How to Play the Bodhran

The bodhran is a traditional Irish frame drum. The frame drum is an ancient drum form present in almost every culture, and the Irish version looks quite similar to Native American frame drums. It's played in a manner very different from Native American drums, however, and is more of an accent instrument than the driving force behind the beat in traditional Irish music.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bodhran
• Beater

1. Place the bodhran on its side on your left thigh. The head of the drum should face toward your right.

2. Tuck your left hand into the drum, palm flat against the inside of the drum head. Your left shoulder and left arm will help to stabilize the drum on your thigh.

3. Hold the beater loosely by its middle in your right hand, using the same grip you'd use to hold a pen. It should waggle freely back and forth in your hand, but make sure your grip isn't so loose that you might drop it or let it fly out of your hand.

4. Turn your right hand so that the tip of your "beater pen" points in toward your belly button. If you were to point your index finger straight out from this position, it would point straight in front of you.

5. Twist your lower right arm, starting at the elbow, along the axis of your lower arm between elbow and wrist. The "pen tip" of the beater should arc back and forth, hitting the head of the bodhran as it comes and goes.