Didgeridoo Secret Revealed: Circular Breathing is NOT Circular Breathing!

[@melissabautz2346]

Thank you for posting this! I'm a highland bagpiper who attempted to self-teach the didgeridoo about 25 years ago. I always wondered about the "circular" aspect of the phrase "circular breathing". This makes so much sense. Thank you very much. You are a good teacher.

[@Nildread]

It seems more "continuous" than "circular" to me

[@Breathwood]

Awesome! I'm glad it makes sense. I have weird ways of thinking about things sometimes.

[@andsalomoni]

You just use your cheeks like the bag of the bagpipes.

[@sylviadodgin]

Thank you thank you 🙏🏽

[@thierrygerard9843]

Hi mélissa, you play bagpipe! You always use "circular breathing"! Cheeks, jaw, up of tongue... are your bag of your bag pipe... same technics... 😊

[@emmanueloledan]

Why am i watching this i don't even own a didgeridoo

[@Breathwood]

Haha, that's pretty funny. Maybe it's time to borrow one and give it a try?

[@emmanueloledan]

Breathwood I'd love to. Wanna try that didgeridoo sound I heard from Incubus haha

[@Hare_deLune]

Emmanuel Oledan If you are just beginning, any longish tube will do. It can be made from cardboard, plastic, whatever. I started playing in 1992 or 93, and there weren't any didges available for me to try, so the first time I ever tried to play was using the plastic sleeve from a set of barbells in my friend's garage. It worked and I was able to produce the sound! My point is, if you just want to check it out or want something to practice on, you don't have to spend a lot. Just make sure what you are using is clean and hygienic (unlike myself, lol). I have heard that PVC pipe is not the best because of toxic chemicals, and cardboard doesn't last a long time because it will get wet as you play, but look around and I'm sure you'll find something. Then, if you decide you like playing a lot, you can save up and buy the real thing. That's worth doing because it will sound much better and be easier to play in the long run. Good luck!

[@kstrauss100]

Hahahaha!!!

[@ciaranhealy5277]

Weed

[@johnnyentwhistle]

I have played Great Highland Warpipes for 36 years now, my brain is putting a bagpipe bag in my head and you have taken away the confusion I had at how is it possible ! I could never comprehend it let alone make it sing so wonderfully

[@Breathwood]

I'm so glad to hear that this approach helped you understand it better!!

[@joymoeller6841]

I'm a didge teacher down here in L.A. …this is such a BRILLIANT explanation on the physical mechanics of the drone, and breath. Giving me some great ideas for my students!…Just had to let you know, you continue to inspire us all down here :)

[@Breathwood]

Wow, thanks for that really sweet comment. It's amazing to me to know that I have helped you down there!

[@bethsventure]

This is the most helful explanation on circular breathing I have found on you tuve. I have been practicing part time without instruction except videos for three years and still struggle quite a bit on making any sort of consistentt beat. This was very helpful. Thanks.

[@Breathwood]

Yay! I'm glad this helped! How is your playing going now?

[@eldan400]

Amazing , the trick is so simple , hard to master of course but really helped me . i havn't touched my didge for 2 years because i couldnt get the right idea of circulating. now im picking it up pretty quick thanks !

[@johnbrown3711]

How can I give quadruple thumbs up to this fantastic lesson...??

[@yeet4347]

Hello i am a wiradjuri man and i learnd circuler breathing and then i found this video but greatvid mate

[@christopherd6399]

So pretty much you're a genius of the English language. I just got my eucalyptus dijereedoo in the mail today!

[@Breathwood]

Haha, what? I mean, I love language and love trying to be clear with words, but...genius? You're too kind! How's your playing going?

[@christopherd6399]

@@Breathwood Yeah, nobody broke it down as brilliantly as you. I actually forgot I bought one until I read your reply here. Lol!!!

[@Breathwood]

@@christopherd6399 It's a sign - time to start learning! lol

[@christopherd6399]

@@Breathwood you know you're right

[@JacksonBly]

Great explanation, from someone that's been trying to get the hang (without much luck) of circular breathing for the last 20 years. Gonna give this a shot. Cheers!

