Learning the Bodhran

[R3APERRANGER]

Excellent, how long have you played? How long did it take to start playing competently enough to jump in with say.. A fiddler?

[Joeseph82]

Oy... thx for your short lesson. I have tried to follow your tips. Buuut. ( There´s always a but ) Could you please record the view of that position I would look at my hand when I am playing the B.. That would be nice. I mean, you know how difficult the beginning is. If we had the look like you are following your hands, it could be better for understanding and following you moves.... Thank you anyway for your video... Peace, Joeseph

[cynsha]

Thank you for the lesson.  You are an awesome player!

[mrmanhammer]

Love these videos! They've been a lot of help. Thanks!



[MrStevebritton]

Just bought one today. Playing alot of GBS and hope to learn quick

[conordwyer07]

try to pronounce it BOW RAWN

[kidri0t]

You call that a drum?.. this is a drum pulls out my lambeg rawr!!

[riverdancer07]

For the triplet, is the 'back end' of the tipper hitting it on the second beat? I can't quite tell! Thanks :)

[ILuvCaroline]

Thank you so much for this video. My bodhran I thought sounded funny, but yours sounds just like mine. Some bodhrans have a deeper sound I guess. I am having a hard time getting my tipper to hit the drum from both ends. This was really helpful!

[n3tuf]

Really like your style! Can you show the basic strokes and how to do a triplet close and real slow for beginners like myself. I've only been playing two weeks and I'm having trouble on the correct angle to strike the skin and getting rid of the scraping sound.

[ILuvCaroline]

@n3tuf your not alone! I am having the same problem...lol

[chria3886]

Hmmmm pretty simple to follow which i need but i cant play fast...I sound more like a broken down horse galloping all over the place haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[stephen88hox]

when you play the bodhrán you must chant/sing

"go on home british soldiers go on home"

slainté

[ArvelBird]

love this, thanks!

[artifactingreality]

instructions:

1. hit drum with stick

2. see 1

[Yaramar]

You´re fine! When I go to Eire, I´ll buy a bodhan and I´ll try to learn ( a little bit, of course...).

[DIATOMUZIK]

Thank you for this great video, it tempts to start the bohdran right now, bravo: 5 *****, Christian (of France)

[DaconTheTool]

lol, aye this is a cameron, i remember when u told me aboot this, good job tho, gets me thinkin about drumming again

[lesjsin]

Sorry - youtube won't let me post one of its own links!!!! Try searching for dazsin, then look at his list of videos. I am listed as 'radcliffe highway'.

Les

[lesjsin]

Hi Kanuck, here's a video of me playing at our local festival in Bakewell. The sound is cr*p, but it was just an amateur thing. It gives you and idea though. The mic's they use didn't capture the rich tone of the drum, or the varied notes. See what you think. Les

[aland433]

good man cheers for the video

[TonyMcWatt]

Great lesson, thanks.

Love the look of your bodhran.

By the way, it's pronunced 'Bo-ran' but I'll let you off the hook because you're amazing at playing it.

[sean14875]

cheers i have been using this video to learn. I have posted a video (Sean learning the Bodhran) check it out to see how im doing

[gcwales]

After doing a web search I came across this (I have no idea if it's correct, but it sounds plausible):

In Northern Ireland it is pronounced bo-rawn (like bow and arrow)

In the Republic of Ireland it is bow-rawn (like the bough of a tree)

and in Scotland it is bor-ann (bor like in boring)

And thanks for the video - I might dig out my bo-rawn again ;)

[thefairecelt]

Hey Kanuck, thanks for this. Easy steps, it seems pretty simple, but I agree with you, one will really get the experience once you start actually playing it.

PS-you pronounce it the way I do. Beannacht leat!!

[lesjsin]

Hi Kanuk, you say it correctly, you play it well, and people should be grateful you are happy to try and help them. Did you know, the word 'bodhran' comes from the Gaelic word for DEAF! (Bodhar). A bit of trivia for you :-)

[lesjsin]

Hi Kanuk, you say it correctly, you play it well, and people should be grateful you are happy to try and help them. Did you know, the word 'bodhran' comes from the Gaelic word for DEAF! (Bodhar). A bit of trivia for you :-)

[beanybo0]

Lol... I find it funny that heratige matters when learning an instrument... I'm learning bodhran (from NZ) and find your vid's VERY helpful! SO! Thank you for being patient and what not with me :) just wanna let you know - MR IrishKanuck - that you have been a real help :) :) all the best with your career!! ♥

[TheCodeCobalt]

Thanks for making this, man, it's real straightforward. Especially for a noob. I'm a noob.

