How to Play Spoons as a Musical Instrument

Remember that parental phrase, "don't play with your food." But did you ever hear "don't play with that spoon?" So why not make music with it? Learn how to play the spoons in one easy lesson. You always said you wanted to learn a musical instrument, now here's your chance.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Spoons
• Music

1. Choose a pair of identical metal spoons. Hold the bottom spoon face down between your pointer finger and your middle finger, pressing the edge of the handle lightly against your palm with your middle finger to ensure a tight grip.

2. Hold the top spoon face up between your thumb and the middle of your pointer finger in the same hand, pressing the handle lightly to the palm with the pointer finger. Press the thumb down onto the handle for a firm grip. The bottoms of the spoons should now be lined up evenly back to back.

3. Hold the spoons straight, about a half an inch apart, so they will make a clicking noise when they come together.

4. Hold your other hand palm down above your leg about seven inches or so above the hand holding the spoons.

5. Hit the spoons down on your leg, then up to your palm, getting a click with both moves. Do this back and forth a few times, holding the spoons tight enough so they don't slip. Get a rhythm going and alternate accents on every other beat by hitting harder on those beats.

6. Fancy it up by occasionally throwing in a roll. Spread the fingers of your empty hand wide and let the spoons bounce down each finger. Hit the last beat on your leg. Then go back to your basic rhythm beat.

7. Practice your new skill with music until you get the feel of it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are having a hard time keeping the spoons in line, you aren't holding them firmly enough. Press the edge of the handles against your palm.