Because of you I just purchased a bodhran. I'm 80 years old so I have to listen to you every day. It is a joy. Thank you for swearing all your talents.
Thanks for checking out my next bodhrán video team! I hope you find it helpful, and please don't hesitate to ask me any questions in the comments. Happy practicing and keep drumming!
Hello from San Diego. Started your videos 3 months ago , practicing every rythm for almost a month. I was able to play with my friends at an Irish session last Saturday from the first time following them in their jigs and reels . Oh the joy!!! 🙏 thanks!!
Dear Ruairi! I am keen to re-learn my first steps on the bodhran. 3 years ago I started learning to play the bodhran with your free courses on youtube. It was so much fun in really hard times for me. Then, a half year later, my mom died and I never touched the bodhran again. I dont know why, the drum had nothing to do with my mother. But now, I had the feeling to restart my learning. Thank to your online courses on youtube, now I can get in touch with this awsome instrument again! Thank you so much! Susanne from Germany
I don’t have the means to get an actual badhran so I’m using a pie dish and a chopstick 😂 but your videos have been helping go from playing the rhythm bones to bodhran
Hello again from Down Under! Just wanted to say a HUGE thankyou for your tutorials! I have not stopped playing my bodhran since it arrived by courier 3 days ago and I am having an absolute ball! I also play the flute, handpan, tongue drum, djembe, Darbuka and Baroque recorders, but I am blown away by this fantastic instrument, and can see it being very prominent in my life from here on in! Thanks again! You’re a legend, as we say here in Oz! 😁
DELIGHTED to read this! So happy your enjoying the bodhrán all the way down under, and so glad to be a help with the tutorials. Wishing you many hours of happy practice and all the very best, Ruairi
I am so appreciative of your bodhrán videos. I’m brand new to it and they’ve helped me grow a healthy interest in this wonderful instrument. I’m a scientist, being able to relax by exercising the much underused, musical part of my brain is a blessing!
You are a natural-born teacher and your love of the instrument is apparent. Thank you for making it possible for me to learn, understand and enjoy the bodhran.
I'm a beginner and I've already tried to learn from other tutorials, but soon lost interest because they were hard to follow. I'm going through all your lessons at the moment 😅 just to listen and watch you, your teaching is amazing and enjoyable. I'm so happy I've found your tutorials. Tomorrow I'm going to get my bodhran out again and get going 😁. You inspired me so much. It's a shame it's already so late in the evening 😂. Thanks a lot for your kind sharing 😊🙏. Stay healthy and safe. Best wishes, Diana.
There has been a bodhran in my house for at least a decade. My mother bought it, but no one in my entire family has ever learned to play it, so it has just sat on a shelf looking pretty for years. Since I was a kid, I have wondered how to play it. Today, I found your videos and have loved the clear and detailed instructions! The metronome trick really helps! I'll watch you demonstrate a pattern, try, think I can't get it, but with just a few minutes of practice improve! Thank you so much! Not only are you a talented musician, but a talented teacher as well! :)
I’ve only just been going given a bodhran, but have been listening to tunes and reels with it playing all my life. As a child my fondest memory is my father playing, and replaying, ‘The Rhythm is good now Julia’ my grandmothers name, Julie. Lanigans Ball…❤.
I bought a bodhrán from Malachy Kearns about 20 years ago and tried learning it early on but couldn't get the hang of the tipper and just thought I was hopeless, so I hung it on my wall and left it there. Last Friday a friend asked if I could play it for a tune he was singing in a concert, and I was doubtful but thanks to your videos I was able to pick it up and by Sunday night I was able to support my friend on stage! I'm totally hooked and can't wait to get through the rest of your videos and Teachable course. Thanks for making the bodhrán accessible for me at last!
Beautifully explained! Your passion for the instrument shines through. The production quality is excellent. I especially appreciate the way you mic the bodhran and give it center stage when necessary.
Hi Ruari, I have had two Bodhran drums and never could play until now. I bought a video by someone else who just played fast and I couldn't figure out what the devil he was doing. I recently booked a trip to Ireland and am determined to learn to play this instrument. So far after watching 3 of your tutorials, I have gone farther than I ever believed I could. I'm still having trouble putting the beats together with music, but I'm very confident it will come. Thank you!
I recognize that 2+2+2+3 rhythm from Balkan music. I didn’t believe it would work with a slip jig until I heard it. Amazing! But yes, I can understand how it would be a bit much to spring this rhythm on unsuspecting Irish session musicians.
Really enjoyed trying out the slip jigs . Although I had a panic at the mention of ornaments. Not my favourite things on the piano, but I actually enjoyed trying it on the bodhrán. Since the lockdown I have enjoyed learning this instrument - so much I have decided to invest in a smaller one. As I can't take my music lessons at the moment, learning the bodhrán has really motivate me to keep going with my daily practice.
