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Frequently asked questions - General

I always find that people have similar questions when they are learning to play didgeridoo. If you are new to didgeridoo, you probably have the same questions too. I have categorised and compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions and have answered these as simply as possible to help you get started learning didgeridoo right away!

This is where I also answer your questions! So if you have a question and would like it answered, contact me and I'll see if I can help.

1. How does a didgeridoo work?

Didgeridoos make a 'drone' sound as your lips vibrate when blowing into the instrument. The drone sound is essentially your vibrating lips being amplified by the didgeridoo. Learn about it here.

2. How can you play didgeridoo and breathe at the same time?

A technique called circular breathing allows players to play didgeridoo and breathe at the same time.

3. I don't know anything about music. Can I still learn didgeridoo?

Yes. You don't have to know anything about music to play didgeridoo. In fact, you won't ever have learn formal music theory or read music ever! Get a didgeridoo and start playing now!

4. What's a good didgeridoo to get for a beginner?

Get a D, E or F tuned, eucalyptus or hardwood didgeridoo from a supplier who specialises in selling didgeridoos. Also, get a didgeridoo with a narrow mouthpiece that tapers out evenly to a wider bell end. Before you get your didgeridoo, make sure you read my pages on all about choosing the right didgeridoo. Or, if you don't want to make a commitment yet, just look for a piece of PVC pipe about 1.5m long and 30mm wide and see if you can make some sounds out of that.

5. What's the best key for a didgeridoo?

I recommend E or F tuned didgeridoos because they are easy to play, sound great and can be played nice and fast. However the best key for you depends on your preferences for didgeridoo sounds and playing styles.

6. Can women play the didgeridoo?

Yes. The traditional custodians of the didgeridoo, the Australian aboriginal people from Arnhemland, generally do not have a problem with women (who are not aboriginal) playing didgeridoo. Read their viewpoints on this topic here.

7. What's a white guy doing teaching didgeridoo?

In contemporary Western society, the didgeridoo is used to make musical sounds like any other modern day instrument. In this sense, I teach contemporary didgeridoo playing and do not claim to teach didgeridoo as it is played traditionally.

8. Do I need to do anything to the mouthpiece?

You might need to. Often people can't play the didgeridoo because their mouthpiece isn't adjusted correctly. Make sure it allows you to create a tight seal where your lips touch the mouthpiece, and make sure it allows your lips to freely and easily vibrate. If it doesn't, make some adjustments and simply take it off and apply it again. Learn how to do this by visiting my page on adjusting and making a mouthpiece.

9. Do I really need a wax mouthpiece anyway?

You only need to use wax on the mouthpiece to reduce the diameter of the natural (wood) mouthpiece so it fits your mouth properly. If the natural mouthpiece fits your lips nicely and feels comfortable, you certainly do not need any wax at all. In fact, my preference is for didgeridoos that do not need a wax mouthpiece (you just play straight onto the wood) as this feels more free and less restrictive to my lips.

9. Do I need to do anything to maintain my didgeridoo?

Not really. But there are a few things you can do to maintain its longevity and keep it in good shape, such as not exposing it to extreme changes of temperature or humidity. Learn about the simple things you can do by visiting my page on caring for your didgeridoo.

10. Are there any benefits to playing didgeridoo?

Heaps! Playing the didgeridoo can contribute positively to your general health and well-being, as well as letting you make cool sounds. Read about that here.

If you have any other questions that you would like answered here, feel free to contact me.

 

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In summary

Didgeridoo tip There is heaps to learn about the didgeridoo, from its acoustics, to its traditional background, to its varied techniques and playing styles.

Didgeridoo tip If you are having trouble circular breathing, revisit my five steps and then practice! There is no substitute for dedicated practice when it comes to learning circular breathing.

Didgeridoo tip If you have questions you would like answered here or elsewhere in this web site, feel free to contact me on my contact page.