[@Breathwood]

JacksonBly 20 years??? Wow, let's set up a skype session to get you doing it soon! I'd love to help!

[@fergspan5727]

How did it work out ?

[@micmillist2588]

This vid actually makes sense. For years I have had a didg and have tried to play it but having got lots of info from many sources, I got it wrong. This guy makes a complex breathing method SIMPLE. With practice I am now playing. A Big THANK YOU.

[@povalaguna]

I'm a singer recovering in breathing PT from diaphram injury. I'm SO grateful for this explanation of circular breathing. It's blowing my mind.

[@Breathwood]

I'm so glad it's expanding your mind!

[@stuarthay4930]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. We bought a didgeridoo 8 months ago when visiting our daughter in Australia. I’ve no musical background whatsoever other than mucking about with my grandad’s harmonica around 40+ years ago so have been practicing on & off by watching loads of online tutorials. I’ve managed several rhythms but couldn’t master circular breathing. Every time I tried circular breathing I either ended up releasing the air too quickly so there was an obvious pause or it sounded like a wet fart!! When I started thinking about pressure and filling my cheeks with less air as you suggested, after around 1.5 hours I finally managed to keep the drone going for several minutes 😀😃. I was fair chuffed to finally master the technique. It was probably psychological, but when I was breathing in when maintaining the drone the air seemed fresher... really wierd! Thank you once again.

[@markboblove7935]

Great explanation! I like the breathing in the throat description. I've never thought of it that way. I've taught many people by using the sound "hook": on the "h" sound you give an abdominal thrust to pressurize the air in your mouth while opening the jaw and relaxing the cheeks to increase volume, thus more air molecules. Then on the "k" (closes valve) inhale through nose while chewing on the air, closing the jaw, tightening the cheeks, and sliding the tongue forward. *the diaphragm muscle expands the lungs (inhale), the abdominal muscles contact the lungs (exhale). The pressure comes from the abs and intercostals.

[@Breathwood]

There are so many ways to explain it, hey? I'm glad you appreciate how I've described it. Sounds like you have a solid grasp of it too!

[@BigEasyPiglet]

this is a brilliant idea!! I'm going to try this! thanks bro

[@MarcelSchmid-v5h]

Watching you and understanding how wonderfully a didgeridoo can be played is simply unique. It's a great help to me how you explain the details and illustrate them! Absolutely the best explanatory videos on this topic. Thank you very much and best regards from Switzerland!

[@aaronhargrove7460]

I have a didgeridoo that I gave up on because I always knew the concept of circular breathing was difficult. This was the best explanation I've seen. I'll dust it off and try again. Thanks for the great video.

[@sumanprakash7651]

This is complicated way of explaining circular breathing. @didgemama helped me learn the circular breathing at ease and was so effortless.

[@DivaBClub]

Spent the better part of today light headed and about to pass out a few times but I'm not giving up, just need to be sitting lol

[@Breathwood]

Yes, be gentle with yourself! Good luck!

[@princesayoleasa]

Lol same

[@breanngoodenough608]

Lmao same

[@ericmoody3944]

How long do your lips stay numb? Lol

[@DivaBClub]

@@ericmoody3944 long enough to know I'm doing something wrong lol

[@onearmfrog3868]

The only video useful video on KZbin for circular breathing. Awesome awesome work. Thank you for this.

[@Breathwood]

Wow, thanks! I'm glad it's helpful!

[@MrToxic]

If you could now explain algebra to me using these techniques, I’d be a mathematician.

[@yakityyob]

This is a MUST video for anyone wanting to learn to play the didgeridoo. As a beginner, I learned so much from this instructor. Thank you for your description and explanation. Great video!

[@Breathwood]

Wow, thanks for that! I appreciate the kind words!

[@AzazelsWings]

This should be a piece of cake. I'm a woman, I can talk half an hour on one breath, so learning this will hopefully not only help my didgeridoo skills, but the possibilities for endless gossip power. Thanks dude !!!!