Loving your videos and instructuon. You have a very nice way of teaching. I'm 64, a retire nurse who has always wanted for years to learn this instrument. And now I have the time. Being from England as a child and my father from Ireland, I feel it's fiving me back some.of my culture. Again thanks!
Hey Ruari, I’m loving this series so far, I am SO glad I came across your channel while looking for tutorials for bodhran, your enthusiasm is contagious! I’ve gone from “nope I’d never get the hang of it” to someone who’s now dead keen to give it a go. I do have a question if it’s OK, I wondered if there’s anything you should look out for when getting hold of a bodhran, best size etc, and finding one that sounds great and has lots of depth without going over the top price-wise? Thank you and next time watching these vids I’ll hopefully be joining in 🤞
Hi Meredith, great to read your lovely comment and I'm delighted your enjoying the tutorials! I would highly recommend a Brendan White bodhrán to continue on your journey, these drums are stunning and will last a lifetime, in fact, they get better with age! Always try and go for handmade if at all possible, as you will hear it in the sound of the drum, and machines will never be able to reproduce the hands of the maker for musical instruments in my humble opinion :-) Happy practice. and have fun! Ruairi
@@bodhran thanks so much, agree that in nearly anything handcrafted usually provides what machines just can’t, you can definitely see the passion in Brendan White instruments just by browsing through them. I was fortunate to find an ex-display Ferris deep style 16” taped bodhrán online which I hope will provide the bassy feel I’m drawn towards, cue the agonising wait for its arrival. Lockdown’s meant I’ve picked up an instrument for the first time in over 15 years having been turned right off by limited and uninspiring school music lessons, I’m finally trying instruments I’ve always wanted to try like 5-string and tenor banjos, and realising the benefits to well-being beat and music actually provides, and I hope my toddler can grow up with those benefits too if she wants, all thanks to the enthusiasm of musicians like yourself! Wholeheartedly, thank you for what you do for people and music ❤️ Happy New Year and best to you and yours! 🙇♀️
Hello. I've been playing the same thing to every slip jig for years (a bit like your hemiola pattern) without really thinking about it. Tonight is band night, so I'm off to experiment. Many thanks.
I always wanted to learn how to play the bodhrán and i would never have done without these tutorials, they are the absolute best . I have one issue with my bodhrán , it has bars on the back and they hurt my lower arm , is there any way around this anyone or will I need to buy one without them
Hey! So glad your enjoying the videos. You can screw out/ saw the cross bars on most drums, and thats what I do on all mine- this gives you lots of space to move the tonal hand freely. Hope that helps! Ruairi
Thank you so much, Ruairi!! This is just what I'm needing right now. Moving house and renovation on it while living in it has resulted in my bodhran sitting in a corner and not getting played for several months. New year, new resolutions to exercise more, eat a wee bit less and start playing again regularly. Love these variations and your clear explanations and enthusiasm are the perfect "nudge". Wishing you and other viewers a happy healthy and musical 2021.
Fantastic stuff! Delighted the tutorial was a help to get things kick started in 2021 - I have a video coming out on RUclips later today on a new series which you might like to get stuck in with . Have fun and heres to a music filled new year!
I will be happy when I can just do that! 😆 I m starting from a Djembe drum circle background, but a long term fascination with the bodhran (now know how to say it). I only have a homemade shamanic drum atm… hoping that will give me a start. Loving the videos! ❤🙏🏻🪘
Your beginner videos are just what I needed!! I am helping some folks learn a sea shanty this weekend and I wanted to play bodhran along with it, but my playing is very rudimentary so needed a quick crash course. I've been playing dumbek for many years so I picked up bodhran pretty technique quickly (up/down is like dum/tek), althogh the "grooves" are different, of course. Can't wait to learn more! Is that a tombak/zarb I see behind you?
Wonderfully clear method of demonstration ! Love the simultaneous view of front and back and easily read graphics. Have been playing since 1984 with a bodhran by Charlie Burne of Thurles, Tipperary (amazingly just noticed the appropriate "tipper" bit of Tipperary). Slainte !
Thanks Ruairi, really helpful video, I find the slip jig rhythms take a lot of concentration when I’m playing my hand drum, your Bodhran beats translate really well to the Tar.
@@bodhran I keep playing it D.U.D D.U.D Flat.D.U I think its because the flat stoke is at the top of the bodhran so I naturally want to go down after. But a bit of practice I'll reprogram the Brain!
@@JohnMcGrathManInShed Ahh yes- I've had a look at the video, and and see what you mean!!! if you think of it a little like a double down, the flat just being a smaller down, that might help to get the choreography of it. A couple of days with it and you'll have it for sure !!!
