(How To Play The Bodhran) Mother Of All Jigs Bodhran Rhythm Part 2 Building The Tempo

[photographychick92]

loved the repetition. I found it easy to even get up to the faster speeds. Thanks so much!

[CeLuna89]

I did play the bodhran today for the first time in my life. Of course i could not speed up that much. But I found this video very very helpfull!

I can't believe that I actually could repeat what you did in your video. Of course I need to practice now :)

thank you very much! It's a wonderful feeling and you have an amazing talent to explain :) and to play as well

[kera28]

Thanks a lot for this VERY helpful video ! =)

[larrythelookout]

Had my bodhrán sitting in the attic for ages. Thanks for making me start playing again.

Regards.

[lisamarieharvey]

All your videos are really great; I find them so helpful, and it's nice to play along with someone, in a video or not. Thanks!

[macmurchaidh]

just started learning the bodhrán, your video really helped, go raibh míle maith agat.

[WildstormWarrior]

I started learning 3 hours ago and after figuring out how to hold the Bodhran (it's my dad's and it's huge) I started to learn this jig. I can play it up to 100 prety consistantly. Thanks for posting the video. It has been a huge help.

[Clarissa191]

thank you :-)

[241hnd]

I would really like to hear it with an actual jig to hear how it fits.

[jukejackie1]

Hi Michelle, thanks so much for all the effort you have put in your videos, i haven't gotten my drum yet but i am practicing on a table top (i took the legs off) and an Album cover, lol......bought 4 different tippers today and will try them all out to find a comfortable one. it seems practice is the key! again many thanks

[vstoddard1]

Nice job! I need to keep the rudiments close to mind because I have a tendency to branch out on my own and lose the original rhythms. Thanks for the reminder!

[drunkenleprochaun18]

Hi,

ive been watching your videos for about 5 days now. today i reached 120bpm fairly accurately for this video, and for 7day challenge day 1 i reached 100bpm. Its been fun, bumping up 10bpm each day.

Just started to figure out tonal changes, from watching a video of The Corrs. .

I have a Waltons 18" Bodhran, non-tunable. Ive been wetting it down until it has a nice hollow sound, with no almost metallic twang. Just wondering if thats right?

[turnitback]

Hi Michelle

It is remarkable just how helpful it is to play along with your video.

I've had a bodhran, for a couple of months already, but haven’t previously made enough effort to overcome my initial difficulties.

I reached the 130 quite easily today. For the first time, I have reached the conclusion that I will eventually get to play this instrument well. Thank you!

I’m getting hooked, and can’t wait to explore your material much further.

Paul

[squeakerabudhabi]

Your lessons are helping me so very much; so thank you for posting them! I'm in a pop/rock band with my sisters, but we've all been trying to get back to our Irish roots (our mother is Irish, from Country Cork) by picking up trad Irish instruments. I play the tin whistle, but always wanted to play the bodhran (my great aunt learned in school in Ireland). So, thanks again for your wonderful posts; they've helped me immensely!

[Graemebomac]

Good stuff

[anxious0123]

Hi there Michelle, I've been trying to start the bodhran for a while now and this is the push start I've been needing. Thanks so very much for your encouragement, your generocity and a smiling face is always welcome. I've been playing guitar a long time now so the wrist movement is there but not the rest. How tight should the skin be? Thanks again, Angus

[keyboardxcait]

i got a bodhran for christmas and your vids are very helpful =]

[Indianjaine]

you mention learning tone at another time, is this the same as learning dynamics (seems different to me) but what do I know?

Do you have a video on learning to control/play tone?

[Indianjaine]

awesome

I bought a bodhran about 15 years ago and had a couple of lessons last year (from a friend) but it's time to really seriously learn it.

Your videos are great and easy to follow =) thanks

(though I'll practice around the 90 beat at the moment)

[Steph9737]

my tipper fell!! aw :(

thanks for the tutorial i will practice everyday with your videos, the 120 beat is too fast for e now...