[@damienphillips4761]

women cant play the yidaki or how you gubs say it the digeridoo

[@jacktheperson3664]

@@damienphillips4761 i get that its tradition but you shouldnt be bothered if some american woman wants to learn the yidaki if anything shouldnt you be happy the instrument is being celebrated all around the world

[@johnandliznz]

Love your videos David - may everyone who wants to learn this technique have success!

[@dozerdude2001]

Excellent presentation! I believe you could present almost anything and it would be better than most speakers that I have heard.

[@nadyaguseva6139]

I just got my Didg and very thankful for you for this video, great explanation 👌🏼 will run to practice ❤thanks a lot 🤩

[@ramentaco9179]

This is more helpful than any other circular breathing video I've seen, and trust me I've seen a lot.

[@Zuhri9]

do you know how to circular pressure it, now?

[@Breathwood]

Awesome! I'm so glad to hear that!!!

[@resxcue8078]

amen to that

[@Horrylite]

I didn't know Willem Defoe was a didgeridoo player

[@Breathwood]

He is?

[@parchmentpaper-t7c]

Breathwood hes saying you look like him

[@ravenfeathesDVM]

Hooray Lol, he does look like a young Defoe

[@4dityanarayan]

I was looking for this comment

[@Anudorini-Talah]

thought i accidentally traveled back in time watching young Willem Defoe playing didgeridoo lmao

[@rebeccaw8820]

New sub here! Finally after 25 years of trying to play dij I figured it out, and so did my 5 year old daughter. Now to get some circular breathing and other sounds. Your sounds are amazing to me

[@GregPock]

Great video!!! Really appreciate it! 🤙🤙🤙

[@JaybeeJaybee123]

This video literally helped me learn how circular breathe in one day. I’ve not perfected it by any means, but I understand the pattern you let your mouth basically go into auto pilot creating that quick little squeak of pressure, enough for a quick sip of air, just as described.... and you do it a lot/fast. Thanks so much for this and your other didg videos.

[@Breathwood]

Wow, that's awesome! Glad it helped!

[@harryjackson4759]

I v tride to play Didgeridoo many times. Your instructions seem to be most helpful. Thanks

[@ThatGoofyPair]

Thank you so much for posting this! I have been a didgeridoo player for a few years now and have perfected the 1st breathing rotation that you first mentioned in your video, but have never been able to go beyond that. Watching this answers a lot of questions and now I am eager to try out this new found wisdom :) Thank you again!

[@Breathwood]

I'm so glad this was helpful!

[@marilynmartin8876]

I wanted to play the didgeridoo and even bought one once. Nice video.

[@javiturk4636]

Well done, sir! I keep trying, and failing. Hoping it will click eventually as my muscles become used to this. You are really good!

[@bebbcorpharpery7331]

I do not play didge, but this is a variation of open/close with the glottis that we do on the harp. Overtone instruments unite.

[@Breathwood]

Cool!

[@aSmelly1]

Didnt expect to see my favorite jaw harper here!

[@AlvlUpSavedMyLife]

This is literally the BEST explanation I have seen so far... your a beat bro. Makes so much more sense now thank you soooooooooo much!!!!

[@Breathwood]

Aw, thanks! I'm glad you think so!

[@RigoJunior2]

This video along with some dave hudson instruction helped me a lot in accessing the dream time meditative state. Thanks

[@cecileserrano3863]

Hi, your explanations are excellent! I hope you are well!

[@mattj2912]

I tried for a while to learn this on my French Horn. There was never any real need for it though. I wish I'd had this video back then. Great explanation!

[@jolypopp7288]

Im a beat boxer, i use a lot mouth movements etc that the didg uses (and i used to practice occasionally years ago). Im teaching myself the didg with some beatboxing, using a pvc pipe off my job site lol. Videos super helpful!

[@joaquimpipa4842]

Very logical clear explanation, but I know it’s not easy to learn, many thanks for this info.

[@ngangbamchinglemba]

I'm able to understand your explanation on circular breathing. Thank you.

[@therealjamesbones]

beginner here; this was an awesome lesson, (and my first!) thank you!

[@barneycoffman6663]

Thanks, I appreciated your explanation, description, and example. For several years I felt like what I was doing was wrong. But after watching your video, I feel I'm not that far off.

