Irish Bodhrán Techniques (Grip & Tone hand) - Lesson 1

A detailed description of a recommended way to hold a Bodhrán stick, and also how to use your tone hand.
For more information check out;
Website: www.kleonardmusic.com
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Facebook: / kleonardmusic
Instagram: / kleonardmusic
NB - everything is personal opinion with reasoning based on my extensive education of percussion/drums.

[@derekmorse8171]

this is the best introduction to the bodhran I have watched on the net and I have seen loads. Thank you

[@raysilva8988]

This is one of the best musical instruction videos I've ever seen, regardless of instrument. You, sir, are a master teacher! Thank you so much.

[@sarmajere2866]

This is fantastic. I've been learning for two weeks and my tipper holding technique was something I was struggling with! My wrist thanks you!

[@susancallhutchison7986]

Anyone else send a stick flying across the room with their new relaxed grip? Just me? Ah, well.

[@kevincharliefoxtrot9792]

You had me at, “the science behind it. . .” 👍 I’ve watched it a few times now.

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Great to hear Kevin! There's more content on its way in the coming weeks!

[@tjthorn9703]

I got a Bordhran for Christmas and I found this video. Excellent! As a percussionist I really appreciate your approach to teaching. I hope to one day be as good on the Bodhran as you are. Thank you

[@andrewfitzsimons8509]

How very interesting!!!! I’ve been playing badly for 40 years . No problem with the length of video thanks !!

[@michaelkerton2064]

One of the best explanations of technique I've seen.

[@otherwisedm7027]

Really helpful video for a beginner, thanks!

[@ruthcasement5844]

Been playing for 25+ years back to learning basic after stroke can’t sit in sessions now but can’t give up great video James Casement 😊

[@aucourant9998]

That was really excellent. Thank you very much.

[@danmertz3734]

Not my first video 3/4 grip more wrist, I like it the strike comes natural.

[@BillyHuntIII]

Great video! This got me to take lessons with you, which I am really enjoying. You are a good teacher!

[@chrishedges6265]

I really like this video - thank you, Kieran! I have watched a lot of bodhran videos, both instructional and performance, and one thing I have noticed is that no two bodhran players use exactly the same technique. It's a damned drum, and there are plenty of ways to get acceptable sounds out of it. The best videos - like this one - say that "some players are more comfortable doing this another way but this is how I do it and teach it". Watch every video you can, try every technique you see, and decide works best for you. For example, I tried the two-finger traditional snare drum tipper grip, and found that it really improved my playing. I have also been a "tone hand slider" and loved Keiran's advice that you can just keep your hand in one position and rotate the wrist to apply variations in pressure. I'm still working on this to see if it suits me. Finally, what I really like is the message that your technique should take into account your physical comfort and long-term impacts on your health and dexterity. Somehow the thought of an arthritic bodhran player puts me in mind of a one-armed paper hanger.

[@SheldonJeans]

Thank you so much. After adjusting to this method, I was able to immediately play faster with less discomfort in my arm. Now I can work on playing better triplets. 🥁 🪘

[@aussiepete67]

Cheers mate from Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺.. awesome vid thanks for sharing

[@johnmactaggart3556]

Just starting out at 70, good basic tutorial, thank you

[@juliannbarrow431]

Brand new player but have been playing the set for a while now, this was a great explanation and set up for me starting out

[@ozangler5642]

G'Day Kieran, I enjoyed your video very much. I've been playing bodhren on and off for decades but learned so much from you in this eleven or so minutes. Your simplification of grip and use of the tone hand has helped me immensely. I have to admit I've been guilty of "overplaying" with the bodhren with tone hand all over the place and belting the face of the drum at all points. It seemed to impress people but made it hard to duplicate sounds. Your tips on tipper grip and placing the tone hand are making and will make life easier. My wrist says thank you! Thanks for posting this video. I look forward to watching more of your work. Cheers, Steve.

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

I'm all about simplicity Steve! It's what works! Really happy to hear that you found it useful! I've been saying it for an age, but I will be doing a series of videos to expand on this one, but it's hard getting the time to sit down and do them! But do subscribe and you'll get notified when I next post!

[@JohnGrogan915]

Excellent Kieran. Thank you.

[@kenniclown3103]

I like your explanation. I have been using the pencil grip but I followed your instruction and I like this grip! I find double ended triplets way easier and it seems faster. Your focus on keeping things ergonomic is important, I think.

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Kenni Clown cool Kenni! Glad you enjoyed it! K

[@roberte5593]

Genius explanation. Makes perfect sense.

[@dainforsythe7129]

Fine work, Kieran. Thanks!

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

You're welcome Dain! Thank you!

[@hedswim7002]

Great lesson.

[@gregoryfvalentine4132]

Awesome explanation you’re a great teacher, comping from a fellow percussionist

[@dannyhughes9874]

So clear and so informative.

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Thanks Danny!

[@reliablebow]

Thank you!✨🎶

[@alecgrant3628]

Very helpful, sir. Thank you.

[@allenquartermane6134]

Great video! I learned more here than several others I viewed. Love your style and put me ahead of what I want to learn. Thanx for posting this!

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Thanks Allen, more content is on its way!

[@allenquartermane6134]

I subscribed so I can see more, thanx bud.

