Bodhran Tips

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: cyder_drinker
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 12:29 PM

Someone sent me This Link. Oh, and don't forget the large pinch of salt while you're at it!

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: gnu
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 09:59 AM

Unfortunately, this is an office computer. Hence, I can't give out the email address. Just thought you might have a way of displaying pictures at one of them there sites... don't know much about them. If you were a Mudcat member, you could post to the picture gallery. Anyway, I appreciate your offer. Thanks. Keep on Hrannin'.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 03:42 AM

Sorry if the time lapse seemed stand-offish! Gnu---My technology is somewhat limited. Any way to get in touch privately?

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,Bill
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 08:06 PM

They are best played with a Stanley Knife.
Bill(the sound)

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: gnu
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 04:03 PM

Eh ? Anyone got Boab's number ? If so, let him/her know : Enquiring minds want to know.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: gnu
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 03:34 PM

Eh ? Anyone got Boab's number ? If so, let him know : Enquiring minds want to know.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: gnu
Date: 07 Nov 02 - 03:21 PM

GUEST, Boab.... got any pictures ?

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Keevan6
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 01:00 AM

hey Pei......if you ever get the chance, try to hook up with some Djembe, and Doumbeck players.....the basic beats are repetitive and with a little practice......the Bodhran gives the session a kinda worldbeat feel......really wicked. gotta chance ta sit in with my brothers and sisters this year at an SCA event. we started to jam.....lost ourselves to the rythym....when we looked up....we found that we had drawn an audience......(anyhoo I digress)....the Bodhran can and DOES compliment drumming circles.....not to mention that it is good practice...(plus you don't have to worry about sounding terrible.....it gets swallowed up in the frenzy)

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: John J
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 12:20 PM

It's very refreshing to find musicians serious about learning to play ANY instrument properly, including the bodhran.

More power to your elbow! (Or wrist)

John

BTW, remember this? http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=35467#484048

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: open mike
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 11:39 AM

i play the bodhran at contra dances and the dancers say they really like to hear a strong beat so they can dance along--
i performed on one in a musical play once and got a
great sound effect by using one of those little
KUSH balls a toy made of a bunch of rubber band like
objects--when swished against the drum it made a
great train sound....wooo wooo!! (no actually chug-a chug-a)
i find that a tripper/tipper which is heavier on one end
than the other moves better--"eccentric" --"off-centered"...
yes the best tools to keep in your bodhran kit are a
spray bottle and a hair dryer-for in California it is
often very hot and dry which stretches the skin right off the
frame if you don't watch out (i have repaired the skin
numerous times where the head ripped right thru where the
tacks attached it to the rim) I suggest getting a drum with multiple rows of tacks in a staggered pattern for a stronger
connection--but shoe goo worked wonders to allow it
to live again! shoe goo is a glue made for repairing tennis
shoes. Also some drums seem to have the head glues to the frame--
this might prevent the tack stretching problem.
a hair dryer is great when the weather causes the
skin to become flabby--and it in not always practical to bulid a fire
in the hall-in fact it never is!!
i also keep an oven mitt--a comical character one--in wit my drum in
case i want to play it muted. (the aligator one seems most effective)
but the dog one works too---oh by the way no one mentioned that when the drum is bade from a dog skin it is called a bow wow ron...
that's enough....Laurel

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: alison
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 10:15 AM

try the link again Michael it seems to be working now

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Guessed
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 08:55 AM

On the comment by Rich(bodhránai gan ciall) two of anything can be confusing. I heard two Ullean pipers playing with one a semi, demi femot quaver behind the other. Their skill was unquestioned, and they were strangers but enjoyed each others' playing.
The problem for me was when I moved seats, behind the lagging player was not a problem, but hearing one in each ear was total confusion. Which to follow? When were they going into games mode?
They had played all day, I not long arrived - their session, they were avoiding repetion/boredom - their call. My frustration. Time to move on?
And as for meldoen players' games - well!!!
Now where did I put my spoons? Bones? Shaky egg? Digeredoo - that will please them.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 02:29 AM