Cheers!

Code

[zoevette]

Thanks for this. Very clear. I'm just picking up the bodhran, (which IS pronounced BOW-ran - you are correct, so don't listen to these assholes man)

[falcon26X26]

Thanks for your help! Hope you create another video!

[remykru]

Nice and clear,thanks mate

[IrishKanuck]

OK SERIOUSLY. i created this video to help people learn the instrument!!!! I seriously dont give a flying rats ass about how you say its said!! so just calm the hell down this isnt a video on Bodhran pronounciation, enjoy playing.

[chria3886]

@IrishKanuck yeah i cant get the angle of the dangle as they say, but i wont give up....thumbs up from an Aussie chicky.....

[ciarand007]

seriously its bow as in the bow of a ship. so its bow-wran. jsut to say i am irish and old has played for 30 years. your a good player though

[RIProrygallagher]

Annoying that you cant even pronounce the name of your instrument.. grrrrr...

[METALIST1989]

god damn hippie

[pierangela69]

thank you thank you thank you !!

[LoicDesailly]

Thank you man for your helping video ;)

[JamieWright94]

i dont get why people are so proud to connect with ireland when most americans who are "irish" have relatives from ireland going back many generations, it just seems unnecessary and weird. By the way all my grandparent are irish and i live in england

[LoicDesailly]

@JamieWright94

What if we don't care ?

[JamieWright94]

alrite chill out haha

[BinCheese]

I don't get it either, but I can't help it. I think it's because (in my case, anyway) America is so boring and stupid in comparison to Ireland.

[megaborisramblerru]

Thanks a lot, man :)

[DarkFulanito]

thank you

[curtmang]

is that an 18" bridget?

[helgaullarsokkur]

thank you thank you thank you! that was so helpful.

[PoirotAndCo]

Thanks for this video :-) - Lousy Beginner -

[bigfeet339]

great help thanks alot

bravo

[sylacaugachildhood]

Just to let you guys know, it's pronounced bowrahn.

[santiano42]

It is in some places, like Ireland and the US mostly

In Scotland and Canada and places it's pronounced bo-RAHN more commonly

This is coming from a session-going Scot who's got a session-going American girlfriend!

We have arguments as to the best way to pronounce bodhran :P

[thefrontline23]

bowrawwn

[narnianqueen09]

Thanks so much for the video, it's been my study, but I'm having the hardest time ever on getting the triplet. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[anna7955]

Thanks for your helpful video, just what I needed, simple yet constructive.

[aryelyne]

Thanks for the help! Yeah, I just got this crazy mystical guy in the shop telling me how to hold it, and that i would figure it out the way i "figured out how to walk and then run". I still don't really get the triplet thing.. it seems like a fluke if i actually manage to do it. Any way u can help a little more?? Thanks! =]

[amfortunet]

How generous to share with we who are "out there" alone with our drums.

[butlerbulldogs05]

whats the regular size for a bodhran?

[HardcoreDrummerMan]

14 inch is a good size for starters.

16 and bigger can be a bit different for beginners but, are great!

trust me. i am a beginner lol

[butlerbulldogs05]

lol ya i bought an 18 inch bodhran about a few weeks ago, and it seems a little big but thats good for me because now it will never be too small to play!

[00JTM]

Yeah I did the same thing

[thefolgers]

You look and sound like Noel Fisher from 'The Riches.'

[ner411]

U havnt got a clue, its people like u who give da bodhran a bad name!! U make it sound like any1 can play it without putn any work in2 it! do us all a favor and quit!!

[AleDaino]

Thank you!!!!

What else to make good irish music???

(I still have my guinness from Ireland and the irish whistle:)

[umbrey]

keep er lit!!

[ek4051]

Hi i serious need help here inspired by u i made up my mind i was going to learn to play the bodhran however sadly i haven't accomplished anything besides that i can do the triplet and the down up thing the and only now how to wack it

[katherynne]

thanks man, I should be getting my bodhran in a few days and I think this video will be well helpful!

[kabambodran]

thanks man you learnd me the first stap. i am a fine player right now.

[3danalogan]

This was perfect and exactly what I needed! I am in a band and hope to incorporate the bodhran. If we make a video I will post it and say you were my teacher! ha!

[godinneutral]

This actually helped me out a lot. I'm just beginning to learn. Thanks, man.

[TheRealMcLuuk]

thanks for the vid :)

[getuptheyard]

This is good playing for a young lad, good man,

keep the faith, Erin Go Bragh

[madpaddy21]

Thanks for this Man

[rubiks899]

Check out my new bodhran and clarinet duet video!