Ruairi, thank you thank you thank you. I have been totally inspired by this instrument after hearing it in the intro to Outlander, one of my favorite shows. I did my research to find out what kind of drum it was and discovered it was the Bodhran. I went ahead and ordered one and was determined to learn it and found you. I've been diligently watching and applying your videos through the quarantine period and finally made it to this one, which was my goal. I can't tell you how thankful I am for your very clear instruction, you are a WONDERFUL teacher. I definitely hope one day to take a class from you.
Hey Lauren, I'm SO glad you have found the videos helpful, and delighted to hear about your journey into the world of bodhrán - it really makes it all worth while for me to hear from wonderful folk from all over the world who are learning this awesome drum! take care and keep going! - Ruairi
Thank you so much for these videos! I actually bought a bodhrán in Dublin about a decade ago and "taught" myself to play it based on what I thought I saw others doing. As it turned out, due largely to my poor eyesight, I'd greatly misinterpreted the basic playing methods. Now that I've been learning from an actual professional in these videos, it all makes so much more sense! I will say that the main thing that's still giving me trouble is figuring out how to go from the tap stroke immediately back to an up stroke. My muscle instinct is to follow a tap with another down stroke. Any tips?
Thanks again jezzus I've lost the basics, I've gone wild, hard to pull it back and concentrate again but taking your good advice, I've just got to be patient. 😂👍🏻
Hi Ruairí, would you perhaps have a video where you compare or recommend Bodhrans ? I play Irish weddings, mandolin and guitar and would like to play a bit of Bodhran, your tutorials are amazing and inspiring. Mine is a fancy Walton's Bodhran but it sounds more like a Timpani it doesn't have that thick dead low end thud yours has, the frame width is slightly narrower than the one in this video and it seems the skin must be thin as it's very loud but no low end. Thanks Subbed and 👍🏻
Thanks for the kind words- so glad you find the videos helpful. I do go into the different drums, and my own collection on my online course. You can check that out on bodhran.teachable.com Happy practicing!
Thank you so much! I love that sound too. Only another pair of questions: I'll probably go to London next summer. Can you tell me if there is a shop where I can try and eventually buy one of them? I need tippers too.....what do you think about MCNEELA? Do you have some brands to suggests me?
Hello from Newfoundland! Picked up a Bodhran 3 days ago and I love it! I have being playing music for 7 years mostly guitar...but recently i have broadened my variety with drums, harmonicas, and some mandolins :) I'm catching on very quickly but I'm wondering....if I can just "feel out" the rythem per-say should I still be counting or thinking about it like this?
Fantastic! I've always wanted to visit Newfoundland! Thank you for the great question :) I tend to focus on technique and practical musicianship in these videos though I cant emphasise the importance of exploration, following your instinct or feeling it out as you brilliantly put it. I tend to personally take a balanced 50/50 approach to it. Try the technical/analytical work in conjunction with free flow/free play ... 50/50 - 10 minutes of one, 10 of the other, or something like that. Hope that is semi-helpful :) I'm also thinking about some more broad videos about exploring and developing musicianship - rhythm - feel - interpretation, and bringing individuality to your playing. Would they be helpful?
I feel like they would help for sure! I mean I would imagine that our playing styles here (similar to The Dubliners or The High Kings) would be similar to Ireland's current styles? St Johns, Newfoundland is an amazing location !! I 150% suggest making a trip there! Once the pandemic is over that is. Stay safe!!
Hi Ruairi! So inspiring to see and learn from your videos! :-) I´ve recently started playing more active on my bodhran, since I´ve realised how much positive energy it gives me. And I will practice my patterns so that I will have the courage to go to an Irish session here in Sweden soon :-) One little question: You don´t seem to use the other/upper end of the tipper at all? Is that common? How come you don´t use it?
Wonderful! So glad to hear this Madeleine! Thanks for the really kind words. I do sometimes use the back end of the tipper for triplets, or rolls as there more commonly called, though its not something I use in my playing much as I play a more 'top end' style which focuses on the top end of the tipper.
@@bodhran Okej, interesting! Fun to know a little bit about this. And also fun they are called roles, since I, when I play them (just for fun, since I haven´t learned to control them yet) , imagine I do roles with my shoes in for instance a hornpipe. Nice how the dancing and playing go together :-) (I have done quite a bit of Irish dancing as well.) Thank you very much for your answer - and your positive energy and great playing :-)
Every video of yours is brilliant. Any chance you could make a vid that shows ALL types of Bodhran to us noobs?.. I'm not sure if my lightweight cross-brace drum is cheap and nasty or I'm just playing it wrong!
Thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed the video :) my online course is entirely interactive and over zoom. My courses in workshop are 3D and face to face 👍🙏
Your videos are very clear and well made! I'm an italian percussionist and I'd like to buy an instrument like the one you use. Can you tell me how can I do? Where I can find a good one? I have a traditional bodhran with the two crossed bars behind but I have some difficulty to play it your way! And the sound is very diferent, especially on bass tone
Thank you so much! I love that sound too. Only another pair of questions: I'll probably go to London next summer. Can you tell me if there is a shop where I can try and eventually buy one of them? I need tippers too.....what do you think about MCNEELA? Do you have some brands to suggests me?