[paramedstudy]

What a wonderful idea. I am trying to learn this instrument and the two lessons that was put up has been very useful. i am not very fast yet and my hand behind the drum ached so had to stop, but i will continue to practice. Please do put more up and maybe differnt rythums if there are more.

[iffyhollers]

Perfect tutorial!!

[horgerboy]

I'm self taut and you have taut me well now. Than you for bein my teacher were I able to buy a lesson from you in person I would. Thank you very much.

[DavidN070]

hi michelle, just recently started to learn.. your vids have really helped me along...

[conmaca]

haha im proud i made it to one 120 and only picked it up a couple hours ago :)

[mandonlk]

Its been many years ago that I played the drums and now I'd like to return to it starting with the bodhran and sit in with my friends who play endless jigs and reels. This is the best lessons for me as a beginer that I have seen. You are a great teacher. Question: While playing is your elbow tucked into your side or away from it. I'm having a problem with my shoulders, wrist, and forearms tightening after sustained repitions. What do you suggest to prevent this.

[wyldefyre1982]

I've been really playing for a couple of weeks now, and this is by far, the best tutorial I've found! 120 beats on my first playing, the 130 started to lose me when it was filled in - but I'm determined - I'll get it yet!

[wyldefyre1982]

Perhaps it was my other tipper - but playing was a bit of a chore - bought a new one, tuned in, and got 120...130 started to lose me once it was filled in.  This is BY FAR the best tutorial I've fou

[mickdukes]

About how much would a bodhran cost for a beginner and where's the best place and/or website to obtain one? Thanks.

[10inchbrush]

Thank you for all the help I do have to pick out some of the things I do as i have one hand and use my body to regulate the tone of the drum

[gigawatt01]

thank you so much for putting your time and energy into making these videos. I played basic bodhran in school but gave it up. I've had a bodhran hanging on my wall unused for almost 15 years. thanks to you I've begun to breathe (beat) new life into it. again, I'm now able to easily play this beat at 130bpm... A BIG THANK YOU :-)

[weerab8]

i'v just started doing the bodhran and you have been great to learn from just nice and simple to start with thanks

[dinsdaleraddatz]

I just bought my first bodhran yesterday and all morning I was looking at videos on youtube,as I live in the middle of nowhere and there are no lessons available. So, I came across your videos and I've done 1 and 2 and am AMAZED at how straightforward, clear and concise your teaching is. I actually feel like I know what I'm doing! I'm working on my time. I have a metronome because I play harp, so I'm going to keep working on increasing my speed to the 6/8 jig. Thanks so much!! Dinsdale

[jcmac1117]

Just visited Ireland.  I purchased a bodhran because I always wanted one. You are now my teacher. I really enjoy the videos and hope you continue to make them. I am a struggling beginner but with your help I hope to get better. Thanks.

JohnC

[rosearthur1]

Thanks for your videos. Your approach is great. What would be appreciated even more, is towards the end of each lesson having a tune to play along with...

[TimeSlut1]

Michelle, Thanks for posting these videos!! I've had a bodhran for years, but never knew how to hold it or play it right. You've fixed that. I had messed with it off and on over the years, and as such, could keep up with you at 130. I have an old war injury that makes my right shoulder hurt tho. I'm hoping that eventually goes away as I play more. I also am etting a blister on my index finger from the beater. Is this normal or is it still sliding or something??

Mark

[jenkinsbrigade]

Wow! I wish I had had access to your videos five years ago when I first got my bodhran -- then it wouldn't have been gathering dust since then!

[leewsb]

Hi! Awsome video. I was having some challenges with this rhythm but now I got it. The repetition was really really good. Please keep doing this!

[rosearthur1]

Just right! Thanks so much!

[soundwerxkaraoke]

after 1 week...i can finally do the 130 bpm speed without it sounding like total crap. still not super clean, but working on it! I go thru all of the videos at least twice a day. I'd love to see some more videos of you playing with music. I love the Man of the House!

[cmader100]

Any recs on Jigs to try and play with at 100 or 110 bpm? Very new at this. Been taking the 'lessons' pretty much one at a time. They've been great. Thanks for posting.