CLARINET AND BODHRAN PLAYERS UNITE!!!

SUbsribe 2 me of you play either of these 2 instruments!

[eoghanmullen]

Dude, just a few minor corrections from across the water, if u don't mind...

Its pronounced "BOW-RAUN". Bow like the bow of a ship, and Raun like eh L. RON Hubbard! 2nd: Its a "Beater", not a "Tipper". P.S. i've played the bodhran for 10 years, but i've never come across that sweet technique you're explaining in the video... 3 hits in 1 swing is really nice! It always took me 1 & 1/2 swings to get my 3 hits (hence 6 hits in 2 swings) so yeah, i'm deffo gonna try that out. Thanks man, EOGHAN.

[AULDPIPER]

yea ! if you were fucking irish you would be english. They have been fucking the Irish for years ! LOL

Good playing Lad ! keep it up.

[madceltguy]

......and still trying to learn"Triplets" Looks SO easy...but BLOODY HELL !

[CCraigen]

THANK YOU I've always loved the bodhran and my girlfriend got me one for Christmas. Couldn't figure the stroke out for the life of me until I ran across this video. Life saver!

[madceltguy]

just got my bodhran.Thanks for the vid!

[hockeyfan9087]

the bodhran is such a beautiful instrument..

I would love to buy one and then learn to play it

[GG02Echo]

Hi merci pour la leçon, I just bought such an instrument, I had no idea how to play it !

Thanks from France...

[alexcious]

The 1:54 bit reminded me of "I'll Tell Me Ma" by Van Morrison.

Well done, lad!

[XxOReillyxXx]

american accent? Irish flag? typical irish instrument? what are ye? lol

[SirQuady]

Canadian, i think.

Canadian accent too.

[IrishKanuck]

yeah i'm canadian. Irish family, thus irish flag in the background.

long live Canada

[ArvelBird]

@IrishKanuck Thanks and can't wait to practice with more of your videos. Good job!  My husband's a touring fiddler and wants me to learn the Bodhran and since I've a wee bit of Irish Blood in me, I am loving it. Thank you! Kimberly Kelley

[kidri0t]

@IrishKanuck the irish flag is pretty fucking ugly.

[SUP3RZ0MB1E]

@kidri0t explain.

[kidri0t]

@SUP3RZ0MB1E the lambeg is a drum made by ulster scots/scottish people who moved to northen ireland/ulster its a gaint drum lol.

[Thrawn6211]

@XxOReillyxXx That's no American accent I've ever heard, it sounds Canadian.

[SUP3RZ0MB1E]

@XxOReillyxXx American? Try again. It says it right in his name:P I am also Canadian with an Irish background. Regardless, I dont see why it would matter where your from to play a bodhran.

[woelfin1352]

Thanks for this "lesson"!! =)

[2lostbikes]

This comment's a little late but I first watched your vid here earlier this year, around January or so, and it really helped me out getting started, so cheers for that.

It's nice that I can come back to it now and do all the basics pretty easily.

[dandadub]

its pronounced bow-ron as in the bow of a ship or to bow to someone. and ron as in the name ron. bow-ron.

[boomhehe]

what??? bow-ron, it's more like boron, where you from?

[dandadub]

dont worry i wont get sucked into an argument ya brit cunt

[boomhehe]

brit cunt? where did that come from? i'm just saring its not like bow like of a ship, more like bow as in bow of a violin, or a ribbon. bo-ron

[dandadub]

its a pronounced bow as in bow of a ship, i play the instrument. and as for the brit cunt remark i went to your page to see where YOU were from and saw some of the comments on your page

[chashyun1955]

brit cunt musta been my EX.....you can always tell a brit.......but just not much"

[cirmaraki]

Hi,

this video helped me a lot in my first tottering steps... (when I first discovered the irish triples and style about 10 years ago I had nothing but a children's toy snare/tin drum -- and now, after all that time playing in a rock band, I have bought my first bodhrán, and this video has confirmed that my earlier thoughts on the technique were right).

There are a lot of nice tutoring videos out tere on youtube, but I think yours is the best and most easily accessible.

[TheRetardedGerbil]

my friends rauri pronounces it ba-rown

[Normanskie]

So have I been saying it wrong for past twenty or so years, Boh drum.

[bobfresco]

ye..it's defo pronounced BOW-RAwN or BO-RAN...i used to call it a BO-HEE-DRON

[TheRetardedGerbil]

um...yes people say it different ways, but im pretty sure, that IS a wrong way to say it...sorry.