Hey Ruairí, great videos! I think you put the wrong song name for the third pattern because when I looked up wizards walk it was a different song I would really appreciate the name of the song because I have the rhythm down now. Will that rhythm fit any slip jig or just some?
I have a question that maybe you already answered somewhere else? If so my apologies, link please? If not maybe could be a good vid topic. Let’s assume we learned a bunch of rhythms now and can play them behind some music. When we go out and join a group to actually play, I notice a lot of the time ls the Bodhrán player starts playing then the rest sort of join in. Seems almost impromptu. My question now is this: How does these live jam structures actually work? Does the Bodhrán player start a rhythm and the rest of the group then join in one by one. Do you shout out a song title then go from there? What if you are not familiar with said song? How does a newer bodhrán player jump in and not screw it up for everyone else? Cheers mate and GRMA!
@bodhran Ruairi, does no one use the traditional double-ended tipper anymore? I've come back to playing the bodhran after a rather long hiatus and see from RUclips videos that players now favour the singled-ended "bunch of rods" tipper (not sure what they are officially called). Is there some advantage to these tippers? I've tried one in the past and never really got satisfactory results. Primarily because I find playing triplets is difficult to virtually impossible. What are your thoughts?
Hi Ruairi, I have a Bodhran I bought 20 years ago, 18" Celtic design 31/2 inch deep.....but am really liking the idea of a 14 or 16 inch from Mcneela....am nearly 70 yrs old, and learning for the first time (thanks to your channel) so would you go for a 14 or 16, and tuneable? Looking for that really deep non-ringing sound. My present one is quite boomy. Any info much appreciated. Thanks.
Hi there LOKI! Delighted the tutorials are a help as your getting back into the bodhrán! I think from what you describe you are looking for, your right on with the 16" tuneable taped bodhrán. The tape cuts out the overtones ( which personally I like :) and gives you the deep bassss tones.
Because of you I just purchased a bodhran. I'm 80 years old so I have to listen to you every day. It is a joy. Thank you for swearing all your talents.
I don't play bodhran but I do Irish dance and your videos have explained TIMING for me more than any teacher has been able to! Thank you!!
Thanks for checking out my next bodhrán video team! I hope you find it helpful, and please don't hesitate to ask me any questions in the comments. Happy practicing and keep drumming!
Hello from San Diego. Started your videos 3 months ago , practicing every rythm for almost a month. I was able to play with my friends at an Irish session last Saturday from the first time following them in their jigs and reels . Oh the joy!!! 🙏 thanks!!
Dear Ruairi! I am keen to re-learn my first steps on the bodhran. 3 years ago I started learning to play the bodhran with your free courses on youtube. It was so much fun in really hard times for me. Then, a half year later, my mom died and I never touched the bodhran again. I dont know why, the drum had nothing to do with my mother. But now, I had the feeling to restart my learning. Thank to your online courses on youtube, now I can get in touch with this awsome instrument again! Thank you so much! Susanne from Germany
I don’t have the means to get an actual badhran so I’m using a pie dish and a chopstick 😂 but your videos have been helping go from playing the rhythm bones to bodhran
Hello again from Down Under! Just wanted to say a HUGE thankyou for your tutorials! I have not stopped playing my bodhran since it arrived by courier 3 days ago and I am having an absolute ball! I also play the flute, handpan, tongue drum, djembe, Darbuka and Baroque recorders, but I am blown away by this fantastic instrument, and can see it being very prominent in my life from here on in! Thanks again! You’re a legend, as we say here in Oz! 😁
DELIGHTED to read this! So happy your enjoying the bodhrán all the way down under, and so glad to be a help with the tutorials. Wishing you many hours of happy practice and all the very best, Ruairi
I am so appreciative of your bodhrán videos. I’m brand new to it and they’ve helped me grow a healthy interest in this wonderful instrument. I’m a scientist, being able to relax by exercising the much underused, musical part of my brain is a blessing!
You are a natural-born teacher and your love of the instrument is apparent. Thank you for making it possible for me to learn, understand and enjoy the bodhran.
Thank you for the very kind words Mary - I'm so glad your enjoying the lessons :) Ruairi
I'm a beginner and I've already tried to learn from other tutorials, but soon lost interest because they were hard to follow. I'm going through all your lessons at the moment 😅 just to listen and watch you, your teaching is amazing and enjoyable. I'm so happy I've found your tutorials. Tomorrow I'm going to get my bodhran out again and get going 😁. You inspired me so much. It's a shame it's already so late in the evening 😂. Thanks a lot for your kind sharing 😊🙏. Stay healthy and safe. Best wishes, Diana.
