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The Didgeridoo is an instrument native to the indigenous and original inhabitants of Australia. The various tribes of Australian Aborigine have incredibly powerful connections with their spiritual system, and use the long wooden pipe, hollowed out by natural action of termites and associated ecology, to induce states of trance and meditation.

Breathing Mechanics:

Now produced from a variety of materials, including bamboo and synthetic resins, the Didgeridoo operates on the same principles as the Trombone, representing a sound that is produced entirely through complex maneuvering of vibrating lips coupled with exquisite control of breathing. The technique of circular breathing is vital to the correct playing of the Didgeridoo, and should be mastered and practiced regularly. This involves the inhaling of air through the nose with the diaphragm, while forcing air out of the mouth to continue the vibrating of the lips. The expulsion of air from the mouth should then be followed by quickly refilling the mouth with air by an upwards pulling of air with the diaphragm and stomach muscles to replenish the air supply for the next inhalation. By pulling the diaphragm down into the gut with the muscles of the pelvic floor, the cycle can be repeated. The lungs receive fresh oxygen regularly and the heart rate increases to cope with the additional load on the cardiovascular system.

Where the Instrument is played:

When the Didgeridoo is played in a recreational setting, or with an ensemble, the player will utilize simple timing techniques to keep their breathing and sound production in a rhythmic cycle, allowing the addition of other sounds, such as those produced by a Djembe or Tablah to aid the evolution of new musical forms.

Famous Musicians:

Diwata, a New Zealand based music group, pioneered by AJ Hickling, makes notable use of the didjeridu in performance, combining electronic music production with simple primitive musical tools.

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How to pick your Instrument:

To select a good Didgeridoo one should find a pitch they enjoy. The length of the tube will affect the sound, and the fundamental frequency of the instrument is fixed, unlike with a trombone. This is due to the rigid, non mechanical nature of the Didgeridoo. Often the tube, with its ends sealed with wax, was used to carry water or charcoal long distances on the traverse between waterholes. The epic distances that were traversed by the indigenous Australian peoples were often done on trails through deserts during droughts.

Cracks make it better?

Occasionally a Didgeridoo will develop splits or minute cracks. These should be filled with beeswax and if possible strapped with leather. Keeping the Didgeridoo in a case will protect it from the ravages of the environment and if it is a decorated or painted model then this paint will also be preserved. By keeping the wax around the mouthpiece clean, and not letting a wide range of people play it, the beeswax will develop a shape that is familiar to the player. This allows for a deeper and wider range of sound to be produced, further increasing the effectiveness of the performance.

Why play an Instrument?

Playing the Didgeridoo can be a revelatory experience, with significant improvements in the mental state occurring as a result of the body's natural physiological response. It is good to play the Didgeridoo, for the sake of your fitness and the improvement of musical talent. Try jamming on a Kalimba or Dhol while you play Didgeridoo. If you are really good you can even do it standing on your head!