Musical instruments

Celtic music is a broad term that includes various traditions and genres. It is characterized by a wide variety of instruments used for playing.

The Celtic harp has been used for thousands of years, not only for music, but also to accompany storytellers and it creates quite an immersive experience for listeners. When playing the Celtic harp, the musician usually sits with the harp resting against them and plays with their hands on either side of the strings. Over the years, the harp has acquired a different appearance, so the ancient harp differs from the modern one in many ways.

Music is never complete without some form of percussion. When it comes to Celtic music, the drum called the bodhrán is indispensable. This traditional drum is held in one hand and played with the other. The bodhrán is created by stretching a piece of treated goat skin over a round wooden frame. It is played by striking it with a small tipper. Some musicians produce music by striking the drum with their hands instead of the tipper. Depending on where you strike, different tones can be achieved. The center of the bodhrán creates a deep tone, while striking closer to the edge will create a higher tone.

Bones, in some areas better known as spoons, are another traditional Celtic instrument. They are played with two pieces of wood held in one hand together and struck between the foot and the opposite hand to produce a striking sound. Bones are very easy to play and the playing technique can be mastered in a few moments, you just have to follow the rhythm. The name "bones" comes from the fact that it used to be played with the help of two sheep's rib bones.

The horn is a musical, as well as a ritual instrument. The horn of a goat, ram or ox was usually used for its construction. Tones are produced by blowing through the narrow end. It was also used to give signals in war and, according to legends, it had magical power. It could only produce a few tones.

And finally, the voice is an "instrument" that must not be neglected when it comes to Celtic music. The different styles of using the voice differ from the climate and times in which the Celts lived. In some cases there is a single singer performing the words of the song, but often there is also a chorus of singers.