Awesome Diana- delighted the tutorials are helpful, and delighted your back on bodhrán! All the best, Ruairi
There has been a bodhran in my house for at least a decade. My mother bought it, but no one in my entire family has ever learned to play it, so it has just sat on a shelf looking pretty for years. Since I was a kid, I have wondered how to play it. Today, I found your videos and have loved the clear and detailed instructions! The metronome trick really helps! I'll watch you demonstrate a pattern, try, think I can't get it, but with just a few minutes of practice improve! Thank you so much! Not only are you a talented musician, but a talented teacher as well! :)
Amazing! Loved reading this - keep going!!! 👍
You are amazing! Thank's for teaching. Cheers from Patagonia Argentina! ❤
I’ve only just been going given a bodhran, but have been listening to tunes and reels with it playing all my life. As a child my fondest memory is my father playing, and replaying, ‘The Rhythm is good now Julia’ my grandmothers name, Julie. Lanigans Ball…❤.
Would love to see a video from you where you discuss the different approaches of a few other players. Great channel btw. Best teacher on here
I bought a bodhrán from Malachy Kearns about 20 years ago and tried learning it early on but couldn't get the hang of the tipper and just thought I was hopeless, so I hung it on my wall and left it there. Last Friday a friend asked if I could play it for a tune he was singing in a concert, and I was doubtful but thanks to your videos I was able to pick it up and by Sunday night I was able to support my friend on stage! I'm totally hooked and can't wait to get through the rest of your videos and Teachable course. Thanks for making the bodhrán accessible for me at last!
Love this story! Thanks for sharing Maggie - I'm so delighted you are hooked on bodhrán- let me know how the course goes!
Beautifully explained! Your passion for the instrument shines through. The production quality is excellent. I especially appreciate the way you mic the bodhran and give it center stage when necessary.
Wow, thank you! very kind words, very glad the tutorial helped you out. Take care, Ruairi
You're a great teacher
I just got My first Bodhran today and am so greatful for Your lessons. I need some time to train this hand. - - hahaha
Hi Ruari, I have had two Bodhran drums and never could play until now. I bought a video by someone else who just played fast and I couldn't figure out what the devil he was doing. I recently booked a trip to Ireland and am determined to learn to play this instrument. So far after watching 3 of your tutorials, I have gone farther than I ever believed I could. I'm still having trouble putting the beats together with music, but I'm very confident it will come. Thank you!
That's fantastic Alexandra! Keep going - you are on course. Wishing you the best, Ruairi
Hehe, I was the 1000th like on the playlist you made 🎉 Thanks so much for all of this! Much love from the Netherlands ❤
Awesome! Thanks for the lovely comment, and like! 🙌
I am so glad having found your page - finally an explanation I understand - easy to follow and understandable - Greetings from Switzerland
Awesome, thank you!
I recognize that 2+2+2+3 rhythm from Balkan music. I didn’t believe it would work with a slip jig until I heard it. Amazing! But yes, I can understand how it would be a bit much to spring this rhythm on unsuspecting Irish session musicians.
Thanks Rauiri I'm learning heaps from you here in New Zealand!
Really enjoyed trying out the slip jigs . Although I had a panic at the mention of ornaments. Not my favourite things on the piano, but I actually enjoyed trying it on the bodhrán. Since the lockdown I have enjoyed learning this instrument - so much I have decided to invest in a smaller one. As I can't take my music lessons at the moment, learning the bodhrán has really motivate me to keep going with my daily practice.
Wonderful series of how-to videos, Ruairi- thank you!! Once I get these basics down a bit more securely, I’ll have a go at Bodhrán Bootcamp!
Awesome!
Loving your videos and instructuon. You have a very nice way of teaching. I'm 64, a retire nurse who has always wanted for years to learn this instrument. And now I have the time. Being from England as a child and my father from Ireland, I feel it's fiving me back some.of my culture. Again thanks!
Wonderful to read this Susan! Delighted your finding the vid's helpful - all the very best, Ruairi
Awesome. Complicated rhythm made clear, simple and easy. Go raibh maith agat, Ruairi.
Just when you think you're never going to get it, it comes together. Thanks Ruairi. Will keep at it!