[@Breathwood]

I'm so glad to hear this helped! Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@andrewmartin7221]

Excellent explanation of the exhalation!

[@janiceconnett3192]

One of the best instructive breathing techniques for the didg! Thanks so much!

[@Breathwood]

That's sweet of you! Thanks!

[@wernervannuffel2608]

This is one of the best explaining instructional videos about a hard to visualize technique that is even harder to understand without the right(ening) or correcting (re)view about the misinterpretative or misguiding concept ''circular breathing'' what is in fact ''circular alternated pressure''. I love this video so much. Very well done and highly clever step by step and mouth part by mouth part explained instruction. The right visualizationn of the real thing that is exactly happening is all for me👍👌 Now I need to get to that (several) point(s) and is another thing to get it right😌🙃😎

[@KaylaAndSamantha]

i really love how you teach thank you. you are very intuitive to any questions i may of even had and i love how you go into a zone n then continue- you're superrr connected i can tell!!

[@Breathwood]

Thanks for the sweet comment!

[@BeauInGrace]

Thank you so much for this earthly brother. I get a signal from nature to play a didgeridoo, while I was blissed out in meditation. 🙏🏽🌿 and during a segment of my meditation, I chant AUM as Aaaaa, Uuuuu, and Mmmm separately and as AUM altogether. And during the Uuuuu sound chant, this message from nature suddenly imbibed in me, to play a didgeridoo as a chant of AUM itself. I live in Aust but I've never played a didgeridoo yet so will see how it goes 😂🙏🏽. Nature has also led me to your video, as I was then searching for a didgeridoo shop here and in the shop website has KZbin video I clicked, then in the side recommendation, there was YOU 😀, and straight away after hearing out your instruction from experience I knew what it was about correlated with my AUM chanting. I can actually use my own mouth as a didgeridoo for the chant using your technique of circular vibration so that the AUM is everlasting instead on stopping! 😍🙏🏽🙏🏽 I will master this during my upcoming meditation sessions now. Thank you brother, Life has you 🙏🏽🌒♎️

[@Breathwood]

Sounds like quite the journey! I'm not sure it's possible to chant continuously, but I'd love to see an example if it is!

[@YellowPineappleHoyas]

I was so confused with circular breathing. Thanks for clarifying!

[@predator4015]

Thanks I need my didgeridoo for a music project you're a live saver!

[@Breathwood]

You're welcome! What's the project?

[@ZacandCompany]

Thank you for clearing that up. I have been wondering about this for at least months, maybe years. Actually serious, not even sarcasm.

[@Preppygirl-18u]

Wow super interesting.. as an Australian I didn't know Americans played the didgeridoo!! Wow. I thought it was a first nations practice by Aboriginal people of Australia.. I have learnt more here that 12 years school in Australia

[@nomorel7884]

What a fantastic video! So well explained and straight to the point

[@a.k6839]

This is just amazing they’re taking money outside just to teach this thanks a lot sir as a new digi player it was hard to accumulate some free good advices on journey I did this for 3 weeks and it healed and helped a lot wish there were more teachers like you,You good sir keep up with your videos it inspires us thank you a lot ,lots of love from India.

[@1oddentity]

Amazing explanation, well spoken sir

[@s.k.1091]

I’m not a dodge player, but gratefully know some exceptional ones here in the SF Bay Area. This was an exceptional explanation for me as a lay person !!!!!

[@Hare_deLune]

Pretty good explanation. : ) I usually put my finger to my lips, like to say "shh!" and blow past it, telling people I'm teaching to do the same, then when they do that a few times, I have them take a sip of breath in, and breathe past their finger as a continuous movement from the inhale. I was taught to use the inhale as a pulse in the rhythm, but I believe that shouldn't become the normal, practiced way of playing. Then it will become more difficult to use the diaphragm for pulses, or to play long and smooth drones without a pulsating sound. There seems to be a very great deal to learn in playing the didge well, especially if you want to play similar to the North Arnamland style; what some call the 'Hard Tongue' style.

