Basics Didjeridoo Playing Tutorials

Didjeridoo Tutorials

This page is for the real beginners of the didj. You will be able to learn the lip movement that will enable you to make your first sound. You will also get a few lessons on how different sounds are created. By rolling the mouse over the ear you will hear the audiable demonstration. Click on the rotating image to hear the demo loop.

Basic Lip Movement

Keeping your mouth shut, lips apart and cheeks deflated, blow through your teeth. Now slowly bring your lips together while blowing, and they should vibrate loosely, making a horse like sound. When you can get your lips to vibrate try varying the strength at which you blow and the tension in your lips, keeping them constantly vibrating. When you have achieved this you are ready to start 'droning'.

Basic Drone

The drone is created when the lips are vibrating inside the didjeridoo. Follow the same instructions as before, this time with your lips pressed to the mouthpiece of the didjeridoo. The mouthpiece is usually beeswaxed, if it is not then play the thin end of the didj. When you are attempting to create a drone make sure no air is leaking from the side of the mouth, as this will distort the sound considerably.

Varying Pressure

Once you have achieved a drone sound start varying the strength at which you blow. Play the didj really softly, then increase the strength until you are forcing the air down the didj, always keeping the drone going. keep repeating the process, pushing for the limits that you can achieve. With a really gentle breathe you can make your didj hum, while pushing the sound out will produce a loud, clear sound that will travel far.

Tension

You would have been doing this at some point through the previous lesson, as it can be hard not to (we'll come back to that later). While you are playing the drone, tense up your lips as though you are smiling. Do this while keeping the drone and you will find the drone goes higher. If you relax the lips the note will fall.

Tongue Wag

This noise is created by moving your tongue backwards and forwards in the mouth.

Tongue Flick

The tongue flick is created by saying the word "la" without the voice.

Tongue Roll

Most people can roll their "r"s, but if you are one of the few like me who can't, this sound will not be acheived. Thanks to my friend Jim for creating this sound.

Voice Harmonies