For sure it does! Don’t underestimate the amount of time :)
Hey Ruari, I’m loving this series so far, I am SO glad I came across your channel while looking for tutorials for bodhran, your enthusiasm is contagious! I’ve gone from “nope I’d never get the hang of it” to someone who’s now dead keen to give it a go. I do have a question if it’s OK, I wondered if there’s anything you should look out for when getting hold of a bodhran, best size etc, and finding one that sounds great and has lots of depth without going over the top price-wise? Thank you and next time watching these vids I’ll hopefully be joining in 🤞
Hi Meredith, great to read your lovely comment and I'm delighted your enjoying the tutorials! I would highly recommend a Brendan White bodhrán to continue on your journey, these drums are stunning and will last a lifetime, in fact, they get better with age! Always try and go for handmade if at all possible, as you will hear it in the sound of the drum, and machines will never be able to reproduce the hands of the maker for musical instruments in my humble opinion :-) Happy practice. and have fun! Ruairi
@@bodhran thanks so much, agree that in nearly anything handcrafted usually provides what machines just can’t, you can definitely see the passion in Brendan White instruments just by browsing through them. I was fortunate to find an ex-display Ferris deep style 16” taped bodhrán online which I hope will provide the bassy feel I’m drawn towards, cue the agonising wait for its arrival. Lockdown’s meant I’ve picked up an instrument for the first time in over 15 years having been turned right off by limited and uninspiring school music lessons, I’m finally trying instruments I’ve always wanted to try like 5-string and tenor banjos, and realising the benefits to well-being beat and music actually provides, and I hope my toddler can grow up with those benefits too if she wants, all thanks to the enthusiasm of musicians like yourself! Wholeheartedly, thank you for what you do for people and music ❤️ Happy New Year and best to you and yours! 🙇♀️
Hello. I've been playing the same thing to every slip jig for years (a bit like your hemiola pattern) without really thinking about it. Tonight is band night, so I'm off to experiment. Many thanks.
I always wanted to learn how to play the bodhrán and i would never have done without these tutorials, they are the absolute best . I have one issue with my bodhrán , it has bars on the back and they hurt my lower arm , is there any way around this anyone or will I need to buy one without them
Hey! So glad your enjoying the videos. You can screw out/ saw the cross bars on most drums, and thats what I do on all mine- this gives you lots of space to move the tonal hand freely. Hope that helps! Ruairi
Thank you so much, Ruairi!! This is just what I'm needing right now. Moving house and renovation on it while living in it has resulted in my bodhran sitting in a corner and not getting played for several months. New year, new resolutions to exercise more, eat a wee bit less and start playing again regularly. Love these variations and your clear explanations and enthusiasm are the perfect "nudge". Wishing you and other viewers a happy healthy and musical 2021.
Fantastic stuff! Delighted the tutorial was a help to get things kick started in 2021 - I have a video coming out on RUclips later today on a new series which you might like to get stuck in with . Have fun and heres to a music filled new year!
Thanks!
Thanks so much Saoirse 🌟
I am a percussionist and understand what you are saying but I have never encountered this instrument. I think I might buy one and start practicing.
Excellent tutorial. Thank you.
Well I lOVE Coffee and horses, so this ought to be magical!
me too!!!!!
@@bodhran You know what's FUN??? I've been paying for some years, and challenging myself to new rhythms is rather addicting :)
I will be happy when I can just do that! 😆 I m starting from a Djembe drum circle background, but a long term fascination with the bodhran (now know how to say it).
I only have a homemade shamanic drum atm… hoping that will give me a start.
Loving the videos! ❤🙏🏻🪘
Your beginner videos are just what I needed!! I am helping some folks learn a sea shanty this weekend and I wanted to play bodhran along with it, but my playing is very rudimentary so needed a quick crash course. I've been playing dumbek for many years so I picked up bodhran pretty technique quickly (up/down is like dum/tek), althogh the "grooves" are different, of course. Can't wait to learn more! Is that a tombak/zarb I see behind you?
Wonderfully clear method of demonstration ! Love the simultaneous view of front and back and easily read graphics. Have been playing since 1984 with a bodhran by Charlie Burne of Thurles, Tipperary (amazingly just noticed the appropriate "tipper" bit of Tipperary). Slainte !
Delighted you enjoyed the video, and fantastic to hear you have a true, quality instrument! Happy practicing and thanks for the kind words - Ruairi
this is wonderful....I can't wait to do your videos xxxxx
Thanks Ruairi, really helpful video, I find the slip jig rhythms take a lot of concentration when I’m playing my hand drum, your Bodhran beats translate really well to the Tar.
Great to hear! Delighted your finding the tutorials useful!
Great video, have to say I loved the wee bouncing bodhrans :) nice touch!
So glad you enjoyed it, and the bouncing bodhran's :-D Happy practicing and thanks for the kind words :)
love it, thanks for your great videos.... the last one seems like the easiest to play
Glad you like them!
For heavens sake man this is difficult but wow it sounds amazing. Can not wait till I get this down!
Struggling with up stroke after the flat stroke, love the sound of the 3rd pattern. I'll get there
Flat stroke is followed by a down stroke I think ? Down - up - flat Down - up flat
@@bodhran D.U.D D.U.D Flat.U.D
@@bodhran I keep playing it D.U.D D.U.D Flat.D.U I think its because the flat stoke is at the top of the bodhran so I naturally want to go down after. But a bit of practice I'll reprogram the Brain!
