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How to Hold a Bodhran Tipper

The bodhran is a traditional Irish drum that serves as the rhythmic background for many Irish songs. An individual playing this instrument strikes the drum with a special type of stick, called a "tipper." The tipper, which also can be referred to as a "beater" or "cipin," has two heads and must be held with a particular type of form in order to achieve the characteristic sound of the bodhran.

Things You'll Need

  • Bodhran
  • Tipper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a tipper that feels comfortable to you. Tippers come in various lengths, weights and shapes. If you are a beginner, try a tipper that has a bulge in the center, which can help you to grip it better.

    • 2

      Bend your right elbow at a 90 degree angle, and extend your right hand in front of you. Your thumb should be on top, and your little finger should be the closest to the floor.

    • 3

      Place the tipper in your right hand between your thumb and your palm. Your thumb should cross the tipper at its midpoint.

    • 4

      Rest your index finger on the top of the tipper. You can rest your middle finger on top as well if this feels comfortable to you. This grip should look similar to how you would hold a pencil or a pen.

    • 5

      Grip the tipper firmly enough so that it won't fall out of your hand, but allow enough flexibility that the tipper can bounce back and forth if you rotate your forearm.

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