A bodhran drum is an Irish frame drum that has become an integral component of traditional Irish music. Made of goatskin, its head can be struck using either hand to play.
How this instrument arrived in Ireland remains unclear; however, it is thought that it may have originated in either Africa or Asia and then been brought over through Europe during Celtic migrations.
It is a frame drum
A bodhran drum is a frame drum used in traditional Irish music. They typically measure around one foot (30 cm). A skin is stretched tightly across one side to create sound while its other side remains open for striking with hands for pitch changes.
Bodhrans have a rich heritage in Irish folk music, yet until recently were often dismissed by musicians as inferior instruments. That all changed when Sean O Riada included them as part of Ceoltoiri Chualann ensemble in 1960s.
Today, bodhrans can be heard and seen across different genres of music. From flamenco to North African percussionists and Indigenous American and Asian cultures.
It is made of goatskin
Traditional Bodhran drums are typically constructed using goatskin stretched over a wooden frame, though some manufacturers use artificial animal skins or synthetic materials in their instruments.
No matter their material of construction, these drums usually feature circular designs in circular configuration and come in various sizes. Many are decorated with Celtic swirling patterns, GAA county colors or family coats of arms for additional ornamentation.
Irish traditional music relies heavily on bodhran as an accompaniment instrument, and to learn it properly requires dedication. A skilled player of this instrument must understand both music and bodhran melody so as to keep up with its beat and ensure its rhythm matches that of its tunes.
It is a traditional Irish instrument
The Bodhran Drum is an Irish instrument which creates percussive rhythms. Similar to large tambourines without bells, its complex rhythmic patterns can produce amazing musicality when used correctly.
An African drum is usually played using one hand (for right-handers, this would be their left) on its leg with a short beater known as a cipin beater; other players use their backhands to dampen or modify its sound production.
Since their introduction into Irish ensemble music in the 1960s by such luminaries as Sean O Riada and Peadar Mercier, bodhran drums have gained widespread acclaim, making an essential contribution to Irish Traditional Music.
The Bodhran drum consists of a round wooden frame with stretched goatskin that serves as the heartbeat of Irish music, making it an excellent instrument to learn to play for beginners.
It is a musical instrument
The Bodhran Drum is a frame drum typically found in Irish traditional music. It saw great success during the folk music resurgence of the 1960s and continues to thrive today.
Bodhrans are played by striking their heads with the palm of your hand or with a stick called a cipin, sometimes also including jingles for extra depth in sound production.
Although its exact origins remain contested, most scholars agree that the bodhran was imported from Africa or Asia to Ireland during Celtic migrations and served both as an instrument and noisemaker until modern day celebrations in Ireland.
In the 1960s, when second wave roots revival of Irish traditional music brought players like Sean O Riada into prominence through second wave roots revival of Irish traditional music, bodhrans quickly gained wide-spread recognition. Since then, an intricate playing style has emerged that fully explores its musical capabilities.