@@JohnMcGrathManInShed Ahh yes- I've had a look at the video, and and see what you mean!!! if you think of it a little like a double down, the flat just being a smaller down, that might help to get the choreography of it. A couple of days with it and you'll have it for sure !!!
Hello Ruairi! Thank you for your lessons. Sooo much to learn and practice… many greetings from Susanne, an absolute beginner from Germany
Danke schön Susanne! 🌟
Ruairi, thank you thank you thank you. I have been totally inspired by this instrument after hearing it in the intro to Outlander, one of my favorite shows. I did my research to find out what kind of drum it was and discovered it was the Bodhran. I went ahead and ordered one and was determined to learn it and found you. I've been diligently watching and applying your videos through the quarantine period and finally made it to this one, which was my goal. I can't tell you how thankful I am for your very clear instruction, you are a WONDERFUL teacher. I definitely hope one day to take a class from you.
Hey Lauren, I'm SO glad you have found the videos helpful, and delighted to hear about your journey into the world of bodhrán - it really makes it all worth while for me to hear from wonderful folk from all over the world who are learning this awesome drum! take care and keep going! - Ruairi
Love videos like these. Ruairi does a great job showing a proper form of technique while encouraging you to experiment and find your own style.
Thanks for the kind words, and so glad you enjoy the tutorials!
Great video! Please keep 'em coming! :)
Your smashing it David!! Glad the videos are useful :)
Really enjoy how you break it down into individual elements, Helps with the practice
Great stuff Francesca - delighted the tutorials are a help 🙌🙏
Wonderful! Your lessons are perfect!!! I 👍👍👍👍
Glad you like them Luisa! Happy practicing :-)
Hi Ruairi. Great videos. Do you do bodhran notation at all?
Hi Eileen! I use regular musical notation, though for this series, I'm mostly working away from notated music. Thanks for the kind words! R
Wonderfull tutorials you make Ruairi! I really enjoyed them!
Thanks for the kind words Kairne- so glad your enjoying them!
Absolutely moighty shtuff Ruaraí baigh! 😁👌 fair play to you and kaype her lit ☀️✌️😎
🙌 Awesome! Glad it was a help - thanks for the good vibes!
Thank you so much for these videos! I actually bought a bodhrán in Dublin about a decade ago and "taught" myself to play it based on what I thought I saw others doing. As it turned out, due largely to my poor eyesight, I'd greatly misinterpreted the basic playing methods. Now that I've been learning from an actual professional in these videos, it all makes so much more sense! I will say that the main thing that's still giving me trouble is figuring out how to go from the tap stroke immediately back to an up stroke. My muscle instinct is to follow a tap with another down stroke. Any tips?
Thanks again jezzus I've lost the basics, I've gone wild, hard to pull it back and concentrate again but taking your good advice, I've just got to be patient. 😂👍🏻
Going wild is good sometimes Stephen! 50/50 balance is the key :-D Have fun!
Hi Ruairí, would you perhaps have a video where you compare or recommend Bodhrans ? I play Irish weddings, mandolin and guitar and would like to play a bit of Bodhran, your tutorials are amazing and inspiring. Mine is a fancy Walton's Bodhran but it sounds more like a Timpani it doesn't have that thick dead low end thud yours has, the frame width is slightly narrower than the one in this video and it seems the skin must be thin as it's very loud but no low end. Thanks
Subbed and 👍🏻
Thanks for the kind words- so glad you find the videos helpful. I do go into the different drums, and my own collection on my online course. You can check that out on bodhran.teachable.com Happy practicing!
@@bodhran thank you Ruairí 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you so much! I love that sound too. Only another pair of questions: I'll probably go to London next summer. Can you tell me if there is a shop where I can try and eventually buy one of them? I need tippers too.....what do you think about MCNEELA? Do you have some brands to suggests me?
Love Your videos ! Where do you buy your sticks ?
Thanks! I make my own. Details on my website 🙏
Awesome
Hello from Newfoundland! Picked up a Bodhran 3 days ago and I love it! I have being playing music for 7 years mostly guitar...but recently i have broadened my variety with drums, harmonicas, and some mandolins :)
I'm catching on very quickly but I'm wondering....if I can just "feel out" the rythem per-say should I still be counting or thinking about it like this?
Fantastic! I've always wanted to visit Newfoundland! Thank you for the great question :) I tend to focus on technique and practical musicianship in these videos though I cant emphasise the importance of exploration, following your instinct or feeling it out as you brilliantly put it. I tend to personally take a balanced 50/50 approach to it. Try the technical/analytical work in conjunction with free flow/free play ... 50/50 - 10 minutes of one, 10 of the other, or something like that. Hope that is semi-helpful :) I'm also thinking about some more broad videos about exploring and developing musicianship - rhythm - feel - interpretation, and bringing individuality to your playing. Would they be helpful?
I feel like they would help for sure!
I mean I would imagine that our playing styles here (similar to The Dubliners or The High Kings) would be similar to Ireland's current styles?