[TheCommanderSalamand]

I have just pulled out my Bodhran after being frustrated with learning

how to play this video have helped me alot thanks!!  now i am practicing everyday

[LukeGrasby]

130 first try! Great videos

[292Tigger]

Hi Michelle.

I've always wanted to learn this instrument but never had the 'guts' to give it a try. Watching this video has inspired me to go buy a bodhran & give it a go!!

Please, could you tell me the order I should watch your videos for being very much a beginner? or let me know the first 2 I should watch.

MANY THANKS! YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH A GIFT!

[hiddengarry]

the repetition is great. You can skip bits if it's too repetative. SUper video.  Keep it up

[lizaspera]

Just beginning... and this was THE best instructional video. I think the pace and repetition was perfect.

[chellis82]

I'm a set drummer and I've just picked up the bodhran. I was able to go to 120, but not any farther. My next step will have to be getting less sloppy before I go faster. Thanks for the great videos!

[Malyshaz]

Great videos! Don't change the repetition, it really helps.

[rickdermody]

I've had my Bodhran for 13 years as a decoration left over from Riverdance. Today on St. patrick's Day with your video help I played a rhythm for the first time! At 57, I thought I was rhythmically challenged beyond hope! Thank you--you are a GREAT teacher!!

[Josephkzez]

YOU ARE THE BEST!!! Everything Ive ever learned was from you, you teach real great!!! Love you so much, come to brazil someday :D

[countrytrubadur]

Loved it, seen other videos, but this one actually gave me something to start with

I've just been whacking away before :-)

The tempo at 130 was ok, tho I did feel my arm getting tired after a while, and I think I held the tipper too loosely, cause the hand kept sliding towards to drum

Thanks for posting this video, I will surely catch your other ones as well :)

[Daisybell911]

I kept up with 130 and was so proud! I LOVE the repetition. It's a great way to see the mechanics of the rhythm and play along. It's fine to see someone do it but playing along with the teacher really enforces your playing. Keep it up and thanks!

[UberGingerSu]

ok.. now it's time for me to practice, practice, practice! thanks for a great training video Michelle.

[columkil]

Hi Michelle ... Just discovered your youtube channel and now of course your website ... really enjoyed it! My family and I sat together and listened to the mother of all jigs P1 & 2 and enjoyed it! You've inspired me to get my bodhran out again, dust it off and bang out a merry rhythm or two! :-)

[shauna1c]

so great, repetition is fine...feel good about this rhythm...

[Paddyslippers]

thank you michele excellent video very helpful!

[Edwardluvr89]

Loved it!

[slothmanrules]

Great lesson method! Like the step increase with timing and the many repetitions are so helpful while playing along with you!

[Jazzwyn]

Michelle, this is a wonderful rhythm. Could we practice this "Mother of All Jig" rhythm with you while a jig is playing in the background? It would really help me internalize what you're teaching. Thank you so much!

[hadochaos]

loved it. it was very helpfull as are all your videos

[darkmidnight666]

Thanks for the video. i started playing again for the first time in around 10 years. I think the repetition is perfect and the way you walk the viewers though the beats is fantastic. Don't change anything and I will be seeing you soon.

[cherirhein]

I started at the 60 - that was 3 weeks ago. I can now play the 120 but I can't quite pull off 130. This is my favorite rhythm to play. I find I can play along with most jigs - still stumbling around with reels!

[a3robot]

This is day to and I can hit 120 pretty well but 130 keeps me on my toes. I wish you had done a little be more repetition with the 130 bpm but everything else was perfect! Keep it up!

[arossjr]

Love it, love it, love it!

[MoonfleetCat]

Thank you so much for this video! I just got a Bodhran and I knew I needed some visual help in learning it. I play fiddle, but this is such a hugely different instrument. This video is absolutely perfect. I loved the repetition. Though I'm not at 130 yet, with your help I'm sure I'll be there in no time. :) I have subscribed this channel now, and I know it will come in handy!

