How to Play Irish Bodhrán: Roscommon, Kerry, & West Limerick Technique

#tycoonpercussion #halleonard
This video presents a brief intro to the 3 main playing style of the bodhrán as well as how the drum got its name and history.
0:00 Brief introduction and history of the Irish Bodhrán
3:05 Roscommon Style
6:20 Introduction to the tipper
7:10 Kerry/Traditional Style
11:00 West Limerick/Top End/Modern Style
16:25 Support Local Pizzerias
Here are links to read more about the history, origins, and etymology of how the bodhrán came to be:
comhaltas.ie/music/treoir/det...
www.bodhran-info.de/en/the-bo...
Tycoon Percussion: tycoonpercussion.com/
If you are visiting Indy wanting some great pizza: www.brozinni.net/ And they give you a small order of garlic knuckles for FREE for first time visitors!!
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[@carlosmacmartin4205]

The pizza box has a good tone to it. Thanks for sharing!

[@AdamRiviere]

And the pizza inside was even better😉 glad you enjoyed the video!

[@GardenStateProductions]

Possibly the best video I’ve seen so far that closely and comprehensively explored all the different grip types. Thank you!

[@AdamRiviere]

Thank you so much for the very kind words!! If there's anything else you'd like me to explore and present please let me know!

[@dereknolin5986]

It sounds like when you're using the West Limerick technique, after doing a triplet when you flip the downbeat onto the upstrokes, you change the "swing" of the accent. Is that a desired part of the style? I don't really see the advantage of that style over the Kerry style, which seems like it lets you achieve those triplets with less effort by letting the bar do the work for you. Thanks for the vid.

[@AdamRiviere]

Excellent observation on this video! I've switched to a hybrid West Limerick style where I hold the tipper a little lower from the top to allow me to add the diddles, and continue the typical stroke pattern without the need of the guitar technique. Also I find the West Limerick more relaxing and less stressful to use compared to the Kerry technique.

[@dereknolin5986]

I'm about to take a my very first week-long bodhran class in a few weeks, and I'm just discovering there are all these different styles. Do you think if I start learning one style, I'll be able to adapt to the other later on, or will my muscle memory fight against me, so to speak?@@AdamRiviere

[@AdamRiviere]

@@dereknolin5986 excellent question! When I began studying West Limerick I was using Kerry style and at first had difficulty with muscle memory. However, after continued practice and discipline was able to switch back and forth with no issues.

[@dereknolin5986]

That's good to hear. It seems like being able to blend and switch between the two would be the best of both worlds.@@AdamRiviere

[@troymitchell1747]

Can you use a Native American rawhide hand drum instead?

[@AdamRiviere]

Excellent question! You can use a rawhide hand drum. Depending on the design, where normally there's a lot of rawhide thongs on the back, it may be difficult to place your hand in the back to adjust the tension and tone.

[@troymitchell1747]

@@AdamRiviere I can get my hand in easy. It’s just a cross Representing the four directions. So actually my hand and drum are very stable on my leg.

[@AdamRiviere]

@@troymitchell1747 awesome! Then you're good to go my friend, and have fun!

[@troymitchell1747]

@@AdamRiviere thank you sir.