the bodhran has been embraced by Celtic culture. The instrument has a long history in Ireland. It was used during the Irish Rebellion of 1603 in which Gaelic forces fought against the forces of English Queen, Elizabeth I. Evidence suggests that the Gaelic forces used the bodhran to provide cadence for the pipers and soldiers to keep to. It was also used to announce the arrival of an army into battle.

In Ireland, the bodhran is also a popular instrument that is played during harvest festivals, St. Stephen’s Day, and in mummers plays (Irish folk plays) where the wren boys traditionally beat bodhran drums.

Origin of the Name

As with the origin of the instrument, there are various theories as to where the name derives. Some believe it to have originated from the Irish word, bodhor, which translated means ’soft sounding’. The word bodhran could also have had its origins in the similar Irish word, bodhar, which means ‘deaf’. As with everything about this instrument, it’s a bit of a mystery!

Modern History

Although considered an old instrument, the bodhran has only become popular within the last forty years. This is mainly thanks to the Irish composer, Seán Ó Riada, who many credit with the re-igniting of public interest in traditional Irish music. During the 1960’s, his groups would play many traditional instruments, including the bodhran, which until then had decreased in popularity. However, once their music was heard around the world the public once again became interested in the traditional music and its instruments.

Although it is an instrument of mysterious origins, it cannot be denied that the bodhran has now become popular throughout the world. The instrument is enjoyed by many different people across many different countries.

Here is our collection of bodhran .

How To Play A Bodhran

For such a simple looking instrument there are numerous techniques that can be adopted when playing a bodhran. Starting with the most simple of playing methods, play can grow more complex when experience has been gained. This article will explain the basic technique that can be used for playing a bodhran.

Many people mistakenly believe that to play a bodhran it simply involves hitting it at random to produce a sound. If only it were this easy! In fact, there are various strokes that need to be taken into account as well as rhythm, arrangement and sound dynamics.

It is best to play a bodhran drum whilst seated. This enables you to keep it steady by balancing it on your knee and support it with you upper body and arm. Whilst the bodhran is balanced upon the knee it needs to be supported by placing one hand against the skin behind the drum. Some bodhran’s have a crossbar at the rear of them which can be used to support them. The pressure placed upon the skin by the hand controls the pitch and tone of the sound. Moving the hand from the centre of the drum towards the rim will also produce a higher pitch.

The free hand uses the tipper to strike the drum. Depending upon where in Ireland the Bodhran is being played, the style of the strike varies. The most common method of playing is the ‘Kerry’ style which will be the style we will explore below.

For the basic stroke only the smaller end of the tipper comes into contact with the bodhran. Hold the tipper the same way that you would hold a pen. Twist the arm gently from side to side (almost like you are shaking a tin) being careful not to bend the wrist. Make an arc movement with the tipper so that the head of the tipper hits the drum once on the way down and again on the way up. This is the basic stroke and, with practice you should be able to keep a regular rhythm, tone and volume.

With experience, the stroke can grow more complex so that during the ark movements the upper head can be used to add extra beats between the strokes. It may be beneficial to practice your playing with other musicians who can help you to keep in time with the music.

When using the bodhran to play along with music, the player must time their strikes to the rhythm of the beat. However, the make their playing more expressive the player can syncopate the weaker beats, add double pulses and take ‘rests’ between beats. There are many combinations that can be used for every song; it’s only limited by imagination!

To avoid risk of strain when playing the bodhran it is important that the wrist is kept straight when striking the drum. If it does start to hurt, stop playing and do some hand stretching exercises. If this still doesn’t relieve the pain then put the drum down for the remainder of the day and come back to it another time.

Please visit the following link if you are interested in viewing our bodhran .

You may find this tutorial of interest if you would like to advance your playing technique.

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