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 on the CD let you appreciate the acoustic qualities and playing potential of the didgeridoo

• PART I: THE DIDGERIDOO, A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
  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
• The Root Note
  B. The Basic Harmonic or “2nd Note”
  C. The Overall Harmonic Richness: A Polyphonic Impression
• 3.2. The Timbre
• 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
• Volume and Power
  B. The Spaciousness of the Sound
• 3.4. The Playing Potential
• 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
• Playing Position 1.2. Play from the Front or from the Side?
  1.3. The Root Note
  1.4. The Mouthpiece
• 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
• The “OO-EE”
  B. Positions Between “OO” and “EE”
  C. The Basic Rhythm Sounds
  D. The “WOOAH”
  E. The Jump of the Kangaroo
• Playing
• Circular Breathing
  2.2. Abdominal Breathing
  2.3. Rhythm and the Rhythms
  2.4. The Main Effects
• Singing
  B. Shouts
  C. High and Low Pressure
  D. Overtones
  E. The “Oof!”
• Further Development
• Some Advice for Advancing
  3.2. Building a Piece (Composing)
• Starting
  B. Continuing
  C. And Finishing
• Playing with Others
  3.4. Accompaniment with Clap Sticks

• APPENDICES
  I. Didgeridoo Rhythms: Transcriptions of Didgeridoo Music
  II. Didgeridoo Discography