How to Play a PVC Didgeridoo
The didgeridoo, a drone instrument made from a hollowed length of wood, originated in the indigenous cultures of northern Australia. Despite its remote origins, the didgeridoo has risen in popularity among modern musicians and can now be heard in dive bars and concert halls as well as in its traditional ceremonial setting. Fueled by the market for beginner-level didgeridoos among amateur musicians, basic "learner" didgeridoos made from PVC pipe are now widely available. These PVC didgeridoos are ideal for beginners and provide an even, consistent tone and easy response at a very affordable price.
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Instructions
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Hold the mouthpiece of your didgeridoo up to your lips to check the fit of the opening. The didgeridoo should span approximately half to two-thirds of the width of your mouth. If you're uncertain whether or not you have a correct fit, a width of 25 to 35mm is a good rule of thumb. If the didgeridoo is too wide, you can narrow it with a PVC reducer coupling, available at your local hardware store. If the opening is too narrow, you'll need to select a different piece of piping for your didgeridoo.
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2
Place the open end of the didgeridoo on the floor and stand at a distance that allows the didgeridoo to meet your mouth at a 45-degree angle with the floor. If necessary, you can elevate the didgeridoo on a stack of books or a low stool.
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3
Press your closed lips against the mouthpiece. Only use enough pressure to form a seal around the rim of the pipe. Excessive pressure will inhibit your ability to play freely.
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4
Inhale deeply through your nose. Allow your lips to relax, but keep them closed and pressed against the mouthpiece. Exhale, allowing a thin stream of air to escape through your relaxed lips and into the didgeridoo. If your embouchure is correct, your lips will flap against one another, creating a buzzing sound.
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Continue to inhale and exhale through the instrument, buzzing as you breathe out. As you play, find how loose and how tight your lips can be, while continuing to buzz. Changes in lip tension form the basis of didgeridoo technique.
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