What's That Sound....The Didgeridoo

If you're referring to the deep drone sound coming from hollowed out wood making headlines in Indie music groups you probably want to know all about the Didg (to those in the know). The Didgeridoo (also known as the didgeridu or yidaki) is an ancient Aboriginal wind instrument primarily used in ceremonies and rituals. Myths and legends surround the didgeridoo about its relationship to the creation of the universe in Aboriginal cultures and anthropologists claim it is the world’s oldest woodwind instrument.

Both playing and listening have healing properties due to the circular deep breathing techniques used to produce a drone like sound.  Deep breathing forces you to play with force and focus on the guttral, deep sound this powerful primitive insturment is capable of. As you continue to play you will experience a heightened sensation radiating from your fingertips, to your hands and arms and you will realize that meditation is not only a practice for the mind.  As you open yourself to the healing powers of music, you will agree that mediation can encompass the entire body, both energetically and physically.

Others from the medical profession claim that playing the didgeridoo is an effective alternative treatment for obstuctive sleep apnea and snoring.  So if your other half keeps you up all night, don't you think it's worth a try...

Traditionally, Didjeridoos are made from trunks or branches of eucalyptus trees that have been hollowed out by termites or from hollow bamboo stalks. Our didgeridoos are made of fairly traded bamboo and teak using legally harvested wood and further embellished by handpainted tribal motifs.  They don't have a sealed mouthpiece because the mouth piece is small enough that it doesn't require one! Wax alone does not make an instrument traditional and for the most part most "traditional" instruments like yidaki do not have a wax mouthpiece, as the mouthpiece end is small enough and typically smoothed out by the maker.  If you feel the opening is wide and or uncomfortable to play on then wax may be applied.  Beeswax is recommended and can be obtained at any craft store.

So, how do you make that earthy drone tone that sounds like an elephant?  Simply put, it involves the fluttering of lips and blowing into the hollow piece using circular breathing techniques. With a little practice, you can be playing a mind blowing instrument in no time!