Playing styles

Traditional didgeridoo

Traditional didgeridoos are mainly used in conjunction with singing, clap sticks and dancing for ceremonial purposes, however they can also be played informally. The instrument is typically played in ceremonies by one young man specially selected for his talent. Playing styles vary between different regions of Northern Australia and often involve fast, complex rhythms with sounds created by intricate tongue work.

The knowledge and rhythms required for each playing style is passed down by word of mouth. Much more information about the history, construction and ceremonial role of the traditional instrument can be gathered from those people and organizations that have a direct relationship with the instrument.

Information on this subject is best provided from these sources. If you would like to know more, a good source of information is the Buku-Larrngay Mulka Art Centre, in North East Arnhemland, or the ididj Australia web site. A visit to Arnhemland would also help your acquisition of knowledge immensely.

While it sounds formal, ‘contemporary didgeridoo’ has no formal playing conventions and is merely a term used to describe non-traditional playing.

Contemporary playing uses various techniques, such as those described in this site, to create a didgeridoo sound or rhythm.  A contemporary player has free range to use these techniques to develop their own unique style of contemporary playing.

People play contemporary didgeridoo for all kinds of reasons, whether it be for meditation, to entertain their friends and family, to produce solo music, to play in a band, or just to create a great sound! The world of contemporary didgeridoo offers a huge range of techniques, sounds, rhythms and playing scenarios to satisfy anybody wishing to learn more about this fascinating instrument.

Well known and very talented contemporary didgeridoo players include:

YouTube links

• Dubravko Lapaine
• Lies Beijerinck
• Zalem
• Si Mullumby
• Hernan Livolsi
• Ondrej Smeykal
• Goma
• Jake Duncan
• Gauthier
• Xavier Rudd
• Marcus Meurer
• Steven Heath

Of course, there are many more amazing contemporary didgeridoo players out there and I need to add more to the list; these are just some of my favourites. Let me know on my contact page if you think other players should be listed (or would like a link yourself!).
These players have taken contemporary didgeridoo playing to a new realm. Their playing is at the forefront of contemporary didgeridoo and is inspiring people the world over with sounds and rhythms you would not think possible when you first begin to play. Let these people be an inspiration as you learn how to play didgeridoo!