St Johns, Newfoundland is an amazing location !! I 150% suggest making a trip there! Once the pandemic is over that is.
Stay safe!!
If you ever decide to take a trip out, let me know! I know some dandy ol' spots out here! And some amazing talented people.
I see the song name now. Thanks!
Hi Ruairi! So inspiring to see and learn from your videos! :-) I´ve recently started playing more active on my bodhran, since I´ve realised how much positive energy it gives me. And I will practice my patterns so that I will have the courage to go to an Irish session here in Sweden soon :-)
One little question: You don´t seem to use the other/upper end of the tipper at all? Is that common? How come you don´t use it?
Wonderful! So glad to hear this Madeleine! Thanks for the really kind words.
I do sometimes use the back end of the tipper for triplets, or rolls as there more commonly called, though its not something I use in my playing much as I play a more 'top end' style which focuses on the top end of the tipper.
@@bodhran Okej, interesting! Fun to know a little bit about this. And also fun they are called roles, since I, when I play them (just for fun, since I haven´t learned to control them yet) , imagine I do roles with my shoes in for instance a hornpipe. Nice how the dancing and playing go together :-) (I have done quite a bit of Irish dancing as well.)
Thank you very much for your answer - and your positive energy and great playing :-)
p.s. I meant rolls, not roles ;-)
Every video of yours is brilliant. Any chance you could make a vid that shows ALL types of Bodhran to us noobs?.. I'm not sure if my lightweight cross-brace drum is cheap and nasty or I'm just playing it wrong!
Great idea! I’ll add it to the list! More videos on the way soon
very clear very helpful thank you...
Glad it was helpful Mario!
Thank you very much! I like the way you explain.
How are your online courses? It is videos like this or face to face?
Thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed the video :) my online course is entirely interactive and over zoom. My courses in workshop are 3D and face to face 👍🙏
Amazing!!
Thanks James!
slip jigs are my favourite
Your videos are very clear and well made! I'm an italian percussionist and I'd like to buy an instrument like the one you use. Can you tell me how can I do? Where I can find a good one? I have a traditional bodhran with the two crossed bars behind but I have some difficulty to play it your way! And the sound is very diferent, especially on bass tone
Glad you are enjoying the videos! This is a Brendan White bodhrán and I really love the sound. Ruairi
Thank you so much! I love that sound too. Only another pair of questions: I'll probably go to London next summer. Can you tell me if there is a shop where I can try and eventually buy one of them? I need tippers too.....what do you think about MCNEELA? Do you have some brands to suggests me?
Awsome
Thank you
Hey Ruairí, great videos! I think you put the wrong song name for the third pattern because when I looked up wizards walk it was a different song I would really appreciate the name of the song because I have the rhythm down now. Will that rhythm fit any slip jig or just some?
I have a question that maybe you already answered somewhere else? If so my apologies, link please? If not maybe could be a good vid topic.
Let’s assume we learned a bunch of rhythms now and can play them behind some music. When we go out and join a group to actually play, I notice a lot of the time ls the Bodhrán player starts playing then the rest sort of join in. Seems almost impromptu. My question now is this: How does these live jam structures actually work? Does the Bodhrán player start a rhythm and the rest of the group then join in one by one. Do you shout out a song title then go from there? What if you are not familiar with said song? How does a newer bodhrán player jump in and not screw it up for everyone else? Cheers mate and GRMA!
@bodhran Ruairi, does no one use the traditional double-ended tipper anymore? I've come back to playing the bodhran after a rather long hiatus and see from RUclips videos that players now favour the singled-ended "bunch of rods" tipper (not sure what they are officially called).
Is there some advantage to these tippers? I've tried one in the past and never really got satisfactory results. Primarily because I find playing triplets is difficult to virtually impossible.
What are your thoughts?
Super!!!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Hey Ruari! Could you do one on slides?
Great idea! I'll add it to the list
still working on DUs and DDs.
Good stuff Robby!
I wish I was able to take your classes.
You can :) I'm doing online courses!
Hi Ruairi, I have a Bodhran I bought 20 years ago, 18" Celtic design 31/2 inch deep.....but am really liking the idea of a 14 or 16 inch from Mcneela....am nearly 70 yrs old, and learning for the first time (thanks to your channel) so would you go for a 14 or 16, and tuneable? Looking for that really deep non-ringing sound. My present one is quite boomy. Any info much appreciated. Thanks.
Hi there LOKI! Delighted the tutorials are a help as your getting back into the bodhrán! I think from what you describe you are looking for, your right on with the 16" tuneable taped bodhrán. The tape cuts out the overtones ( which personally I like :) and gives you the deep bassss tones.
What is the name of the song you are playing to?
Hi Ruairi, who are your favourite players?, I would like to listen to them 😃👍🏻
Still a bit to high level for me^^ but awesome!