How to play Bodhran: 1. Basic Stroke: Rónán Ó Snodaigh

[@cezm1161]

This is brilliant teaching; the lighting is so helpful to understand the technique. Cheers. I purchased my first Bodhran today, and I'm stoked to play.

[@robertsetz]

"You have to relax". This is very true and very much applies to rhythm guitar playing (my own instrumental pursuit). All energies and muscular control of the right hand become "light" and require little more than "thinking" the beat. In my opinion, this is achieved by knowing well the "free balance" of the right hand. If I were teaching rhythm guitar - particularly cross rhythms and "Flamenco" styles, I would advocate exploring of "natural tempo and meter", i.e. the rhythm created by the natural swing of the arm and/or wrist without trying (at first) to play to a regimented beat (a metronome or other band members' tempo). Once a steady and meticulous beat is established, it becomes an easy matter (after practice of course!) to stretch the naturally created sense of strict beat to any required tempo. You'll know your getting it when you can hold a steady conversation whilst maintaining a relentless and flawless beat. - As the musician in the vid demonstrates. I enjoyed his imparting as it is both specific advice and can be applied to other instruments as in my own case.

[@ada636]

The tip about relaxation and the demonstration with the hand were amazing! It really helped me understand how to play bodhran as a beginner. The lesson was captivating from start to finish, and the playing is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@Jazzgriot]

I bought a bodhran in Dublin years ago, and have never done much with it, but this was inspiring. A true master class.

[@JCMcGee]

Beautiful video! This man is obviously a huge talent with this drum and obviously loves it!

[@MerrilynAir]

This is the clearest and easiest video instruction I have seen so far...thank you VERY much!!!

[@konstantineguruli]

Go raibh maith agat, Ronan! Great tutorial. Thanks

[@gmee123]

That was a great presentation! Thanks for sharing!

[@DohRay]

Simple and well structured! Easy to follow

[@Icur2qt]

Thank you for sharing you knowledge with us.

[@liamg1995]

I am no expert, but I cup my left hand slightly, as if I were cupping it to hold water and touch the skin with the edge of the palm and little finger and play above the hand (some play below)... for high and tight tappy sounding notes, I use the triangular area between my outstretched thumb and forefinger and touch the tips of each to the rim of the drum on the inside ( this forms a triangle between the rim, forefinger, and thumb). you can also just use the heel of your palm to apply pressure.

[@tinnakilly]

well donemark, greatfootage, well captured

[@bridboland8839]

Brilliant - I learned by using a wooden spoon on the back of an old LP cover -

[@anthonymoore6411]

I used the back of a guitar and pencil 😁

[@myles.o.reilly]

Brilliant

[@c.jackson2260]

Thankyoufor sharing with us. Are they classed as a type of drum? I would love to play one of these. Um Colleen after all! Lol

[@gabrielemane8899]

What kind of Bodhran is he using?

[@tonyyarbray]

that's how I started playing the Bodhran and that's my preferred method...I would wear a metal guitar slide on mu index finger on the other hand to clack the wood here and there

[@Ben-hv4pr]

I have a Bodhran but im not as good becuse i have tight mucules but i found my own way to play my Bodhran

[@phillalebbasro639]

Good work! Thanks a lot. I really enjoy playing drums. :)

[@curthofmann]

cheers

[@PedrosrDF]

what about the left hand, how does it work exactly? I just can't take a good sound of it (just started)

[@ceallaighcorbeau6109]

How much of a toll does this take on the knuckle skin? I assume calluses must develop?

[@Garfunkels_Funky_Uncle]

is the bodhran universal? I think I'm more of a left stroker than a right.

[@ThePoisonBiscuit]

The ole stranger

[@gordonmclees7509]

can rhythym be learnt

[@christinequinn5355]

Yes. For the two main Irish tune types - reel and jigs, you do it by tapping and counting SLOWLY at first. For REELS the rhythm is 4/4 which is four beats to the bar in musical notation. So you would count 1,2,3,4 over and over again - with your hand on a table is the simplest way to begin - until you FEEL the rhythm. Then you gradually increase the tempo. JIGS are in 6/8 - six beats to the bar. The same technique applies as you slowly count 1,2,3,4,5,6. When you get comfortable with this practice, you can try it listening to reel and jigs that are played at a SLOW to MODERATE tempo. Good luck. ☘☘☘

[@ErrigalCam]

now I start, fear maith

[@vtechead1]

He makes it look so easy - but it’s not lol