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Didgeridoo / Didjeridu / Yidaki

There are no reliable sources stating the didgeridoo's exact age, though it is commonly claimed to be the world's oldest wind instrument. Archaeological studies of rock art in northern Australia suggests that the Aboriginal people of the Kakadu region of the Northern Territory have been using the didgeridoo since about 1500 years ago, based on dating of paintings on cave walls and shelters from this period.

The didjeridu of the Australian aboriginal people is an ancient and deceptively simple instrument, consisting of a length cut from a narrow tree trunk or branch and hollowed by the successive action of fire and termites. Skilled players, however, are able to produce a wide repertoire of interesting musical effects including a rhythmic drone, striking timbre changes, and sounds that are voiced as well as played. This paper outlines the passive acoustics of the didjeridu tube, the active acoustics of the sound-production process, and the mechanisms by which the various musical effects are produced.

Authentic Aboriginal didgeridoos produced in traditionally-oriented communities in northern Australia are typically made from hardwoods, especially the various eucalyptus species that are endemic to the region. The main trunk of the tree is often harvested, though branches are sometimes used as well. Aboriginal craftsmen spend considerable time searching for a suitable tree to make into a didgeridoo. The difficult part is in finding a tree that has been suitably hollowed out by termites. If the hollow is too big or too small, it will make a poor quality instrument. The wax mouthpiece often softens during play, forming a more perfect seal.

When a suitable tree is found and cut down, a length of the main trunk or a segment of a branch is removed that will become the didgeridoo. The bark is taken off, the ends trimmed, and some shaping of the exterior then results in a finished instrument. This instrument may be painted or left undecorated. A rim of beeswax may or may not be applied to the mouthpiece end.

The didgeridoo is played with continuously vibrating lips to produce the drone while using a special breathing technique called circular breathing. This requires breathing in through the nose whilst simultaneously expelling air out of the mouth using the tongue and cheeks. By use of this technique, a skilled player can replenish the air in his lungs, and with practice can sustain a note for as long as desired. Recordings exist of modern didgeridoo players playing continuously for more than forty minutes, and some currently unsubstantiated claims peg times over one hour.

External Links

Didgeridoo Cultural Hub | iDIDJ Australia
What is a real didgeridoo and what is a fake didgeridoo? In this website, you will find useful topics that shed light on the complex issues of authenticity and commercial exploitation. We explain what an authentic didgeridoo is and contrast this with a souvenir didgeridoo and didgeridoos of non-Indigenous origin...

The Physics of the Didjeridu
There has been only a little written about the acoustics of the didjeridu or about its playing techniques. The instrument itself, however, has become increasingly used in popular music by groups such as Gondwanaland, and was earlier made widely known on television through the efforts of Rolf Harris. A few simple calculations and measurements, however, allow us to understand a good deal about this interesting instrument.

Djalu.com | Djalu Gurruwiwi
Welcome to the website of Djalu Gurruwiwi, renowned yirdaki craftsman. Within this site you will find a downloads section with screensavers and short movies, links to our fine gallery of yirdaki and other artworks, links to information, links to our affiliate program and links to issues of cultural awareness. Please browse the website and enjoy your time here!

Aboriginal Australia Art & Culture Center
We are a Southern Arrernte Aboriginal Tribal group whose homelands are situated 100 kms south of Alice Springs in Central Australia. Since 1995 we have owned and operated the Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre in Alice Springs. Our community has been involved in Aboriginal Music for 40,000 years and we would like to now share our knowledge and experience with you.

The Charly's Didgeridoo
Didgeridoo Forum, Online Shop and lots of Free Online Resources, Didgeridoo Simulator, Video Didge Course, Boomerangs, find a Didj Player in your Region or Town, Didgeridoo Videos and Free Audio Files, Make your own Didgeridoo, Repair your Didgeridoo, Learn how to play and how to use circular breathing.