The didgeridoo is an ancient instrument of the Aborigines of Australia, but the discovery of its rhythmic and harmonic richness has only been in the West for a few years. This work gives all the essential advice needed to test, appreciate and buy a didgeridoo. The many exercises and sound samples given in the audio lets you appreciate the acoustic qualities and playing potential of the didgeridoo. Includes access to online audio.
Contents
1. The Origin of the Didgeridoo
2. Testing, Appreciating, and Buying a Didgeridoo
2.1. If You Are Looking For Your First Didgeridoo
2.2. If You Already Have a Didgeridoo
2.3. Maintaining Your Didgeridoo
2.4. Transporting Your Didgeridoo
2.5. Repairing Your Didgeridoo
3. The Musical Qualities of a Didgeridoo
3.1. Its Musical Quality
A. The Root Note
B. The Basic Harmonic or ?2nd Note?
C. The Overall Harmonic Richness: A Polyphonic Impression
3.2. The Timbre
A. The Sound of a Tube
B. The Nasal Sound
C. Heavy Sound vs. Bright Sound
D. Clear Sound vs. Resonant Sound
3.3. The Acoustic Qualities of the Didgeridoo
A. Volume and Power
B. The Spaciousness of the Sound
3.4. The Playing Potential
A. Air Column Resistance (ACR)
B. Playing Speed
C. The Ability to Use Effects
D. Ease of Playing
3.5. The Types of Didgeridoos
3.6. Summary: Criteria for Choosing a Didgeridoo
PART II: PLAYING THE DIDGERIDOO
1. The Basics
1.1. Playing Position
1.2. Play from the Front or from the Side?
1.3. The Root Note
1.4. The Mouthpiece
A. What Type of Wax Do We Use?
B. How Do We Apply It?
C. What Shape Do We Give the Mouthpiece?
Some Forms of Mouthpieces
1.5. The Returning Sound
1.6. The First Tones
A. The ?OO-EE?
B. Positions Between ?OO? and ?EE?
C. The Basic Rhythm Sounds
D. The ?WOOAH?
E. The Jump of the Kangaroo
2. Playing
2.1. Circular Breathing
2.2. Abdominal Breathing
2.3. Rhythm and the Rhythms
2.4. The Main Effects
A. Singing
B. Shouts
C. High and Low Pressure
D. Overtones
E. The ?Oof!?
3. Further Development
3.1. Some Advice for Advancing
3.2. Building a Piece (Composing)
1) Starting
2) Continuing
3) And Finishing
3.3. Playing with Others
3.4. Accompaniment with Clap Sticks
APPENDICES
I. Didgeridoo Rhythms: Transcriptions of Didgeridoo Music