The kazoo is a quirky and fun tool. While it's cheap and easy to learn, it's not just made for kids. Even the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jimi Hendrix have used it in their songs.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting a Kazoo
Step 1. Establish your goal
Do you want to play for fun, for a lesson or to add a whimsical note to your band? Understanding what your purpose is will help you choose the most suitable type of kazoo.
- In general, the kazoo is a very inexpensive tool. You can find them made of plastic in shops that sell everything for 1 euro, in malls and in toy stores.
- If, on the other hand, you prefer a higher or more original quality instrument, you can buy one made of wood or even metal. If you choose a metal one, beware of rust and dry it after each use.
- If you plan on using it a lot, consider buying more than one - they usually cost a few dollars. That way, if your kazoo breaks down, you'll have a spare.
- An alternative for musicians and for those who want to record a song is the electric kazoo.
Step 2. Choose the color
The kazoo is an unusual tool, which you can find in a wide range of colors.
- Choose a color that entices you to hold the instrument and play it.
- Personalize it. Consider attaching a small sticker to it. This is extremely useful for recognizing it if you use it at school, where many other students take their kazoo with them.
Step 3. Make a case for it
Although this is an inexpensive tool, it is still advisable to protect it.
- If it was sold to you without a case, retrieve a hard case for glasses that you no longer use. If you don't have one, you can easily find it in a flea market.
- Write your name on the case with a permanent marker.
Part 2 of 3: Learning to Play
Step 1. Hold the kazoo horizontally
You can hold it with one hand, unlike larger instruments like the clarinet.
The part that is in contact with the mouth is the wider and flattened end
Step 2. Hum into it
To make the kazoo sound you have to hum and not blow, because the voice creates vibration.
- Use it as if it were a whistle.
- To create different sounds, try humming syllables like “du”, “hu”, “brrr” and “rrr”.
Step 3. Modulate the sound with your voice
The kazoo has no "frills", so it's up to you to create all the different sounds.
- First of all, try humming the songs you like without the kazoo.
- Then, try to do this by bringing the tool close to your mouth.
Part 3 of 3: Improving Your Skills
Step 1. Train your ear
Since you decide what sound to make with the kazoo yourself, you should become familiar with recognizing and playing notes.
- Listen to songs you like and sing them out loud. Try to be in tune.
- With the help of your phone, record your voice as you hum a song. Then start the song and the recording of your voice at the same time. Assess the intonation level.
- Try playing the kazoo while listening to a song.
Step 2. Set aside time each day to practice
Although the kazoo is an easy instrument to play, you can only improve with practice.
- Choose a specific time of day and a time frame in which to practice.
- Set goals for each session. Write them down in a notebook. Your goal may be to experiment with various humming techniques, or to try out certain songs.
Step 3. Play with friends
The kazoo is above all a fun instrument, so playing it should be a pleasant activity.
- Play your favorite songs for your friends.
- If you are in music class, practice with your classmates.
- If some of your friends play different instruments, consider forming a group with them as a pastime.
Advice
- You can get a nice “wah wah” effect by placing your fingers on the top of the kazoo and gently lifting them as you play it. Once you understand how it works, play with more conviction and let the notes flow on their own. With a little practice you will be able to play typical jazz and blues riffs that will leave your friends and neighbors speechless.
- To play the kazoo, it can generally be useful to produce a higher pitched sound than you would normally hum.
- Remember that you shouldn't have any difficulty playing it. If you take too long and no sound comes out, try slowing your breath.
- If you have a plastic kazoo, don't worry if it gets wet. It will be back in place in a few days.
