Didgeridoo

History of the Didgeridoo
The Didgeridoo is originally the instrument played by the North Australian Aborigines, mainly from around Darwin and the Arnhem Land in Northern Territory, as well as from Kimberley in Western Australia and the Gulf Country in Queensland. There are many different stories as to how the Didgeridoo came about, varying across the different Aboriginal tribes.

Traditionally it is only the Aboriginal males who play the Didgeridoo during Ceremonial Dances, known to the Aboriginal people as Corroborees. The Didgeridoo is played along with Click Sticks, which are either 'clicked' together or against the side of the Didgeridoo.

About the Didgeridoo
Didgeridoos are made from a hollow piece of timber, due to termites eating through the centre of the branch or trunk, which in general is Eucalyptus. The Didgeridoo varies in length and width, due to the piece of timber chosen by the player. Once the bark has been removed from the outside of the Eucalyptus, and the termites removed from the inside, the Didgeridoo is ready to be played. Often beeswax is placed over the rim of the Didgeridoo to act as a softer mouthpiece, and the Didgeridoo is painted in various Aboriginal artwork.

Playing the Didgeridoo
The Didgeridoo is a very complex instrument to play. Not only do you have to learn how to create the various sounds with the shape of your mouth, you also have to learn the technique of 'Circular Breathing'. Circular breathing allows you to continue to blow, whilst at the same time allowing you to breath in more air. So basically, you have to learn how to breathe in through your nose and out from your mouth at the same time.

A couple of good ways to do this include:-

Water Breathing

Straw Breathing