How to Play the Jug

The jug is an ideal instrument--inexpensive, portable, easy to find, easy to replace, and, most importantly, easy to play. Jug players usually play the alternating note/rhythm part that a bass would in other bands, so learn how you can get this sound with your own jug.

Things You'll Need

• Clean jug (ceramic or plastic)

Instructions

1. Grab the jug's handle with one hand and place your other hand on the bottom of the jug.

2. Move the jug to your lips, tilting the top slightly towards your body.

3. Place your bottom lip on the edge of the jug's opening and your upper lip just slightly over the opening.

4. Blow across the top of the jug and make your lips vibrate like you are playing a brass instrument.

5. Tighten your lips to get a high pitched sound and then loosen your lips to get a deeper sound. Alternate between the high and low pitches to create the classic jug rhythm sound.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with jugs of different materials to get different sounds and tones.

• Be sure that your jug is totally clean before playing it. Some jugs may contain chemicals or other substances that could be harmful.