Don't be afraid to experiment with tippers. After trying out various different wood tippers, you will find yourself automatically picking up your favourite. The best tipper for the occasion isn't necesarily wood. Besides the use of the back of the fingers for some soft-touch playing, I use a tipper formed by bundling meat-skewer sticks, which can be made for either double-end or single-end playing, and is admirably suited to bluegrass accompaniment, or in some 3-4 beats with a vocal. I have also "invented" a use for scotch broom; a "brush" type tipper is easily made by binding a bundle of broom twigs. Surprising how long it lasts, and is perfect for an accompaniment which requires soft background rhythm.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: michaelr
Date: 08 Oct 02 - 09:54 PM

Alison, your link doesn't work for me.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: alison
Date: 08 Oct 02 - 07:53 PM

actually seeing as you asked.. I have just made a CD for playing along with

people at workshops kept asking me to recommend one.... and I thought... I can do this

so I've made a CD with sets played slower than usual and instructions on the various rhythms... same sort of thing as the Steafan Hannigan

info here

a few of the bodhran makers / teachers over here are promoting them for me.....

if you're interested let me know

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Jeanie
Date: 08 Oct 02 - 07:17 PM

Here are the details of the Steafan Hannigan book (and tape) that Alison and others have been recommending. As a bodhran learner, I'm finding it excellent:
'Bodhran Basics' by Steafan Hannigan publ. Ossian Publications Ref: OMB 102 ISBN 0 946005 87 7
Ossian Publications Ltd., P.O. Box 84, Cork, Ireland
Ossian Publications UK, Unit 3, Prince William Road, Loughborough
Ossian Publications USA, RRS Box 374, Loudon, New Hampshire 03301

He has some fun ideas - eg. for reels, you play DOWN up down up and say to yourself Wa - ter - me - lon
Jigs are : Pineapple Apricot !

Apart from the book, you can't beat (!) just messing about on your own - (i.e. not playing with a band or even along to tapes) and by trial and error getting the feel of it. As far as playing along to tapes goes, I don't restrict myself to celtic music - it's fun to play along to *anything* - and it doesn't have to be loud, either, especially if you experiment using your hand instead of the tipper.

It is also highly addictive. If it wasn't past midnight right now...

- jeanie

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,Jiggers
Date: 08 Oct 02 - 05:27 PM

Alison

"Stockton's Wing are great to play along with..... "

Can you recommend an album as I would like to buy one to practise to.

Jiggers

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Rich(bodhránai gan ciall)
Date: 23 Jul 01 - 06:36 PM

Eluned, I'm happy to hear that sentiment, about 2 players not playing at once. I'd rather play right half the time (or 1/3 or ....) than bang away all the time to the groans of the rest of the players. Take turns. It will sound infinitely clearer, and you'll get far fewer "infernal racket" comments. Hook up with your friend outside the session if possible, too. Practice with CDs. The melody players have to practice away from the session, why shouldn't we?

Rich

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Mr Red
Date: 23 Jul 01 - 03:45 PM

GUEST,Renee
I have heard many an Irish voice pronounce it bowron (that bow as in tie and Ron as in "Da Doo Don..."
I pronounce it in the Scots tradition - boran (two short syllables bu-ran bu as in butt and ran as in having run)

RebbelleRose
the correct way to pronounce it is like the best way to play the goat - the way that feels comfortable.
I have a tutor that shows a traditional Irish beater held with the nobble behind the fingers of a clenched fist sticking out from between the middle fingers and between the upper and middle knuckles. Tripples are impossible this way.
I personally have a feature mid stick that I hook my middle and index fingers round such that the beater is between those fingers. Tripples are not as easy but there are compensations, I can play with three sticks at once, very posey but you get far more interesting rim shots. Rim shots are a bit advanced but they will come when you are ready for them.
I never practiced to records but had a lot of good sessions to join-in on. You will find the fluency comes when you can anticipate which is the result experience &/or practice. That moment arrives when you can miss a beat because you are losing it but pick up the beat properly on the next note (or next but one). Begginners usually try to hit each note and desperately catch-up with the beat in this situation. It is a mental and a muscular thing.
Oh yea, consider the volume - it is always louder to others
Enjoy

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: RichM
Date: 23 Jul 01 - 10:15 AM

The question that all rythmn players should always ask themselves:Am i supporting the group sound?