[@Matt-nj2kt]

What a great teacher fantastic communicator

[@jonathanstars8437]

Well done! And some awesome sounds at 6:00 and 11:15!

[@frank.medgyesi]

Just bought a 1,2 meter long bamboo didgeridoo and this video will help me very much, thanks!

[@devnull2k]

This video is going to help a lot of people!! Very well explained David!

[@Breathwood]

Thank you! I'm glad you think so!

[@normannisbet1213]

I don’t own a didge either but am curious about the ‘circular PRESSURE breathing’ and have never had it explained so thoroughly yet simply too. Thanks as nos dude, for a great video ✌🏻

[@Breathwood]

You're so welcome! It's so cool that you find this interesting even though you don't play didge!

[@normannisbet1213]

@@Breathwood I have owned a didge before and still interested in the breathing technique anyway ✌🏻

[@gember1382]

This was very helpful. Going to try it tomorrow 😊

[@Spooopiedooopie]

What a brilliant way to show and explain this. Makes me want to learn. Thank you!

[@cherylwilsherlimberlife7210]

Just ordered my first didge, going to try your technique, as this makes o much more sence

[@Breathwood]

Good luck! Welcome to the didge family!

[@captainswing4487]

Concise and intelligent tutor.

[@davideos5943]

Thank you. It was enlightening for me to learn that the control for the circular breathing comes from the belly even though the action happens in the mouth. Feeling that much closer to getting it!!

[@Breathwood]

Nice! You're welcome!

[@caminomedicina]

awesome videoo thank you from Brazil! i loved the way you explain :D

[@Breathwood]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@allislove9890]

Great video, very clear and excellent teaching - thankyou

[@ooooo1931]

Breathwood- "You know, im something of a didgeridoo player myself."

[@Breathwood]

Haha... What?

[@ooooo1931]

@@Breathwood you look like Willem Dafoe, and there is a meme of him taken from spiderman saying "you know, im something of scientist myself." Sorry I couldnt help myself lol

[@Breathwood]

@@ooooo1931 Haha, you're funny!

[@EmmaSeaward]

Sat on the edge of my bed practising this while not owning or having ever tried a didgeridoo

[@riverrap3627]

i love you, the only guy telling the truth !! thanks!! need to talk more about the throat muscle please !

[@Breathwood]

Aw, thanks! I like sharing truth, that's for sure! What would you like to know about the throat?

[@kevin-leonkerk3520]

Very well explained, thanks a lot, my dear ❤

[@natedizzy4939]

This was very helpful! Had issues figuring how to get the transitions between inhale while keeping going and then the transition where you go back to lung pressure

[@joebloggs6556]

This will work for lots of air blowing instruments …including thr Practice chanter for the bagpipes . Great video

[@Breathwood]

Glad you liked the video! And you're right! Circular breathing isnt' just for the didge!

[@rufusthehunalprophet6648]

I have found that paper towel tubes are practice material and I've already started to get it within this video. Thank you very much

[@Breathwood]

Even better would be wrapping paper tubes! Glad to hear you're getting it!

[@rufusthehunalprophet6648]

@@Breathwood thanks! I can't believe it's already been 8 months since I started. I finally bought a plastic one for $40 I believe it was. It's good quality and I've been playing quite a bit.

[@easono4]

Dang someone who can actually tell me what to do. This guy is like the doctor of "circular breathing". Thanks Doc!

[@grantbishop1961]

Amazing video, really helped me to learn it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, I appreciate it beyond words, may each day be filled with blessings and may an abundance of joy, happiness and harmony be among you everyday, namaste.

[@MissRenee_X]

Genius! Thank you! Best video ever

[@marffvmarffv5438]

Amazing explanation Thanks ! Dunno why I'm looking this because I do not have this instrument... But... As I tried to follow you and started to feel this circular pression maybe I should consider to buy one of this even if I know nothing about it. Looks great for relax in addition to produce nice sounds and music. Thanks for sharing !

[@nathanaelashnonmusic2615]

Just bought a dij. Got an idea for a song with it and now I gotta learn how to play it

[@Breathwood]

Awesome! Good luck!