[@kimjunge3987]

Inspiring indeed Kieran. A hobbyist percussionist here who just moved to Ireland and wanting to learn to play the bodhran. I have no idea what I'm talking about other than to say I can tell you are a good teacher with some good basic tips to pass on. Kim Jungé

[@PhilHenDrums]

This is super helpful. Thank you!

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Hey Phil, Thank you! Really glad it was helpful, keep an eye on the channel for more uploads!

[@fradrake11]

Thank you I learned a great deal. I may even change how I hold the tipper. I am a awkward left hander too .

[@buda1895]

Thank you for showing me i did classes and I still didn't get the hand part inside the drum I was never shown only shown the jigs and reels beats.

[@Malecare]

Thanks

[@K2shadowfax]

Great lesson! Enjoy a sub!

[@grunkleman4280]

Really helpful explanations about why you do what you do. I naturally gravitated to a similar technique and now I can adapt that to improve further. Thanks for the video

[@alexnuta9188]

This video has revived my interest in the bodhrán. I'm a classically trained percussionist and had given up on the thing while trying for the pencil/bent wrist grip. It's horrible and made me give up the instrument to avoid injury. Can't wait to try this at home on my bodhrán. How about a video on how to care for the bodhrán? I can't seem to get that deep sound out of mine, I think the skin is too tight. Any tips would be welcome in an upcoming video. Go raibh maith agat.

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Alex Nuta that’s great to hear you’re back playing Alex! Don’t be afraid to shoot me a message if you’ve any questions. Hoping to finally get round to doing another video before Christmas. Any other ideas send them in!

[@thorralf]

I play the Kerry-Grip mixed with some top-end features ;). I really love your explanation about why you've chosen this grip. I personally think there is no "right" or "wrong" grip, but just techniques that may limit you or enhance. Everybody has an own "motor function" (Motorik in German). That means there are biologically given ways of movements that suits and some that need a lot of practice. During my long "career" of being a lecturer for bodhrán I had situations from time to time where I needed to adapt techniques to the given motor function of a student. Sometimes this is very interesting if you can follow me here. To me bodhrán is just a normal percussion instrument and it can produce that large amount of sound. So every technique that offers a certain sound is OK to me... What is the same way important is the body flow and muscle movement... You can cause blockings with a not as comfortable way or you can emphasize or be accurate with a helpful grip... You do a nice job with this video... Have great success mate!

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Many thanks Thorralf, I'm glad you liked it! K

[@beezerlixx]

Inspiring indeed Kieran. A hobbyist percussionist here who just moved to Ireland and wanting to learn to play the bodhran. I have no idea what I'm talking about other than to say I can tell you are a good teacher with some good basic tips to pass on.

[@derekhoran6295]

Great video Kieran keep up the good work just one thing how do you do that whoosh sound I love it 👍

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Thanks Derek! That whoosh sound is using the friction of my finger against the skin of the drum! The mighty Robbie Walsh showed it to me!

[@user-qn5qj5do3g]

I'm just beginning to play the bodhran. When I grip the stick between thumb and forefinger, do the other 3 fingers lie on the outside or the "body side" of the stick - or does it matter?

[@j.d.4697]

I can't find "official" grips like with modern drums which I used to play before. I guess there is a bunch of basic grip ideas but you hold the tippers whatever way works for you?

[@laurenceblackadder3103]

Hey Kieran I liberated a 20” none adjustable Bodharn from a band member and started learning last. Do you have Bohran size and makers recommendations?

[@billyjoe-yp3ry]

What is the best bohoran for a beginner

[@JeremySibson]

Great video Kieran. Might have to hit you up for a Skype lesson soon to solidify a few things.

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Any time Jeremy, get the ideas in, and I'll keep doing them!! No worries re: Skype, can always set something up!

[@aidan4062]

Kieran, This was really helpful, thanks! Do you do Skype lessons? I'm in the states and would love to connect a few times to boost my playing.

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Daniel I do Daniel! You can find out more and contact me @ kleonardmusic.com

[@andyfaden]

Hi Kieran just back into playing Bodhran again. please could you tell me what stick you’re using? Many thanks.

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Hey Andy, the stick in that video is a 'hot rod' style stick made by Niall Carey of NiCA percussion. You can find him on Facebook. I also use a solid stick designed in conjunction with Gordon Falconer of Falconwood tippers. You can find those on www.falconwood.nl . Happy playing!

[@shaalis]

exactly the way to save your wrists!

[@orlaghmcelhannan1508]

I'm having a hard time with the stick😭

[@irishjay9485]

I'm the same. Did you ever get it used to it?

[@selkie630]

I am a beginner. I have been struggling with the grip. I like this one. One of the problems I run into is how tightly to hold the tipper. I have wooden tippers with no rubber (?) on them so they tend to slip a lot unless I hold it tightly .. any advice will be deeply appreciated.

[@KieranLeonardMusic]

Hey Nicole! I would say hold it as loose as you possibly can, even if you're dropping it, that's a good sign that you're relaxed! Eventually you will find the right amount of pressure!

[@NotJenOrJane]

if your tipper is smooth, it might help to wrap your tipper where you hold it, either with bicycle handlebar tape or some electrical tape. It might help with keeping a grip while not having to hold it too tightly.