Instruments - Part 8

Didgeridoo

The didgeridoo is not an orchestral instrument.  It's an instrument created by native Australians.  All the aboriginal didgeridoo players that I have seen are clothed.  However, I found several unashamed non-aboriginal didgeridoo players for your enjoyment.

The instrument was traditionally made from a tree whose interior had been hollowed out by termites.  Above is one such naturally formed didgeridoo.

Here's another traditional wooden didgeridoo.  The instrument is, shall we say, musically limited.  Basically, it can play a drone, one single low note.  Advanced players may be able to coax one or two overtones out of it, but they are used sparingly for percussive emphasis, not for melody.

Didgeridoos made from metal or other materials have been produced, like the one above.

Jovis, above, gave a didgeridoo performance at the Glade Festival in England in 2006.  The music may have lacked melody, but at least there was eye candy.

Finally, here's an excerpt from a "how to play the didgeridoo" video by a naked Aussie.  I abbreviated the video because I find a little didgeridoo music goes a long way.