DIDGERIDOO RHYTHMS

Getting inspired

Remember that the best way to learn rhythms is to listen to other people play. Listen to their rhythms and then adapt these to make your own. Log onto YouTube and listen to the fantastic range of playing styles created by didgeridoo players all over the world.

A great way to learn rhythms is to listen to the didgeridoo rhythms played by those on YouTube. At first, you may find the rhythm too difficult to decipher, however there’s a handy trick that you can use to help you interpret the rhythm easier.

First, connect a simple microphone to your desktop computer, or, if you have a laptop, you should already have one built in. Secondly, open the basic sound recorder program that should be available in the "All Programs > Accessories" folder of your computer, similar to the one below.

 

Sound recorder

 

Now play video clip of the didgeridoo rhythm on YouTube, and press record on your sound recorder. Your computer will be playing the rhythm and recording it at the same time. Now, save the rhythm somewhere and play it back in Windows Media Player or a similar application. The quality won't be so great, but you still should be able to hear the components of the rhythm quite clearly. As the audio file plays, right click on the file name (in Windows Media Player) and choose "Play > Play Speed > Slow", as shown below.

 

Slow playback speed on Windows Media Player

 

Windows Media Player will play the rhythm at slow speed, which will sound a bit unusual. However, you should be able to hear each individual component of the rhythm. Play it back at slow and normal speed to get accustomed to what's in the rhythm. Once you are familiar with the components of the rhythm in slow speed, try playing it on your didgeridoo at normal speed.

If you already have some music tracks from didgeridoo albums, you can also play these tracks back slowly on Windows Media Player if you want to break them down to help with your practice.

Where to from here?

By the time you have finished the lessons on this web site, you should have a good idea of the techniques required to make all of the sounds that you hear in rhythms. Use these sounds and the information you have gathered on rhythm making to start making your own unique didgeridoo solos.

While it can seem like a slow process at first to make your own interesting rhythms, don't be discouraged. The more you practice the more it will become second nature to you, and the better your rhythm playing will get.

First, start off by playing simple rhythms using the basic techniques. It can be as simple as moving your tongue as if you are saying "ee-orr-ee-orr" while droning. Then, use the same basic sounds but vary the pattern a little. Now you are starting to build your rhythms!

When you have made some basic rhythms with a few simple sounds, start to add or substitute some different sounds into the rhythm. This will begin to add contrast to your rhythm and make it a little more layered.

If you make a particularly good sounding rhythm, write it down phonetically, that is, just write it down the way it sounds as if spoken. This will help you to remember the rhythm when you practice later. It will also help you build a 'rhythm vocabulary'.

You should try to expand this vocabulary as much as possible so when people ask you to play, you have a good range of rhythms in your head to choose from. This will help you play spontaneously which is much more interesting to watch.

Try not to get too ahead of yourself. Develop a simple rhythm and get confident at playing this. Then start adding more complex elements into the rhythm as you become more confident.

I am constantly surprised by how simple rhythms can often have the greatest effect, so don't underestimate the power of simple rhythms. Strong, simple rhythms will sound much more solid and professional than complicated rhythms that are not confidently performed. Ensure that you have your foundation rhythms mastered before trying anything too elaborate.

Just think, what rhythms do you like when listening to didgeridoo? Try to think what characteristics the rhythm has that makes it so appealing to you. Some of these characteristics are mentioned in my guide to rhythm playing.

Without too much trouble, you should be able to understand what makes an exciting rhythm. With a little more practice, you will be able to implement these techniques to make exciting rhythms of your own.

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In summary

Didgeridoo tipYouTube is a great source of inspiration for didgeridoo players.

Didgeridoo tip Use the simple sound recording program on your computer to record rhythms you hear on YouTube. Play these back at different speeds so you can practice.

Didgeridoo tip Practice rhythms you hear on YouTube, but most importantly try to develop your own unique rhythms which will be most satisfying. The possibilities for rhythm making are endless.

Didgeridoo tip If you are having trouble with rhythms, remember to start off simple. When you are comfortable, slowly add more complex parts to your rhythm.

Didgeridoo tip Try to always expand your 'rhythm vocabulary'. That is, develop more and more unique rhythms that you can confidently play on demand.

Didgeridoo tip Try not to be intimidated by the amazing skills of some players shown on YouTube. Use these examples as inspiration to improve your own skills. That could be you!