THREE Basic Strokes on the Bodhrán

[@adamsmethurst798]

Yep, very easy to follow. Just got my first Bodhran and this video will help me a lot. Thank you for the up load.

[@HeyItsMattBell]

You’re welcome!

[@mikesrandomchannel]

That was easily the most understandable, useful and usable introduction to the bodhrán I've ever seen. Wow.

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Ed Bradburn Thanks very much! There are many more videos like this one (except with better lighting, sound, and production :)) at contemporarybodhran.com! Drop on by when you have a chance.

[@mikenco]

@@HeyItsMattBell Domain appears to be full of some shitty LEGO shop now :(

[@aurora1024]

My entire bodhran playing experience began with this video.

[@keitharoo1962]

I'm a total beginner and this is the best beginner tutorial I've found yet! Thanks for keeping it so simple and basic, and for taking the time to help us beginners out.

[@elizabethbrown8833]

I agree 🙏🥀🥁

[@elizabethbrown8833]

All I can say is it seems my bodhran hss a life and rhythm of its own..🤔thank you for sharing 🙏🎀

[@HeyItsMattBell]

You’re welcome!

[@johnkmatsch]

That was the best demonstration of a simple stroke I have ever seen.....I play Kerry style and have been struggling with the slow process of learning "top end" style.... I just improved 100% watching this lesson.....

[@cyndifoore7743]

You make it look so easy.

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Thanks Cyndi! I’ve been doing it for q good while :) Just takes consistent practice...

[@alancanyon9105]

Good teacher. You are starting where I'm at. The very beginning!

[@HeyItsMattBell]

alan canyon Thanks! Glad to help!

[@davidwilliams4837]

Best instructional video I've seen so far. Thank you.

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Thank you, David Williams! Many more can be found at ContemporaryBodhran.com!

[@marinalecomber9207]

Very helpful and easy to understand! Thank you very much. Great teaching skills!

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Marina Litvinova Thank you! Glad to help! Please feel free to check out ContemporaryBodhran.com for more lessons!

[@karenmerrin3824]

Great tutorial. Very clear and to the point.

[@michaelpreston233]

This lesson is better than the others i've seen.

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Thanks, @michael Preston! There are many more at ContemporaryBodhran.com!

[@juliskasidkafoley6597]

Thank you for the tutorial, clear explanation, and for letting me play with you in rhythm, it really helps. Now I gotta go practice :)

[@HeyItsMattBell]

You're very welcome! Feel free to check out the newer videos that go into more detail on each stroke. If you like these videos, there are over 100 more video lessons on www.contemporarybodhran.com

[@udkline]

Thanks for the in-stroke explanation! I mean, I figured that one out by watching other people, but it was really nice to see you go in-depth. Playing a whole tune with it is revelatory: so simple, but so effective haha.

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@romanserdyuk9965]

Couldn’t take me eyes off this tutorial.

[@carolinesroadhouse]

Wonderful tutorial and thank you for demonstrating!

[@HeyItsMattBell]

P. Kelly Thanks very much! Feel free to check out www.contemporarybodhran.com for more videos like this one!

[@jackhickman9652]

P. Kelly

[@jackhickman9652]

P. Kelly 0

[@paulgill8270]

Fab lesson Matthew. Thank you

[@marchaney]

Very good and solidly informative. I am considering adding a bodhran to my collection.Seeing a definite technique makes me consider more carefully rather than making an impulse buy. IF I buy one I'd like to study the proper technique rather than just come up with my own recycled approach from other instruments I probably don't play properly either! Thanks.

[@HeyItsMattBell]

You’re welcome! There are much better quality videos (in terms of production) of mine on ContemporaryBodhran.com!

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Thanks very much, Martin! Glad to be of assistance!

[@max-andrewmcmillan4235]

that was really good, thanks for the lesson

[@HeyItsMattBell]

You’re welcome!

[@dawnbenoit1541]

thanks for the way to play

[@juancarlosarellano9958]

Thanks for the master class,you are a good man,Iam fine,greetings from Spain!!!

[@margmckay3257]

Brilliant 🥳

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Thanks, Bob! More coming soon!

[@HeyItsMattBell]

You're welcome, George! All the Best!

[@TheStobb50]

Thank you, great help

[@HeyItsMattBell]

You're welcome!

[@DonutUnderpants]

Yo this is a fantastic tutorial thanks dood.

[@HeyItsMattBell]

You're welcome, keitharoo1962! Glad to help. You might also want to check out the videos on each stroke type as well. They go into a bit more detail and have much better camera work :)

[@jackhickman9652]

ContemporaryBodhran

[@adelinegossin7976]

Thank you very much for your tutorial. I've bought a bodhran (not a professionnal one) several years ago in Ireland but on my way back to France the stick has been stolen (at the airport). I'd need to buy a new one on internet. What advise would you give ? thanks for you answer. Adeline

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Adeline Gossin You’re welcome! I’d recommend my signature stick by Gordon Falconer, which can be purchased here: rebelliondrums.com/collections/drumsticks/products/matthew-bell-signature-tipper

[@lindaj5492]

1:48 you say you play north of centre - but demonstration with metronome seems to show you striking south? Does it matter, or just personal preference?