[metalhughie]

This is so fantastic! This is my second day playing, and I can play this at 130bpm along with you Michelle! This is the only rhythm I know, but it is great. Can you recommend any good 6/8 jigs, tin whistle or fiddle perhaps, here on youtube that we could play along with? Thanks again :D

[metalhughie]

This is a great video! I just got a Bodhran for X-mas, and this is the first thing I've tried to play. It's really fun! WIthout any tension on the skin, my drum sounds a bit like a reverberating metal barrel though, is this a problem with the head tension or my playing?

[Socialist5]

130 - YEAH!!!

love the lessons. I keep accidentally doing triplets, the top moves to far and hits the drum. Any idea how to rectify that??? Am I must going to fast?

[TheNimphredil]

Hi! I'm a spanish girl and, without knowledge of English i understand your videos. In Spain is very difficult to find bodhran classes. thanks to you I'm getting to learn.

[sllgrecco]

love the repetition. they are very good for the begginers, like myself. :)

thanks a lot!

[darasheahan]

You are a star, an absolute star. For me, there's a little too much repetition in this video, but I'm sure others find it very helpful. How's that for sitting on the fence!

Thanks a million.

:Dara

[jeroodamo]

I have been checking out many other tutorials and yours is by far the best. I keep picking up new things everyday. I have been at it about two weeks now, practicing about half and hour a day and each day I am seeing improvement. I was on the Oregon coast this weekend and bought a knit wool cap from Dingle Ireland. I am sure it hasn't helped my playing but I look better doing it.

[angelm0use]

Hey Michelle. These video tutorials are so useful. I haven't played for a few years and don't own a drum at present. I'm using the patented hardback with skewers drum atm but very impressed that I can still get up to the 130bpm mark.

Thankyou for that. X

[Calydin]

I love these tutorials Michelle. I have never really had rhythme until I watched your videos here and started playing the Bohdran for an upcoming Irish Studies program at the University I am attending. They have been key to my learning and understanding of this unique drum and I am just loving it! After one week I have the tempo down for up to 100 beats per minute just by using your tutorials! I one day will be a Master at the Bodhran too! Thanks a ton!

[nitramtrah]

These lessons are great and I'm progressing really well, thank you. Can't wait for musical accompanyment which is all that's missing from my view.

I'm really enjoying learning the Bodhran

[TheShamrock007]

rGreat love it.. I like the repetition and very good instruction - easy learning THanks!!

[Simpsonfreak1]

thanks i learnt this in 5 minutes!!

[NilSineNumini]

I like the repetition and the progression of rates. Don't change how you teach!! You're doing great from my perspective!

[KassTownje]

Thank you so much :)

[Len37619]

Hi thank you..the repetition on this was perfect and easy to follow along..great tutorials..

[LisaLaCheim]

fanbloodytastic ..

[braedyntc]

Wow, this is great!! I've always wanted to play percussion and bought a bodhrán a bit ago. As a flutist, it's all very foreign, but these videos have really helped!! I think the speed and repetition is fabulous. The repetition was great (and much needed); it was like you were in the room helping me. Do you ever notice your wrists acting up? I worked as a cashier through school and so my wrists are already shot (carpal tunel and all that)...any suggestions?

[DelaneyODubhshlaine]

i have found the best bodhran teacher in Michelle.

[ScotsmanRS]

I'm a Scottish musician (keyboard, accordion, piano, and a couple of other little things on the side) and I've fancied getting a bodhran for a while, but never done it. You've convinced me I need one! I'm planning to get one then check back on this channel to get to grips with it! Thanks! :)

[fibbafox]

Hi from Cornwall, Michelle. Been playing for about 18months, on and off, and I picked up the basics quite quickly, but your videos have really moved me along; I love their comprehensiveness and the repetition, but mainly, you make it so much fun! So thank you so much!

