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The Didjiridu Resource

Pictures dating back 1500 years ago found on caves in the Northern Territory of Australia suggest that the didjeridus (also termed didgeridoo or didge) is one of the oldest wind instruments used by mankind. The traditional aboriginal name for this unique instrument is yidaki. The didjeridus is an aerophone. It was first crafted by the Aboriginal people living in the Kakadu region. The Aborigines originally made the fife shaped instrument out of young Eucalyptus trees that had been hollowed out by termites. Didjeridus are usually between between 1 to 2 meters in length. Some are as long as 3 meters, more than 10 feet in length. The longer and wider the instrument the lower the tone it produces. Car hire service is a wonderful way to experience for yourself the uniqueness of didge music .

Before learning to play the didjeridus a musician must learn a breathing technique called circular breathing. Basically you learn to expel air through the didjeridus while breathing in through your nose. Using this technique allows the musician to make continuous sound while playing. Circular breathing is a challenging technique to learn. One didjeridus teacher suggested to his new students they practice their circular breathing an hour a day until they master the technique. The didjeridus makes a low buzzing sound called a drone. After mastering the drone, players learn other more advanced techniques such as the bounce step, tonguing and squeezes.

The didjeridus has been called a one note instrument with many voices. A traditional didjeridus player is not considered a musician but a singer, one who is telling a story using a unique voice. Australia has a diverse culture and that is reflected in the various styles of didjeridus playing that have developed. Car rental frees you to enjoy the diverse culture of Australia on your own schedule.

A basic or “good enough” didge, as famous didjeridus player Ed Dury termed it, can be made out PVC pipe. Dury, a passionate teacher, provides the interested beginner with detailed directions for making a didjeridus out PVC pipe or out of bamboo. For the traditionalist it is possible to make your own didjeridus from Eucalyptus wood.

Careful care of the didjeridus will prolong its playing life. Humidity and temperature affect how the wood in the didjeridus expands and contracts. Keeping storing the instrument in a place with a consistent temperature and humidity level will protect it from cracking. Keeping it well protected either in a case or wrapped in layers of fabric while using your Melbourne car rental is also advised to protect your instrument. Oiling the didjeridus periodically is also recommended.

In addition to Ed Dury, other famous didjeridus players include Termites At Work, Robert Thomas, Yothu Yindi and David Blanasi. Car hire leaves you free to travel as you want in this amazing country.

As famous as the players are the makers of these instruments. These are examples of the work of Watjuku Gurruwiwi and Djalu Gurruwiwi. Didjeridus Scrapbook has picture of didjeridus from all over the world.

Didjeridus History and Culture:

Learning to Play the Didjeridus:

Circular Breathing

Mastering the Basic Drone

Beginners Guide

Making a Didjeridus:

Out of PVC pipe or bamboo