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Good catch! No, it doesn’t particularly matter. It may sound slightly different hitting north, south, or dead center, but it’s all personal preference as far as which of those sounds you prefer. Either slightly north or slightly south with give a bit more “tone” and less attack/thud to the sound.

[@billybluerocket]

What size of bohran is good for a beginner?

[@HeyItsMattBell]

@billy bragg I’d say anywhere between 14” and 16” depending on how long one’s arms are.

[@billybluerocket]

@@HeyItsMattBell maybe a 16 I'm kinda gangly.

[@TheMichaelseymour]

what is the time signature of the very first drumming? thank you

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Michael Seymour It's in 12/8 (jig) time, with the last lick in 4/4.

[@TheMichaelseymour]

cheers,

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Glad to be of help, blond john! More to follow soon!

[@rvnmedic1968]

Very helpful for this 66 year old beginner! I guess you CAN teach old dogs new tricks (strokes). Cheers! Bob

[@claregwen6879]

where did you get this drum from? im looking for one like this its got an awesome sound

[@MaxHeadRush]

Hi just out of interest, do you speak on the instructional videos for DCS?

[@donlounder5708]

THANK YOU!!!

[@passworddoctor]

Hi, when I do a C shape with my right hand, my fingers touch the skin before my palm. Any suggestions? Great videos

[@HeyItsMattBell]

passworddoctor Thanks! That's fine if the edge of your fingers touch the head when you use a C shape. Just one finger can make a big difference in how the head resonates. Experiment and see what you like!

[@james24575]

Lovely

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Thanks!

[@Vashishnaigen]

Can someone tell me what the Bodhran specifications are of this one?

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Vashishnaigen Hello there! This video was made several years ago when I first started experimenting with synthetic-headed bodhráns. This one is a Remo Brian Howard tuneable drum which is 16" in diameter. I took out the crossbar, and taped the head a bit. Unfortunately, the tuneable version of this drum is no longer available. They get a surprisingly decent sound for an inexpensive drum.

[@passworddoctor]

Hi, you say " taped the head a bit" . What does this mean? Is it like when you ducktape some tissue to the back of a tom tom on a set of drums? If ths is the case what part of the bodhran do you tape? Great stuff

[@HeyItsMattBell]

passworddoctor The head is taped the edge on the front side, using 3M Super 88 electrical tape. If you look carefully, you'll see the glossy black tape around the edge. Also, you can see it more clearly in the more recent videos with better lighting :) If you dig these videos, feel free to check out contemporarybodhran.com!

[@passworddoctor]

cheers Must check out the other videos and get some Super 88 soon

[@nilesheather]

Seriously considering learning. How heavy are they?

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Hi Heather. Are you asking about the weight of the tipper or the drum?

[@nilesheather]

The drum

[@HeyItsMattBell]

+Heather Niles The weight or most bodhráns is 1600-2000 grams/3-4 pounds.

[@rexmundi3108]

As somebody who has played the bodhran for almost 30 years, the best advice I could give is don't haul it out and accompany someone without asking. That only works for the best, and not even then always. OOOH IRISH MUSIC??? I HAVE MY DRUM!!! I've seen it way too often. In fact some Irish musicians say the best way to play the bodhran is with a knife.

[@styks08]

Hi, Thank you for the time doing this. I'm just a little confused about the grip. I'm trying to make the switch from the old double end style to top end style. In an attempt to emulate my favourite player JJK. It'll take some doing to be sure! :)I attended a workshop by John Joe Kelly, it was during a gig in Birmjngham he held a short workshop.He advised just the opposite, hold the cipin tightly, he showed the muscle between thumb and forefinger to demonstrate the point, it was well developed to say the least! ...... Thus my dilemma. What are your thoughts on this?

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Steve Lowe You're welcome! It's really an individual preference as far as overall grip tightness. It's a generally good Drumming (or musical instrument principal) to play with as little tension as you can. That said, John Joe is incredible, and also one of my favorite players, so what he does obviously works for him!

[@styks08]

Ok Thank you. I guess the best thing then is to see what works for me. Thanks again it's taking quite a bit of time to adjust, or unlearn so to speak. Your clear and informative videos are helping greatly. Cheers!

[@martinhesketh]

very helpful, cheers

[@georgewillo4230]

brilliant thanks m8

[@monoped8437]

appreciate that you go from A to Z without a bunch of nonsense!

[@HeyItsMattBell]

Mono Ped thanks very much!

[@joedanks7625]

acoustical

[@jilata19]

Maduro

[@Hausy_Nagao]

まじでこの楽器の叩き方がわからねぇ

[@thewarmantrio]

great lesson, annoying metronome