Free Online Bodhrán Lesson with Rónán Ó Snodaigh
Get Instant Access to the Complete Beginner to Master Bodhrán Course ith the magnificent Rónán Ó Snodaigh of Kíla (Worth €365/$410) Lifetime Access absolutely Free!
Rónán is one of the greatest Irish bodhrán players in the world.
What You'll Learn:
Bodhrán Basics
- Introduction To Rónán (5:43)
- Learn the Basics (7:03)
- Different types of Beaters & How to use them - Comprehensive Tutorial (18:33)
Beginner Lessons
- Irish Dance Beats: Jigs (14:41)
- Irish Dance Beats: Reels (12:18)
- How to Strap your Bodhrán & More (10:15)
Intermediate Lessons:
- Irish Dance Beats: Polkas & Hornpipes (7:39)
- Session Tips (14:07)
- Accompanying Singers in Basic Waltz Timing (1:56)
- Alternative Beats - Turkish Beats & More (9:15)
- More Alternative Beats (8:29)
- Rosewood Performance Hand-Tuneable Bodhrán (1:36)
- Pops, Snaps & Bass beats on the Rosewood Performance Bodhrán (5:09)
- All About Rolls - Intermediate Level (11:02)
- Rónán’s Unique Notation System (7:05)
- Paradiddles (1:28)
Advanced Lessons:- Accompanying Yourself Singing plus Hops, Inverted Beats and Dropping a Beat. (15:31)- Advanced Beats (10:50)- More Advanced Beats - Rónán plays along to three iconic Kíla tunes. (24:25)- Rónán plays along to ‘Turlough’s’ from Kíla Album ‘Lemonade and Buns’ (4:10)
SPECIAL EXTRAS:
- Paraic on Flute and Rónán on Bodhrán - Session 1 (2:38)
- Paraic and Rónán on Bodhrán - Session 2 (4:24)
These online lessons cover everything from basics, to traditional Irish music session performance and alternative beats. Rónán will show you how to get the most out of your bodhrán, how to tune your bodhrán and everything else you need to get started on your musical journey.
These free online bodhrán lessons are exclusive to McNeela Instruments and will have you accompanying your first traditional Irish music session in no time!
Need advice? Check out our expert guide: The Bodhrán Maker's Guide to Buying a Bodhrán
Bodhrán Size

The smaller the drum, the more flexible the head. This means our 16″ model will be more responsive to your hand pressure than a larger drum.
For this reason, if you currently have an 18″ model and are looking to upgrade, I would recommend making the change to a 16” bodhrán. It will give you a wider tonal range and a far greater variety of sounds to work with.
The 6.5 inch rim depth produces a rich, deep bass tone. The deeper the rim, the more resonant the bass sound will be. The 6.5" rim is perfect for creating our signature McNeela lush, booming bass and great volume.
“I couldn’t be more pleased, the build is perfection and the sound is rich and resonant. Whether I’m playing on stage or in a session this drum never fails to impress. Couldn’t be happier.” - Dave G.