[@homolkatobolka8049]

Thank you bud, thats what I was looking 4.. Take care

[@sandraqureshi9333]

Thanks for mentioning that it takes time with the breathing. Now I won't get frustrated and think that something's wrong me as a player. I won't be so hard on myself.

[@sydneygirl67]

thank you so much for making this video! the circular vibration is explained so well.

[@Breathwood]

You're very welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@williamtreacy4025]

Still learning but this video was very helpful. AWESOME info. thank you

[@Breathwood]

You're welcome! I'm glad it has helped!

[@geargeak3474]

Love this. You are a very entertaining teacher, with great information. Thank you!

[@robinjordan6619]

I play the bassoon and have been dying to learn circular breathing haha. It's a helpful technique to know as a musician in general! This was a helpful video!

[@Breathwood]

I'm glad it helped!

[@nosferatu4444]

especially for percusionists ;P

[@caioventuraomestre4952]

Best classes I have seen in KZbin! Thanks a lot

[@Breathwood]

Such a sweet comment. Thank you. You're welcome!

[@WhiteFox011]

Well done.

[@sykophiend]

This is amazingly explained! Thank you!

[@Breathwood]

Yay! Thank you!

[@AshMooreSCASurvivor]

This is a great explanation and feels like it's a much simpler way than what other videos suggest!

[@Breathwood]

I'm so glad it makes sense to you!

[@brent3220]

Incredible teacher, well done and thanks

[@stemdocent]

Great explanation of te way you manage to let the air enter, capture it in your lungs or mouth and letting it out again in such a controlled way! Very interesting. I also love the comparison with the ventriloquist when you speak about separating the motor skills of the lips from the rest of your articulation. Only: you speak about the epiglottis while pointing at (meaning) the soft palate and the uvula. I would suppose you lift the back of your tongue and lower the palatum and in this way occlude the space in the upper part of the vocal tract: the mouth cavity. Like you say: with a [ng]. That's the exact phoneme that enables the occlusion of the mouth cavity and at the same time keep an open connection between the nasal cavity, the throat and the (opened) larynx. The epiglottis is part of the larynx; situated much lower in the vocal tract than the palatum: deep down in the pharynx (throat) and just above the larynx. It is a kind of 'lid' that occludes the larynx during swallowing. That is to prevent food or drinks going down your trachea instead of your esophagus. Same with your vocal folds: they close when swallowing, adduct and vibrate during phonation and open while breathing (in and out). I don't know whether you close your larynx with the epiglottis or not during the part that you build up pressure in the upper part of the vocal tract (the space between lips and soft palate) but I expect you don't, since you inhale air through the nose to the lungs during the whole excersition. So I'm still trying to figure out what you do when you lift your larynx, apart from shortening the tract between your nasal cavity and the larynx itself... Anyway, after listening to your explanation I cannot conclude differently then: you close the mouth cavity, nót the throat. You have to keep your throat open in order to let the air come in through your nose to enter the throat, pass through the larynx and enter the lungs. (pardon my english; I'm Dutch)

[@zeptepi8205]

I KNEW it! I knew that's why I could never actually do it. Because it's not possible. The body doesn't work that way. I feel vindicated now. But I will say that in trying to practice it so much, I kinda sorta hit on the proper technique without having to actually watch any sort of tutorial. When I first picked up a didge, I had never even read or watched any kind of video or tutorial about it. But I do have a working knowledge about how a lot of instruments work, and I just sort of figured out how to play it. And I can actually play it decently well I think. Different tongue positions and stuff. Just havent been able to nail that continuous drone. But this, just made it all even better. Thanks for the vid man. :)

[@Breathwood]

Sounds like you're off to a great start!

[@whranch1526]

This is an awesome breakdown of how circular breathing works

[@Breathwood]

Thanks!

[@andreapelletier2618]

Best didgeridoo teacher ever!!!!

[@Breathwood]

Awwww...... thank you so much!

[@planecrazyish]

Excellent explanation. This is really helpful.

[@blueresonantmonkey3188]

Phenomenal presentation. Getting high off air is easy with the Didge.

[@Breathwood]

Thank you! And yeah, it kind of feels that way, hey!