Gripping the Tipper
There are many styles of gripping the tipper. This class will focus on the grip called “Kerry style”. This is the most widely used technique for holding the Bodhran tipper.
Over time, your own style of gripping the tipper will evolve. You may change the grip slightly depending upon the style of the music. You may change the grip slightly while playing a single tune. Grip is a fluid thing.
The two keys to a successful grip are control, comfort and endurance. You must be able to make the tipper do what you want it to do. You cannot adopt a grip that fatigues you after a few tunes.
Grip the tipper as though it was a pencil.
Put your thumb slightly above the middle of the tipper and wrap your index finger over the tipper.
The thumb rests on the tipper NOT on the index finger
Position the tipper so that it rests on the index finger between the knuckle and the first joint.
Three general positions are available: 1) close by the knuckle, 2) in the fleshy part and 3) at the first joint. Try not to hold the tipper so that it rests directly on a joint or knuckle. It will be hard to control and will make the joint sore.
Beware of excessive curve in your fingers.
Too much curve will make playing triplets more difficult to play.
Too much curve puts unnecessary strain on the wrist and causes fatigue.
Let the finger assume a position that is elongated rather than curved. Do not exaggerate the fingers and try to straighten them.
Create a relaxed grip with a gentle curve in the index finger - imagine that you are holding a pencil.
If the bone in your index finger gets sore, RELAX the death grip on your tipper! You are gripping too tightly.
Worried about the tipper slipping?
Place a rubber band on the tipper at the midpoint. That will keep it from slipping
Over time, your own style of gripping the tipper will evolve. You may change the grip slightly depending upon the style of the music. You may change the grip slightly while playing a single tune. Grip is a fluid thing.
The two keys to a successful grip are control, comfort and endurance. You must be able to make the tipper do what you want it to do. You cannot adopt a grip that fatigues you after a few tunes.
Grip the tipper as though it was a pencil.
Put your thumb slightly above the middle of the tipper and wrap your index finger over the tipper.
The thumb rests on the tipper NOT on the index finger
Position the tipper so that it rests on the index finger between the knuckle and the first joint.
Three general positions are available: 1) close by the knuckle, 2) in the fleshy part and 3) at the first joint. Try not to hold the tipper so that it rests directly on a joint or knuckle. It will be hard to control and will make the joint sore.
Beware of excessive curve in your fingers.
Too much curve will make playing triplets more difficult to play.
Too much curve puts unnecessary strain on the wrist and causes fatigue.
Let the finger assume a position that is elongated rather than curved. Do not exaggerate the fingers and try to straighten them.
Create a relaxed grip with a gentle curve in the index finger - imagine that you are holding a pencil.
If the bone in your index finger gets sore, RELAX the death grip on your tipper! You are gripping too tightly.
Worried about the tipper slipping?
Place a rubber band on the tipper at the midpoint. That will keep it from slipping
Here is an excellent video about creating the correct grip on the bodhran tipper. It runs about 12 minutes. It's very detailed and worth you time. Watching this may help you avoid wrist pain!