|
| Bodhran
Playing Exercises |
|
|
BodhránWorld Exercises
|
1.Holding the Stick
The most effect way to hold the stick is just like a pencil. Hold the stick in the middle gripping it between you thumb and your forefinger and resting it on your middle finger. Remember that the stick never moves, it is your wrist that does all the work. The movement itself is a bit like flicking your hands when you have water on them. Remember to keep your wrists completely loose and relax your arm.
2. Posture
Looking good is as important as sounding good.
Relax and get comfortable. I call this technique the "Four Point Position".
There is an imaginary line between your shoulder-blade, the top of the drum, your knee and your big toe. Remember to keep your back and the drum straight.
Sometimes you see players leaning forward with their ear close to the drum skin. It could be said that this is not the most comfortable, visually attractive and it makes it hard to communicate with the other musicians.
3. Downward beats
Now we are sitting or standing comfortably imagine the drum like a clock. Holding the stick like I described earlier strike the drum with a downward action between 15 minutes past and half-past. Follow this movement through and repeat until you have a clear beat occurring. Hold the drum using the bar at the back and this will produce a nice "THUD" sound.
4. Upward beats
Right, quite simply reverse the previous exercise with the stick hitting the drum in the opposite upward direction. Repeat this upward action speeding up and slowing down.
5. Basic Reel
Well done so far. Combine exercise 3 and 4. This time slowly hit the drum starting with the downward beat followed by the upward beat.
Try and follow this pattern
DOWN-UP-DOWN-UP (REPEAT)
1-2-3-4
R-E-E-L
Dont worry if you sound a bit like a cement mixer starting at the beginning.
Concentrate on the beat being evenly spaced. Repeat until you are happy with the sound you are making.
These are a few example of the exercise that we will do. Honestly we will be playing in no time. If you ever get frustrated think of what you couldn't do yesterday and let this encourage you. You'll get there.
I look forward to meeting you.........There are many more interesting exercises waiting and lots of fun and laughter to be had in the process
Take care
KK |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
