Twenty-two pages with 110 Reel and Jig exercises.

From the Author

There are many rhythms in irish music: the Reel, Jig, Slip Jig, Hornpipe, March, Polka and Mazurka. In this book we will focus on playing the Bodhran in two of the most frequently heard rhythms: the Reel and the Jig.

The Bodhran requires a smooth, steady rhythm, and one must be at ease with the placement of accents in the earlier exercises before moving on to the more complex techniques. So spend some time on the fundamental Reels and Jigs on pages 1 and 2.

As you will see, the general approach used in this book is to demonstrate rhythmic techniques first and then add open and closed tones (putting hand on and off back of skin). The progression is as follows: basic Reel and Jig rhythms, pages 1 and 2, combined with open and closed tones, pages 3-4. Next add skips, pages 5-6, add open and closed tones, pages 7-8. Then add triplets, pages 9-10, plus open and closed tones on pages 11 - 12. Now incorporate both skips and triplets, pages 13-14, add open and closed tones, pages 15-16.

And last, you will find the use of the push to raise and lower the pitch, pages 17-18. The push is accomplished by using your hand on the back of the skin to apply or remove pressure: You will then raise or lower the pitch of the bodhran in accordance with the amount of pressure used. It is difficult to represent on paper how the push contributes to the music. You will have to experiment with how much pressure you use. As you listen to more and more Irish music you will gain a better understanding of this, and develop your own style.

Pages 19-22 combine all techniques.

About the Author

Robert Daly has been playing and teaching the bodhran for over 20 years, having studied with the masters in Ireland and New England.