Instruments Used in Celtic Music
Celtic instrumentation covers a full spectrum from the commonplace (e.g.,
guitar, flute and fiddle) to the esoteric (e.g., bodhrán and uilleann
pipes). One of the best things about Celtic music is that it can sound
as rich, melodic and complete when played by a solo guitarist or tin
whistle master as when performed by a multi-piece ensemble.
Presenting a discussion of a guitar or fiddle here will probably be
of limited use, since these instruments have so thoroughly permeated
the western music scene. However, here are descriptions of some of the
more exotic instruments used in Celtic music with which you may not be
so familiar:
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What's not to like about an instrument you can play right away but takes a lifetime
to master – all for around $10 or so? The tin whistle
is a simple metal tube (you guessed it – often made of
tin), with six holes and a fipple, a wooden plug mouthpiece similar to that of
a recorder. Don't scoff at the minimal expenditure required: Many pennywhistle
grandmasters play only the $10 variety. It's relatively simple to learn, and
cheap, so it may be the optimal way for a beginner to enter the world of traditional
Celtic folk music.
View
Tin Whistles
Recommended book: Penny Whistle Book (Penny & Tin Whistle) by Robin Williamson
Other
Tin Whistle Books |
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Although they may look nothing like the saxophone and the clarinet (their very distant
cousins), pipes are reed instruments. Here's how a set of pipes works. The piper
inflates an air bag by puffing through a blowpipe. He squeezes the bag with his
arm, sending air through the reed of a chanter; by fingering the chanter, the
player can control the sound. The best-known variety of pipes are highland
bagpipes, played
primarily in Scotland. They are played standing up (often in large
highland bands), and generate a sometimes overwhelming amount of
sound. Ireland's version of these is known as Irish warpipes. In
traditional
Irish music, however, you are much more likely to encounter
the sonically mellow, bellows-driven uilleann pipes. A set of uilleann
pipes usually features keys on the chanter, three or four drones
(to expand the range of the instrument), and regulators, extra
pipes for executing specific chords. When you see mention of a
"practice
set," that refers to a set of pipes
that has a chanter but lacks drones and regulators.
View Uilleann Pipes
View Highland Bagpipes
View
All Bagpipes Bagpipe Books |
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Many of us will associate harp with the pedaled, person-sized variety used in
classical music. Most Celtic harps, however, are so small that they can be
played on the knee, and they may be strung with nylon, gut, or wire. Harps
have been around Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Wales for centuries, so Celtic
harpists have a daunting tradition to uphold. A Celtic harp is called a triple
harp (three rows of strings) in Wales, and a clarsach in Scotland.
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Harps
Recommended book: Mel Bay Presents Christmas Eve 16 Solos for
Celtic Harp
Other
Harp Books |
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The bodhran is a small handheld drum popular in Irish music;
the playing surface is goatskin, stretched over a wooden frame.
It is played by striking
the drumhead with a tipper, a double-headed stick (in percussion, two heads are
better than one). If you are searching for one and run across a model that comes
with a cipín or beater instead of a tipper, don't worry; those are three
names for the same thing.
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Bodhrans
Bodhran Books |
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If you are familiar with a zither or autoharp, you're on the
right track. The hammered dulcimer features a trapezoid-shaped
board with pairs of strings stretched
across its face. The player strikes the strings with light hammers. As far
as the sound goes, many say it resembles a harp.
View
Hammered Dulcimers
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All Dulcimers
DVD: Hammer
Dulcimer-A Comprehensive Beginner's Course
Dulcimer Books |
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There's your brief introduction to some of the lesser-known
instruments commonly played by Celtic musicians. And we haven't even
covered the bombarde, Melodeon, Button
Accordion, Concertina, Mandolin, Cittern, Irish
Bouzouki, the strange hybrid Mandocello, Northumbrian
pipes and all the rest.
For in-depth descriptions, tips
and recommendations of Irish and Celtic musical instruments,
visit Celtic-Instruments.com.
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