Understanding the Didgeridoo

• The didgeridoo is a long cylindrical instrument that is closely associated with the culture of Australian aborigines. Traditionally made from eucalyptus branches hollowed by termites, the didgeridoo produces a low vibrating drone when played. A circular breathing technique is required to elicit the proper, continuous sound from the instrument. Playing the didgeridoo has been cited as an aid for those who suffer with asthma, sleep apnea, snoring and anxiety. Those new to the didgeridoo can start making attractive sounds with it very quickly, when supervised by an expert.
  
  

Voice and the Didgeridoo

• Vocal amplification and expression are two other noteworthy features of the didgeridoo. The characteristic drone emerges best when you relax your lips and hold your mouth slightly agape. Men do have a slight advantage over women in playing the didgeridoo, as their voices' naturally lower octaves harmonize more easily with the didgeridoo drone. The length of the instrument also makes a noticeable impact on the quality of its sound. Longer didgeridoos have larger resonating chambers, which can result in richer and more complex sounds.
  
  

Vocalizations and the Instrument

• Drones are not the only sound didgeridoos can make. You can holler, talk or sing as well with the instrument, provided that your lips are always vibrating. To achieve this, your lips' vibration should occur as you emit an animal cry with your voice, away from the instrument. Continue this technique as you play the didgeridoo. Maintaining the vibration, feel free to improvise different sounds. Imitate the kookaburra, for instance, by making a "koo-koo-ka" sound as you play.
  
  

Dog Barking

• An advanced but popular move in didgeridoo musicianship is producing a dog's bark with the instrument. As always, you must begin by vibrating your lips. It is equally important, however, to match this with canine yelps -- the higher pitched, the better. Even baritone men should attempt to create a soprano bark, in order to make an appealing sound with the didgeridoo. Pepper the standard drone with bark vocalizations for an authentic example of the instrument at work.