I don't play bodhran, but I play a rythmn instrument: upright bass. I can do all the fancy riffs; but I choose NOT to use them 95% of the time. Why? Because the role of a rhythm instrument is to contribute to the ensemble--not to stand out as a solo instrument.

Bodhran players: find the groove, the beat, the rhythm. When you do it's like riding a wave. You'll get compliments, and the group sound will be great!

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Gypsy
Date: 22 Jul 01 - 09:21 PM

Find the best player you can, and see if you can play with them. I have felt on my tipper, and when getting into the rythym, will often times play about 1/2 inch above the skin. Find that it is easier to catch the beat with our Shanty man playing. He's a master. And the felt keeps me from being annoying.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: alison
Date: 22 Jul 01 - 08:23 PM

you get different notes by "working" the skin.... so you can add more dynamics to your playing..... but it can be annoying if it is used all the time........

the Stefan Hannigan book and video shows how to work the skin well.............

its like people who play on the rim..... nice in small doses... *grin*

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Metchosin
Date: 22 Jul 01 - 05:31 PM

Not of any use to you right now, but an oppportunity to put in a plug, my brother is currently making a Bodhran Instructional Video that will be available at Folk of the Woods

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 22 Jul 01 - 03:32 PM

I have a question for all you bodhran players. Today I have been watching some oldish (70's?) Irish TV footage and on it I noticed that the bodhran players seemed to play it straight, driving along the rhythm of the tune and keeping the time. Recently I have noticed that a lot of the players I see localy play a more fancy style (pushing the skin behind to alter the tone), now at first this seemed interesting, but they seem to do it all the time. Am I going to get in trouble for saying this? - I like the simple rhythmic playing best
How do you play yours and what opinions do you have on style of playing, do you play in a variety of styles to suit the tune being played?

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Eluned
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 11:55 AM

I learned a little bodran playing with a friend at these weekly jam sessions held at a place called "Celtic Trader" in Charlotte.
I also learned that it is not good drummer protocol for two bodrans to drum at the same time in a small enclosed space when some of the other musicians have soft-playing instruments.
I may start up again, encouraged by this thread, when their sessions move outside this summer! (but first I will "Play, Play, Play", so I can be sure I'm not messing up the musicians)!

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,kisan 8)
Date: 30 Apr 00 - 11:53 AM

Yesss !! I LOVE 13/8, there is a cool tune, called "Pelistersko oro" from Bulgaria or Macedonia... Slán, kisan 8)

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,Trish
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 07:04 PM

This is for Kisan and Rich - anyone tried the 13/8? Seems Eastern Europe specialises in it! Try playing along to Andy Irvine, Blowzabella, etc....... No tips here, apart from you just have to feel it somehow!

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: poet
Date: 29 Apr 00 - 05:41 PM

I was given three days to learn the Bodrhan, well we all Know how ridiculous that was but I stuck at it and I,m still learning 15yrs Later.There are two things not mentioned here that may help.

)1) Carry a Hair dryer. its a gentler and safer way of tightening up your skin than the lounge fire.

2)Whilst the Bodhran is Known for accompanying Irish & Scottish Music it also works well with most (but not all) other forms of music. I've sat in with Bluegrass/Blues/rock & roll/skiffle and other music that doesn'nt seem to have a name. The world is yours my friend enjoy youself.

Graham (Guernsey)

P.S.
Its traditional for Guitarists to take the piss out of Bodhran players. Take NO notice Musicians appreciate us.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Eluned
Date: 28 Apr 00 - 09:03 PM

I wanted to thank RebRose for posting this question in the first place!