Kev

[julieh28]

Hi there! I just purchased my very first bodhran. Handmade in Australia with a kangaroo skin. I knew I would find some good lessons on Youtube, and I was lucky enough to find you on my first night. I will definitely be back for more. I like the repetitions as it gives me time to really feel comfortable with the rhythm. Keep it coming. I have a lot to learn. Thanks.

jmag57

[cowpooca]

enjoying your videos! and the repetition is very helpful. Without that, sometimes the video can end and I'm left trying to remember what I had just been doing :) repetition reinforces the lesson, it's all good

[Falbala225]

Thank you very much for sharing your passion and your skills with us. I'm french and I bought a bodhran this summer, I begin only to play but it's really a pleasure with your vids which are clear and very useful !!

[quiltedscot]

Wow...tonight was the first time I could play at 120.;....yipeee....for the past two weeks I was "stuck" at 100...;but tonight it felt ok at 120!

[maureenvallis]

Wonderful!! I was able to keep up. Love and NEED the repition and saying it out loud also helps.

Thanks Michelle!

[jeffmacdonnell]

Good stuff!

[balbec19]

Hey cheers for the lessons they are brilliantly executed and so helpfull when beginning the bodhran. Iv been practicising with the last two days and im at 120. Keep them coming

[JOHNOOH]

these videos are so good i can match pace of the jig at 130 on my first day playing :D keep them coming!

[megaborisramblerru]

I watched the "triplets" vid first.

Being able to add triplets at 100 or 110 ffels awesome.

Thank you for sharing with everyone :)

[newmillionaires]

I'm a Maritimer from PEI. My brother is a drummer and of course also talented. Your videos are so clear, what a great idea and NICHE. No wonder people are responding to your vids so well, you're talent and clarity really come thru! Steve (from the Sue and Steve Show)

[quiltedscot]

Thanks for the repetition...it is really helping! I am working on 90 BPM right now as 100 BPM seems just out of reach. Please keep these wonderful instructional videos coming! They are a great help!

[fochie]

p.s I think the Repetition is perfect as is Michelle.

[fochie]

Best tutorial by a country mile. thanks a miil.

[murcatus]

Wow ... I think I need to practice a bit more! I love your lessons they're my favorites. Thank you so much for taking the time to put these together.

Cathy from Canada.

[Minniesgirl650935]

Fantastic tutorials Michelle! It's amazing to me how quickly you can play. Repitition seems to be the key. I will never reach your level of artistry but I am making daily progress and am happy with MY level of artistry. Keep them coming!!

[koroku21]

Great great lesson Michelle. I havent found better bodhran videos than yours

[slyfoxxtoo]

I Subscribe, will be looking for more

[BodhranMasterclass]

Thanks for keeping me posted on your progress. You guys are doing REALLY well in a very short period of time. See how easy it is to learn something new when it's fun. I think bodhran students make incredible progress like this because practicing is such a blast and before you know it it's 4 hours later. Addictive isn't it? Definitely releases those "feel good" chemicals.

[taruun19]

definitely abeginner but getting up to the 130!!

[Zarbondb]

Thanks for your chearing, I keep practising every day and trying to do my best everytime, tanks a lot!!!

[daisybobs]

@BodhranMasterclass

well i got a bodhran yesterday 19 jan 2011 and i've been practising and i'm managing grat thanks to you - its woderful - i love it

thanks

[badgerspaw]

@BodhranMasterclass

Hi Michelle

This is great, cant believe how well it works, and how quick I have got up to speed (sorry not 7 Rhythms in 7 days!) Any idea when you will be allowing new applicants on your website?

Regards

[Zarbondb]

I love your lessons, thaks a lot, i started playing a ferw days ago and now I´m able to make the 130bpm beat. Thank you

[dejpau3825]

I've been playing the bodhran for exactly a week, and because of your videos I can now play this at WARP SPEED! Thanks a ton!

[shmopus]

picked up the bodhran years ago to play with friends for a St. Patty's party and learned with a little help from Hannigan vid but, mostly from trying to keep up with the guys we became a real band but gave it up for many years now my interest has returned and been scouring the net for more in-depth info. So very glad to have found your vids. You break things down so clearly. Also like how you hold the tipper i playd straight wrist which shocks my thumb and hurts Maybe a vid on stick holding?

