Didgeridoo Instructions
According to legend, the didgeridoo was instrumental in the creation of the world and all that is in it. This instrument is traditionally made from branches that have been hollowed out by termites, and as such, the didgeridoo can create a natural, soothing sound, even within minutes of learning to play it. And, of course, as you practice more and more, you will be able to create more and more complex sounds.
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Instructions
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Hold the didgeridoo in both hands, with the smaller, smoothed opening (the beeswax mouthpiece) facing you, and the more circular end resting on the ground. If your didgeridoo does not have a beeswax mouthpiece, then there will likely be some decoration marking the instrument's far end; place the un-decorated end facing you.
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Loosen your lips and blow through them, in the same way that babies blow through their lips to create a flapping kind of sound. Practice this technique a few times without blowing through your didgeridoo before you apply it.
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Take a deep breath so that you fill your lungs entirely.
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Press the top end of the didgeridoo to your lips and blow outwards.
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Puff your cheeks out just as the air in your lungs is about to run out. Use your cheek muscles to press the air in them out, and at the same time, breathe in through your nose to refill your lungs.
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Blow out through your puckered lips until your lungs empty again, and puff out your cheeks. Use your cheek muscles to blow out the air in your cheeks as you inhale through your nose to refill your lungs again. Repeat this process for as long as you wish to play.
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Tips & Warnings
The basic technique required for playing the didgeridoo is called "circular breathing." This involves filling your lungs and your cheeks with air, then exhaling until your lungs are emptied; at this point, you blow the air in your cheeks out as you breathe in through your nose to refill your lungs and then your cheeks. Practicing circular breathing without the didgeridoo is a good way to perfect your technique before applying it to playing the didgeridoo.
Taking breaths regularly in between blowing lungfulls of air through the didgeridoo can be a good way to build rhythm in your playing (and to give yourself a break from circular breathing if necessary).
If you are having trouble making the proper noise through your puckered lips, lick them. Moistened lips are easier to blow through to produce the proper vibration and sound.
The didgeridoo creates its unique sound by amplifying and extending the sound that you create. If you alter the speed or pitch of your exhalations, you will alter the sound that your didgeridoo produces.
When you are practicing or applying circular breathing to your playing, make sure to breathe normally as often as you need. Altering your breathing can interrupt your body's natural rhythm and could cause you to feel light headed or even pass out. Work your way into consistent circular breathing slowly; mastery of any technique comes after long practice.
References
Resources
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