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,Rich(stupidbodhran.....)
Date: 27 Apr 00 - 05:42 PM

Suze, Have you had much luck playing 3's and 7's on bodhran? Could be either very interesting or very upsetting! I remember when I first started learning ceilis and sets, the 7 steps across was a bit of an enigma to me. Out of 4/4, 2/4, 6/8, 12/8, where does the 7 ever occur? Of course if you don't think about it just dance it fits fine, but when learning anything new I tend to analyze it to death.

Rich

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,ella
Date: 27 Apr 00 - 08:57 AM

I agree to the session etiquette posted earlier, and would like to add that if you every fall accross an old established session where they have a regular established bodhran player, don't just jump right in and play. This can upset sometimes, it is nice to wait to be asked to join in, or wait till they have put the bodhran down then ask them if they mind. Especially in far out country pubs.

This helps to keep tempers down. I go to alot around Ireland, and have even occasionally been given the honour of being offered the ol' fellas lovely sounding much cherished drum to have ago on, once they have listened to me playing.

Over here you sometimes find lots of bodhran players in sessions, and they don't know the unwritten etiquette, which can get really annoying, especially when one player is not as good with keeping up to the same tempo. This can ruin a good session.

Ella S

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,ella
Date: 27 Apr 00 - 08:49 AM

as well as playing the bodhran I also dance, I find that the two are connected, as I listen to the tunes, I also pick out what step could be done to to the tune and then pass that on to my drum playing. (Not all the time though) But it does make a nice varient.

Helps if you can do Irish dancing though

Suze

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,MARK CAMPBELL
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 09:59 PM

MUSIC AND MORE PARTICULARLY RHYTHM THEORY IS USEFUL.

LEARNING TO MINIM, CROTCHET, QUAVER AND SEMI-QUAVER TRIPLETS (WITH CAPACITY TO PLAY ACCENTS ON ANY NOTE) IS FUNDAMENTAL.

SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT YOU SHOULD FEEL THE RHYTHM AND NOT UNDERSTAND YOU NOTES AND GROOVES IN A SYSTEMATIC WAY.

I DO NOT.

LEARN WHAT MAKES UP YOUR RHYTHMS (THE ALPHABET) AND YOU CAN CREATE YOUR OWN (WORDS) AND GROOVES (PHRASES) AND TELL YOUR OWN STORIES (AND PASS THEM ON TO OTHERS USING EMAIL).

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,Rich(stupidbodhranplayerwhodoesn'tknowbetter
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 07:09 PM

If you do find yourself at a session where there's a lot of bodhrans, make a point of learning to play to polkas. A lot of drummers can't play them so at least you'll get a fair share of playing. (And they're a lot of fun once you get the hang of them). In slipjigs try not to cheat them. Play the alternate measures starting on an upstroke. It really adds to the feel of them. Play them gently and pretty (Yes a bodhran can be played pretty!) If you have a hard time with them a good one to start with is Barney Brallaghan. If the rhythm starts to throw you, the C part will help you get it back. Likewise, a good polka to learn bodhran on is Jer the Rigger.

All the best,

Rich

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: skarpi
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 06:40 PM

Hallo All, Well I listen and play along with the cheiftains and some of the Dubliners jigs and reels . I dont know anybody In Iceland who plays the bodhrán so I have to learn it this way. I am gonna use my tuneable Irish Bodhrán when my band plays In May at the first time and I hope it will works. All the best skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,marc
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 02:24 PM

A small session ettiquete point while your learning. In many sessions there is a one bodhran at a time rule, its not posted any where, just understood. Two beginner drummers together can sometimes produce sonic mud for the rest of the players to slog through, 4or 5 can be hell. Enjoy!

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,kisan 8)
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 08:50 AM

Okay, sit next to the fiddle player, but use something for eye-protection ! (you know, the bow...) Oh, and I think slipjigs are the coolest! Sometimes I play slipjig to jigs also... it's really nice and it can confuse the other musicians (huh-huh...) . I play Dud udu dud Udu dud udu. (or reverse) Bye, Keep on tippin' ! kisan 8) of Budapest

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: alison
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 08:39 AM

Christy Moore being an excellent example of someone who plays with his fingers......