[BodhranMasterclass]

I recorded a video on holding the tipper this week so will make a point of putting it up asap. You will see how my grip evolved from curled up thumb and fingers to a more elongated grip.

[shmopus]

wow! I wish it and it comes true!

thanx

H

[Breislach]

So very helpful! Thanks so much. Can you / will you do a video tutorial on how to make the reel rhythm more, umm, interesting than ONE-two-three-four ONE two-three-four? Yours is the clearest, most helpful tutor series I've found in any format and that includes that Irish fella and his DVD. Moran taing!

[nd1o]

Brilliant Michelle, as a guitar and mandolin player the natural movement of the wrist helps tremendously - your lesson helped me to get an even better rythmn when playing jigs on the guitar and now I want to transfer the ornamentation accross to the Bodhran. Thank you so much.

[mplumeria]

I loved this video! The use of the metronome is genius. After watching a few online tutorials, mostly all yours, this is the jig rhythm I've been trying to master these last few days. Your tutorial broke it down enough that now I'm up to 110 beats/min. In my mind that's pretty good for just getting my first bodhran last weekend. :D Thanks!

[SadPlumFairy]

Thank you so much!

I'm a novice but I've always wanted to play bodhran... sadly, here in Italy there are neither courses nor (many) bodhran players, so I really appreciate your videos! they're perfect even for those who don't speak English in their everyday life... :)

thanks again!

[FoolsNook]

Great to play along with you - brings disciplien to practice. And it's good to do "clean" stuff to hammer home the basics - even for us so called experts!

[pirru11]

Thanks again, Michelle. You're a perfect teacher!

[rlane1212]

Just received my metronome in the mail yesterday...I'm VERY excited to get in some more practice time with it. Thank you so much for these lessons!

[patrickbrideau]

Thanks for all your tips and give us a lot of your time. If you come in Moncton NB For week-end Seminar let me know

[patrickbrideau]

Thanks for all your tips and give us a lot of your time. If you come in Moncton NB For week-end Seminar let me know

[Deanomacdaddy]

Thank you for all the help. I got my bodhrun 3 days ago and on my first go at this vid i was able to get to 100 with out a mess up. I have been desperately searching youtube to find a person giving lessons and you are the best. I live in west texas where there isnt much culture variation so you are a life line in my drumming life. Thanks once again.

[svdwel]

Dear Michelle,

I got fascinated by the bodhran over the past two weeks. And yesterday I visited Brendan White to get one of his bodhrans. Stayed there the whole afternoon, playing, listening and drinking coffee :-). Now it's up to me to practice, practice, practice.

Your videos are exactly what I was looking for!! Your videos are very inspiring.

Thank you very much.

[cydreese]

Michelle - this is the best! Found your series a month or so ago and it's inspired me to bring my beautiful bodhran down off the shelf and learn to play. I've purchased 2 other series of lessons over the past 2 years and put the drum away in failure and frustration.  I've really enjoyed being successful with your lessons - what a joy! Love the way you break everything down and I do really like the repitition in this lesson. Thanks for everything you do!

[bobfresco]

these lessons are all awesome, so thanks for giving them out so selflessly!

I've been playing guitar for 8 years, and bought a bodhran recently. I've seemed to pick it up quickly since strumming a guitar is very similar to "strumming" a bodhran...so if you play guitar, and wanna experiment with bodhran, give it a go..i think it's relatively easy for guitarists to pick up the basics. Have you found this with your students, Mrs. Masterclass?

[BodhranMasterclass]

Yes, Bob. I find guitarists and fiddlers pick up the bodhran very quickly. Thanks so much for your feedback. I find teaching to be very rewarding and all these comments just make me want to record more videos to help fellow bodhran players.

[Jettox]

Thank you, this is perfect! I have a few rhythms that I play to random tunes with, mostly faster stuff, but I need more variety in tempo. This is really helpful for that, thanks!