The Double-Down Stroke
Three keys open the door to expressive playing: 1) triplets, 2) strong accents on the up stroke, and 3) the double-down stroke. The double down stroke is key to playing jigs and any three-beat meter.
Just as the name implies, a double-down stroke means you hit the drum twice, in succession, on the same down stroke. The double-down is a single stroke during which the tipper strikes the head twice.
The double-down is NOT two separate stokes. Don't strike and reposition your wrist for another down stroke. Just follow through for a SECOND hit during a single downstroke.
The double-down is NOT two separate stokes. Don't strike and reposition your wrist for another down stroke. Just follow through for a SECOND hit during a single downstroke.
Double-Down Movement
Down-Down-Up
Down-Down-Up
Why is the Double Down so Valuable?
Think about a jig. It's a pulse of two beats with each beat containing three strikes or eight notes.
The pattern of up and down strokes would be:
The pattern of up and down strokes would be:
Down - Up - Down Down - Up - Down
That can be awkward and tiring at speed. The two, sequential, accented down strokes aren't easy. This is where a double-down stroke is helpful. Using this technique, a very serviceable jig rhythm becomes:
Down - Down Up - Down - up
Using the double down technique the bodhran is faithful to the jig pulse and does not fatigue the player. The strokes fit perfectly into the rhythm AND keeps the playing arm well positioned for each sequential strike.