Stockton's Wing are great to play along with.....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,Bobby Rogerson
Date: 26 Apr 00 - 05:38 AM

Get a couple of cassettes---Mary Bergin [whistle] and Stockton's Wing. Pick up your bodhran, in your left hand, pretend you're about to blow your nose with your fingers with your right, stick a tipper in it a la haudin a pencil, keep your wrist slack and your elbow supple, don't worry about playing "double-ended"--that will come naturally--- and get to it. It'll happen very suddenly; you'll be up and away afore ye know it! Relax---the tipper does 90% of the work. And, a wee aside---many an accomplished bodhran handler doesn't use any implement--tipper brush or other; you can learn to jig an' reel with the back of your fingers.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: alison
Date: 25 Apr 00 - 09:57 PM

yep Trish, I love slip jigs..... most guitarists don't....

I do it with 2 skips sometimes..... dud u-u d-d, or d-d udu dud.....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 25 Apr 00 - 08:20 PM

That would be players...

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 25 Apr 00 - 08:19 PM

Okey now I'v played DRUM bodhran for nearly 25 years.. And I am damn good!! I was taught at a session by an OLD IRISH MAN... he said hold the beater like a pencil.. keep your wrist loose.. the movement is as if you were shaking water off your hands.. Listen to alot of Chieftan Music.. practice, practice, practice... Drive guitar palyers crazy wherever you can..and be sure to sit next to the most stuck up fiddle player in the group..HAVE FUN

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,trish
Date: 25 Apr 00 - 07:54 PM

Not if they're slip jigs - they're in 9 (or 3) depending how you count it, and you have to play the second nine "upside down" if you play all nine beats. I cheat and usually play 123 456 7-9, so you get dud udu d-u (where d=down and u=up) so you're ready to start the next 9 on a downbeat - if you get my drift.......? Slainte mhath Trish

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: alison
Date: 21 Apr 00 - 08:59 AM

I'm all for sticking on music or joining in sessions... but shouldn't jigs be either 6 or 2? (as in either 6 quvers or 2 sets of 3 quavers)

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: GUEST,Guest, leeneia
Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:28 PM

O gosh, you all are so earnest about this! What's all this "practice, practice, practice" stuff? Just put on some tapes and "play, play, play!"

And if you came to a session at my house and "didn't know the basics" nobody would be mean to you. We are all capable of counting to 3 (jigs) or 4 (reels) and ignoring a stray sound. Same way we would ignore a radiator or car going by.

Find some friends and have fun, for heavens sake.

Subject: first
From: GUEST,kisan 8)
Date: 20 Apr 00 - 09:33 AM

No reply... Just a simple "hello" from kisan8) , one of the few Hungarian bodhrán players ! Üdvözlet minden bodhránosnak !

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Apr 00 - 01:26 AM

Oh good heavens..........my bodhran/aspargus tips froze yesterday.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Gypsy
Date: 20 Apr 00 - 01:23 AM

Spaw..are bodhran in season right now? Or are you referring to the ranch raised, tender tips? Without hormones, of course!

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 19 Apr 00 - 01:38 AM

Personally, I visualize myself shaking a ball of snot off my fingertip to get the correct wrist motion. No, Catspaw, not FLICKING, not WIPING, - SHAKING. BTW, 'spaw, I always thought that bodhrán tips were the result of a mohel performing a bris on a baby bodhrán. All the best.
Seamus

Subject: RE: Bodhran Tips
From: Pei T
Date: 18 Apr 00 - 09:43 PM

Oh my!! I was hoping for a few tips, little did I know.. Thank you all so very very much.. (Sorry about the 4 day absence.. silly profs think that SENIORS should have to WORK the two weeks before they graduate )

I don't even know where to start, but you all gave me a lot to think about and I will DEFINITELY check out some of the videos/tapes everyone has recommended..

THANKS!!!

RR