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DIDGERIDOO RHYTHMS
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DIDGERIDOO RHYTHMS
The rhythm building process continued...
21. You didn't think I was going to keep it too easy for long did you! That's right! So let's add some more complex triple tonguing and add some quick mouth movements on the third beat:
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22. Now let's experiement with a 3/4 time signature again, just to see how it sounds. There could be some potential for some fast rhythms. Once again, if your lungs begin to fill up too much, just skip a few breaths but continue to make the pulsing breath sound using air pushed from your cheeks.
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23. While we're at it, let's stick with the 3/4 time signature, and add something a bit more intricate:
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24. Now let's stick with the multi-tonguing in this time signature, but experiment with putting two breaths into the rhythm on the off beats. This rhythm might take a bit of getting used to, so give yourself time.
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25. Let's go back to a 4/4 beat and add more mulit-tonguing components. We'll also put a breath on the second beat as well, to add to the rhythmical flow. On top of all that, let's throw in a vocal effect at the end. This rhythm will be quite hectic!
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We will leave vocal effects there, but remember, you can vocalise any part of these rhythms, so make sure to experiment and include vocals to make your rhythms more colourful.
26. We still have to include the horn in all of this rhythm madness. Cool! So let's keep it simple at first (but not for long) and include a horn in a simple rhythm you would be familiar with:
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27. Now let's gradually introduce some of the other elements, and change the breathing around so the rhythm ends with a satisfying horn accent:
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28. Now, instead of finishing at the end, we'll put the horn in the middle and transition to a drone immediately after. The 'daw' is used to get the lips vibrating again straight after the horn.
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29. The horn can be extended, so let's add a longer horn sound to the rhythm above for some added variation.
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30. Finally, let's try filling out the rhythm with some more multi-tonguing, so it sounds sharp, rhythmical and punchy. This rhythm will sure take some practice, so if you are just a beginner, make sure you are comfortable with the other rhythms before tackling this one.
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Putting it into practice
So that's how it's done! As you can see, the process is very experimental. The rhythms you come up with as you practice will depend on many things such as your current skill level, mood, musical objectives and musical preference. Remember, this is just one of many paths you could take while experimenting with rhythms. It is purely a demonstration of how you can build rhythms, step by step, and develop your own rhythm vocabulary.
When you practice, don't feel like you have to practice in any one set way. Of course, you may want to establish a bit of discipline during practice if you want to get good at a certain rhythic technique. However, if you are just looking to make new rhythms, allow yourself to naturally build and develop them as you have fun playing and practicing! In this way, your rhythms will sound more unique and personal and they will be most enjoyable to play.
As mentioned before, the rhythms above demonstrate just a typical cross section of how a practice session may unfold. They are only a tiny sample of the many didgeridoo rhythms that can be played, so don't limit yourself to these only.
Keep in mind also, the rhythms demonstrated use the most common time signatures of 4/4 and 3/4, which were chosen with beginners in mind. Because of this, the patterns have a similar sounding rhythmic flow. To vary the structure of your rhythms, try to incorporate your rhythms into new time signatures and listen to effect it has.
Practice the rhythms above to improve your didgeridoo playing skills. Most importantly though, use variations of these rhythms to make your own and improve your personal, rhythm making potential. Then abandon these rhythms completely and start making rhythms with your own unique flavour and style!
When you are ready to start making your own rhythms, use my handy rhythm template to write them down. Similar to the written format of the rhythms above, the template, which comes in both 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures, will allow you to write down the rhythms and revisit them later. Click on the link below to download the rhythm templates.
Didgeridoo rhythm template.pdf
Good luck with your rhythm playing. Learning rhythms will make your didge journey much more rewarding and satisfying!
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Tips
If you find some of the example rhythms too hard, just take out the part you find difficult while maintaining the same tempo. Play this simplified version of the rhythm until you are comfortable with it and are ready to add more sounds.
Remember to play the example rhythms at different speeds. Even though some may be simple, when played reasonably fast and rhythmically they still have the potential to sound quite advanced.
Try adding vocals over any of the mouth movements or tounguing sounds. You will add another layer of sound and increase the richness of the rhythm.
Tonguing is a great way to add to the complexity of your playing, because it breaks the rhythm up into smaller, more intricate components.
You don't have to limit yourself to the standard 3/4 or 4/4 time signatures. There are many more time signatures you can try that will completely change the sound of your rhythms.
If you start to run out of air, you might have to take multiple circular breaths. Try to incorporate these breaths naturally into your rhythm, so it contributes to the pattern. This way, people won't notice you gulping for air.
If you are stuck for ideas, try to introduce completely different sounds, techniques, time signatures and breathing patterns to your rhythms.
If you feel you aren't getting a rhythm, don't despair. When you come back to it the next day, you should find you are a little bit closer to getting it. You will be surprised as to the work your brain has been doing to solve this problem while you've been sleeping!