[gunnerglory]

Heh man, nice video, just picked up my first bodhran, originally from Leitrim; have lived in NYC for about 9 years. Trying to self teach and this helps a lot. Appreciate it, I know it might be a pain in the hole but do you think you could put something together of something a little more advanced, like a Part 2 after this is down? Go raibh mile maith agat - Dermot.

[rabbitspliff]

cool...

hmm, do you think the bodhrán and didgeridoo would sound nice together? multicultural. wait, i'm scottish. i must also learn the bagpipes...

oops, writing my thought train down...

err yeh, well this is basically how my grandmother told me how to play the bodhrán, so i'm guessing that means it's right.

i will try and get a video done soon [-ish/-er or later]...

[Jettox]

Great video, thanks! I know I'm holding the tipper wrong, but I can't play right when I hold it like you showed. I have to have it between my middle and index fingers, with my thumb giving control. The only problem is, my middle finger keeps blistering on the side because of it. Does anyone know, will it toughen up and go away after time, or is there a way to correct it? Keep posting videos, you've got a great style and sound!

[pedromcferraz]

tanks!!!

learn so much.

Pedro Ferraz

[carlaturc]

Thanks Kanuck. Sorry my english! I'm italian.. I've learned the bodhran from you. Thanks a lot!!

[MOBRIEN1234567]

my god thank you so much Ive got it im playing so easily what you demonstrated wahooooo!

[MOBRIEN1234567]

Thanks! i thought the triplet would be deadly after watching this but a minute later now it seems pretty easy anyone should try its great!

[2bobdrummer]

great advice thank you

[Timothydlol]

thanks very much.

[Timothydlol]

very good but its pronounced BOW rawn haha!

[Asprothecat]

People say it in different ways.

[clawlesslawless]

i dont like sounding pedantic,but ive always called the "tipper" a cipin...pronounced kipeen.tis up to you how u want to say it.

go raibh mait agat

[Anjohl]

Amazing help, I am going to try some of this tommorow

[tobias02134]

festival!

[melvinbrains]

Thanks for this. I may have to buy one in the near future. Keep the videos coming!

[patman2112]

Thanks for the demo

[leprechaunkev]

Keep on beatin' it!!!! It'll Cum Naturally :-) Try learnin' to the beat of toss the feathers by the Corr's..... with a good Whiskey followed by a Guinness or 10. Good luck fellow Bodhran players......May the drink be with you.....LeprechaunKev

[themusictheif]

hey! thanks, awesome video. got any tips for non-tunable bodhrans

[Michael825]

Hi Man,

you rock!!!!

Thanks for Showing.

Greets from Germany

Michael

[msizer]

Well done amigo - very simple explanation - exactly what is needed for nubites like some of us (well, um, not me of course, but you know, the "other" people who tried it without immediate success)

Thanks.

[flharty]

Thanks! Very nice, non-threatening, laid-back lesson!

[popefrayne]

sound lad nearly ave de triple

[thebmatt]

I just got mine in the mail and was having a LOT of trouble figuring out how to play based on all of the text instructions. Thank you so much! This was very helpful!

[sexteta]

Good vid mate. Will put your tips to good use. I'm guessing drinking any form of stout may also be beneficial...

[ek4051]

i would really like to play the bodhran myself....so can one learn on their own or do they to have lessons would that be better? please let me know thanks

[msully74]

Good lesson - keep it up

[Bubbles4uk]

check out the irish flag whoot whoot!

[crazydillon1]

It's sweet! I have one like that.

[dragonmaddie]

why is it whenever someone is trying to be helpful which believe me you are, very, someone always has to come along and pick holes and be abusive, anyway thanks for the video i found it great, and i love your playing

[50321955]

James here, thanks for your simple but very helpful video on how to start with the Bodhran. i will practise every day as i want to incoporate this into my solo act i already do with the guitar. I am Irish and i´m ashamed to say i only took an interest in the Bodhran when i saw the demand for Irish music along with what i already do every weekend. Will keep you posted.James

[bombomchicken]

u american queer its pronounced bow-ron!!!!!

dont post nymoreu wierdo!

[c06031983]

lol, he's canadian you moron.

[bombomchicken]

wots da fuckin difference nd nyway u prob say ur irish but in ireland we say eejit fucker queer bolox bag nd retard

[MorganaSnape]

I've just recived today my Irish Bodhran and come to outube looking for lessons. I would like to learn more^^ Right now I can just take the tipper more or less right xDD

[d2ragon]

So I just got mine but when I play stated playing the tipper kept slideing down in between my fingers. Also, what is the little noch in the tipper is for? It devides the tipper into a short end and a long end.

