How to play tones on the bodhrán

Here's an overview of how to play tones on the bodhrán in a modern style by Marissa Waite of Modern Bodhrán. We’ll look at how to play low, middle and high tones on the bodhrán so you can get started or work on your technique! We’ll work on a couple of rhythms so you can hear what they’ll sound like. I’ll also explain why I moved from a more traditional style of playing tones to this, and how I feel this works better for me.
You can learn more about the bodhrán on my website: modernbodhran....
If you want to slow down and go over the tones in more depth, I cover all of this further in my beginner course which you can see here: modernbodhran....
You can join in to my three days to better triplets challenge here: mailchi.mp/4a8...
/ modernbodhran
/ modernbodhran

[@leahevison9658]

This is a nice general intro to your tone style, and the front and back of the drum inset views are really helpful, thanks! When you get time, it would be nice to add a brief video introducing yourself and your plans for the channel.

Thanks so much Leah, and thanks for your comment! Glad you like it. Having all three drum views are how we filmed the videos for all of my courses; I definitely think it's necessary for people to be able to see from all angles. Thanks for the suggestion, that's a great idea. I'll have to get one up soon! I think that would be really helpful. I have some other short videos to upload too so will get those up as well :) many thanks for stopping by!

[@TheOldBookshop]

Is that a Martin O'Neill Signature Bodhrán by Christian Hedwitschak? Thanks.

Hi Patty! Yes it is 😊 I’ve had this one about 7 years now and really love it. Have you played Christian’s drums before?

[@TheOldBookshop]

@ No, I haven't. I am a new player, just learning, but I recognized the tone immediately and the curve of the shell from the video I saw of Martin O'Neill playing his. It has a lovely mellow sound and I am considering getting that one when I feel I am ready to upgrade. Your lessons are helpful and you play really nicely.

@@TheOldBookshop how exciting! It is certainly a very lovely drum and I highly recommend it 😊 Christian’s core line bodhrans are also very lovely and slightly cheaper if you’re just getting started. Give me a shout if youve any questions! Oh thank you so much. Did you find the link to sign up for the free triplet lessons you get via email? 😊

[@TheOldBookshop]

@ Yes, I did sign up. I loved the three lessons you sent me and once I master them, I will look at the next step. I like your teaching style very much. :)

@@TheOldBookshop oh brilliant! So glad you enjoyed them 😊 thank you so much! Feel free to drop me an email/comment if you have any questions about the lessons! 😊

[@alecgrant3628]

Great M. Thanks. How do you do really poppy pops? The sound keeps eluding me (I’m one of your intermediate students. Thanks, Alec Grant

Hi Alec! Thanks for stopping by, great question 😊 once you have the hang of the hand and stick placement for the high tone, you need to do 2 things to make the tone higher and more poppy: 1) put lots of pressure on with your tone hand. 2) move higher up the drum. Getting the right technique with your hand halfway down the drum will give a nice high tone. But those really poppy highs are right up the top of the drum 🙂 Hope that makes sense, let me know if you have any other questions/how you get on!

One more thing! I prefer the kind of sticks I use in these videos, but you’ll get a clearer/sharper high tone with a single hard stick too.