THE BODHRAN FILES

Q: What is the best way to play a bodhran?

A: With an open penknife.

- old Irish Music joke

The bodhran (pronounced baw-raun) is an extremely old Celtic instrument. Usually seen in Irish folk bands, it is used to keep the beat of the tune.

Basically, the bodhran is a frame drum played by a double-ended beater (also known as a "tipper") made out of wood. Its size can range from 6 inches across to 36 inches across, with the most common size usually being 18 inches across.

Bodhrans can be made from different types of material such as goatskin, cow skin or synthetic. The most common is goatskin. You know you have an authentic bodhran when you see -- and feel -- goat hair on its skin.

Bodrans are played by using the tipper to hit the drum in tune to the melody or harmony of the song it is accompanying. There are many ways to embellish the playing style such as:

• the way you hold the bodhran,
• damping the drum with your hand or fingers,
• the position where you hit the drum, or
• adding extra beats with the tipper.

I became interested in the Bodhran about the time our family started getting involved in Irish Culture. My dutiful hubby went on a search to find one, complaining about my exotic [and expensive... Don't forget expensive! -ges3] tastes as he went. After listening to Irish music, I fell in love with the instrument. I am always amazed at how much expression can be gotten out of a simply made instrument. Its power, as with most all instruments, lies in its player. Each person will play a totally different style with a bodhran, thus creating a unique tune. That is what makes this instrument so fun to play!

I have never played drums before, but I picked this instrument up in no time. If you have rhythm and dexterity you are already ahead of the curve with this instrument. I have heard that if you have played drums before, it is really easy! What takes time is to perfect your style. It is one of those instruments that is simple to learn but takes a lifetime to perfect. I am still learning different techniques and patterns to improve my playing, and am always on the lookout for tips from people who play.

The neat thing about this instrument is that you do not have to use it with Irish or Celtic tunes. There have been several times that I have been asked to play along with some church choir music. I even play the bodhran with an acoustic band for evening church service. Yes, praise choruses do go along with the bodhran.

The bodran is such a great instrument, and can be use so many ways with so many different styles of music. That is what gives the bodran its charm!

Jf you have any tips or questions, please feel free to e-mail me with them.