What's that all about?

[irishghetto]

I can remember when there were less than 20 video's of the Bodhran on youtube. I'm sure you remember as well. Just wanted to drop a line to say you helped a lot of people have fun and enjoy them selves. Thank's so much for all your vid's. Keep posting!! 0_0

[gabblegawker]

Bought my first bodhran yesterday. Watched you video this morning and literary within one minute after i was playing like I had been playing for years!

You taught me a new skill today, cheers fella.

[sowhatguessit]

where do you put your other hand??

[Dafutta52]

ur non dominate goes behind the Bodhran to muffle it...

[OCaseyClan]

I have been watching all your videos and I have to say they are very good for getting the beginner bodhran player started off right. Keep up the good work. Slán agus beannacht leat!

[lamplightgirl]

Thanks! Really helpful.

[redrock505]

yeah man you rock, this improved my guitar playing actually !

[jmark50]

thanks!

[kiltman]

Many thanks, I am a little confused on the tipper, mine has that notch in it so one end is shorter than the other. Which end do I want facing inward?

[caomhan74]

you put the long/'pendulum'/bottom out your fingertips towards your body/drum and the short/top/back comes out over your thumb for the triplets.

[Peanutbaby888]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! You rule! I am a new learner and I thought it was sooo much more complicated, but you made it easy. So thank you so much!

[peepinpadre]

i've had a bodhran for about 2 years that i've yet to sit down and get the basics down. thanks for the great vid, it's going to help me finally get started!

[astroal]

thanks for the video!

[Tazcar3]

Hey again IrishKanuck, just wanted to let you know that I bought a "E-Notch" Tipper. Man it is amazing! Big help for someone with carpeltunnel. Much easier to hold on to. Thought I'd be lettin ya know.

[daibhidh708]

My bodhran has kind of a hollow sound to it... is that normal?

[IrishKanuck]

hmm, in my experience a hollow sound to a bodhran means the skin is too tight. Try loosening the skin, or dampen the head more with ur hand

[pobg]

`howeya i bought a bodhran today i didnt have a clue how to play i watched your vid 3 times and i already have the basics 'go raibh mile math aguth' thank you very much . you hold yourself well you shoulde make a dvd it would fly out the shop over here . slan

[DocSpuel]

thank you very much

this is excellent.

[Ki10008]

Hey ~ Thanks for taking the time to share your joy and skills with de world. As a frame drum enthusiast... (I play Riq, Tar, Bendir, Tambourine, Tambourim etc..), I have been wanting to learn the Bodhran and connect with my Celtic rootz. Your video(s) will be very helpful when I finally get my Bow!! Yip!

[orlox1]

hey I played bodhran in a christmas concert with my folk band (I usualy play guitar) a few days ago and Ive only had your vids and some others on you tube to go by... thanks so much xxx you rock, got any tips for more advanced playing? Ive been asked to play in other peoples bands (think theres a shortage of bodhran players on the Island)thanks again

[Rod704]

Thanks, very helpful, practical. I'am a new player and this is useful.

[blackrose325]

Great video man, that helped a lot thanks so much!!

[daibhidh708]

Hey,

You're not from the Maritimes, r u?

[freakoutXtreme]

hi there,

thanks m8 this was really helpful ;)

i have an on paper tutor with my bodhran but i didnt get the up/down strokes now thanks to you i do ;) thanks m8 ;) youve made my day :)

[Tazcar3]

That's what I figured.  Thanks man.

[Tazcar3]

Thanks for the startup. About the tipper, how do you pick the right one or do you need to just keep buying them until you find one that is right?

[IrishKanuck]

just keep trying different tippers out until u find one that u feel comfortable with

[BlumenStrasse01]

so thats what a bodhran is! thanks mate, and keep up the good work :)

[fkrista]

thanks for the tips! very helpful - keep up the good work!

[phillredfox]

Hey thanks fella, real nice, good, simple advice. my bodhran been kicking around for a while so i'm off now to pound triplets :)

cheers

[elmopancake]

cheers man, couldn't get that triplet down for ages,great video, keep up the good work :)

[darkphoenixbc]

Thanks for the little tutorial.

Maybe, as you learn it, you can show us more complicated things like side taps and pressure changes.

[BeggarsFarm7]

I went over to Ireland this summer and bought a Bodhran, but since I have yet to have had time to try to learn how to play it. This video will be the perfect jumping off point for me to practice for fun.

[demonicdev]

Drop the irish accent you cant hold

it