The didgeridoo is an Australian instrument and you can start playing it without too much difficulty. It is sure to give your musical life an exotic and eclectic touch!
Steps
Step 1. Sit down
If you are sitting, it will be easier for you to engage in the activity for a long period of time.
Step 2. Relax
Wet your lips and part them. Don't force your breath. Have a drink nearby in case your mouth feels dry.
Step 3. Hold the Didgeridoo in front of you
Find a comfortable way to keep it in place. Some hold the opposite end of the tool with their feet.
Step 4. Find your style
There are those who keep their mouths in direct contact with the Didgeridoo and those at a certain distance. Both styles have their advantages, so choose the one you prefer.
Step 5. Part your lips and puff making them vibrate, just like horses do
If you are familiar with brass, this exercise will remind you of the warm-up exercise for playing the tuba.
Step 6. Bring your lips to the mouthpiece as if to plug it, but don't press too hard
You should leave enough space for your lips to move a little.
Step 7. At this point, continue to "snort"
You will make unpleasant sounds at first, but if you don't give up you will realize how necessary it is to pinch or part your lips.
Step 8. If you already play the trumpet, you may be making the mistake of pursing your lips too tight or blowing too hard
Your intent, however, is not to let the air pass from one end of the instrument to the other! You just have to vibrate it inside.
Step 9. Don't hum in the instrument (not yet, at least)
It's not the way you get the vibration you want.
Step 10. When you find it, you should be able to hear some kind of low rumbling
You will be able to prolong the note with ease by slightly increasing the air pressure. Here is the basic sound of the Didgeridoo (“drone”).
Advice
- Once you have learned how to produce the basic sound, you can vary the shape of your mouth as you blow out air to get different sounds. Try pronouncing the vowels while running the "drone".
- If you feel ready to go one step further, add more sounds to the basic "drone". For example, you might try humming, humming, or "barking" into the instrument. You will get very defined sounds.
- You will be able to produce a kind of "flickering" sound by rapidly releasing and contracting the diaphragm.
- If you can roll your tongue, try doing it while continuing the base sound or vocalizing. If you do not have this ability (a matter of genetics), you will be able to achieve results with a circular motion of the tongue.
Warnings
- Remember to breathe! We don't want you to feel lightheaded or even on the verge of passing out. Wind instrument experts can breathe in and out at the same time.
- Check your tool for any cracks. They commonly form in commercial and cheap, poor quality products. If you find deep ones, the sound of your Didgeridoo may be affected, so you will need to have the damage repaired with wax.
- Do not walk while playing the Didgeridoo. You risk bumping into something and damaging the instrument or worse, hurting your mouth. Better to sit down.
