How EXACTLY does the hurdy gurdy work?

Hey folks! This video is for all the people that wonder how exactly the gurdy works. The instrument has its roots in the medieval times. It works like a mechanical violin with a wheel bow, that can play bass, melody and rhythm all at once.
My gurdy was built by Walter Simons (GER) and costs around 5,000 euros.
Patty Gurdy's Facebook Page: / pattygurdy
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Business Contact: [e-mail]

[@noobsandwich4598]

I like to imagine the hurdy gurdy was made when an engineer wandered into a music shop and was like "hmm... that violin needs more buttons and levers...and hell let's throw a wheel on there for good measure."

[@rockyblacksmith]

As an engineer, I can SOOOO see that happen. Though in reality, hurdy gurdys come from a time when an engineers weren't building anything that had buttons or levers.

[@sicksparrow7023]

Depends what you mean by button. But the lever predates the Hurdy Gurdy. Lever mechanisms have existed for about 5,000 years and were first described mathematically by Archimedes in 260 BCE. The earliest known descriptions of Hurdy Gurdies date back to the 10th century. These were called Organistrums and required 2 operators

[@Roland38]

Funny number of likes

[@stevenn1940]

I know it started as a church instrument, the predecessor to the organ, (required two people to play, one to turn the wheel, the other to basically play it) but personally, I like my headcanon that it started with someone who saw the violin/other bowed instruments, and wanted to play, but didn't have the skillset for those instruments. I can imagine it, someone who wanted to do it, but saw they didn't have the skillset needed for bowed instruments. So, they made a version that eased the more difficult elements, and in doing so, opened up new possibilities in play

[@lora_mist8928]

It’s a strong instrument that looked at the others and was just like… YES!

[@TheNucaKola]

I can’t even imagine the trial and error engineering that went into even creating this instrument in the first place

[@daffers2345]

Especially back in medieval times, when they were invented. It's not like they had Google.

[@supermixiegold]

Struggles to play the violin *badasses the hurdy gurdy*

[@baum8347]

I cant play both. But i think the hurdy gurdy is easyer to play than a violin

[@googleuser3163]

@@baum8347 I tried to play Violin and now I play Gurdy. I can confirm that the Violin is a lot more tricky to pick up.

[@QueenOfChaos1312]

It's amazing how people came up with the concept for things like these, and how much thought they had to put into it to create the Hurdy Gurdy

[@iCantMakeMovies]

I didn't quite understand the effect of the last gurdy feature, but this was absolutely perfect for me who has no clue how this instrument works. Thanks for making the hurdy gurdy feel accessible!

[@hey__im_a_skeleton3112]

Your accent is absolutely amazing

[@gvsgabriel]

i love too

[@papa_squat]

Your thirst is so real that my phone actually started dripping after I read this comment

[@aboomination897]

@@papa_squat so what

[@MarkFryer1980]

honestly always thought Hurdy Gurdy was just something the Swedish Chef from the muppets said. Had no idea it was an instrument.

[@armandaberlin2156]

BWAHAHA! :D

[@willowquinnticklefoot7993]

Lol ... I remember the two old men ... When the kid was riding his bike and he said look Mom no hands... Two old men came back with... look Mom no brains

[@NATOSAH2]

Mark Fryer Right!

[@COEXISTential]

Bork! Bork! Bork!

[@KevinCrosbySeattle]

Led Zeppelin was my first introduction to the instrument. kzbin.info/www/bejne/emqsfGqkocdgh8U

[@spongerobert]

In short: time traveling space aliens went back in time to the medieval age and played some tunes on this clearly sci-fi/ridiculously alien device. If not time traveling space aliens then definitely some fever induced trance conceived this instrument. Pure genial madness... Also as a side note, a lot of the comments praise the musician on her beauty but what's actually the most attractive is the passion she has for her instrument and the enthusiasm with which she describes the workings of this instrument. She has found a way to express herself in a creative way through music and the beauty shows. It's a deeper, lasting beauty that transcends age/race/wealth/gender. What I'm trying to say is everyone can be beautiful, beautiful in creativity and everyone watching this video should find/invent a music instrument and find their harmony. Make music and live free!

[@butterfly.933]

I really like this a lot, what an amazing instrument. It's like a cross between the bagpipes, a viola and an accordion. That is the coolest thing ever. I wanna see a concert now.

[@MissScaryMary]

I never knew this instrument existed. I watched Captains Courageous & saw it. Now I'm stuck on this wonderful thing.

[@reelinsaltfishing]

I have always been mesmerized by the sounds of this instrument in various movies, and now I have seen it in action I am astonished by the skill to make it sound so great, well done

[@charlessomerset9754]

Fascinating. It's the only instrument I've ever heard that could mimic the supersaw voice that is the backbone of Trance and Progressive Trance.

[@KobaHawk]

I loved that video, I was so curious about it. Keep the great work Patty! You're an amazing artist.

[@SteveRacer]

Thanks! I show this to my Music Appreciation class every semester.

[@johnvaldez8830]

Mad admiration for anyone willing to take on the hurdy gurdy...what an amazing instrument...

[@NagaTales]

Thanks for the great explanations, especially about the trumpet strings! That was always the most 'magical' part of listening to the instrument for me, because I couldn't quite figure out on my own how it worked. Now it's even more magical, because it's such a simple little mechanism, but it adds so much to the music.

[@shivanjamal1375]

Other optional names for this instrument, other than "Hurdy-Gurdy." Cranky-Spanky Spinny-Stringy Woody-Goody Longy-Songy Hummy-Wummy and lastly, Turny-Churny-Burny-Journy. But I like, "Lap Orchestra."

[@tednugentlives]

Cranky wanky.. ok maybe not

[@siriusrech4665]

I like the Turney churney Burney journey

[@codycooper5768]

Awesome

[@facelessmusicdiary]

the trumpet strings are such a mystery, I'd really like to see them closer (e.g. while they are played or as a schema) that would be interesting!

[@BirdWhisperer46]

And in slow motion, to see them moving.

[@stevenn1940]

@@BirdWhisperer46 we need... the slow mo guys

[@MaxEnloe]

​@@BirdWhisperer46 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpXZfoxsr9x8sNk

[@MaxEnloe]

@@stevenn1940 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpXZfoxsr9x8sNk

[@MaxEnloe]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpXZfoxsr9x8sNk

[@thegardenofeatin5965]

Ms. Patty, please do the world a favor and explain how more things work. You did so in a clear, concise, and perfectly paced manner.

[@marcozaldivar9793]

I came across OVER THE HILLS video and saw you playing, I've never seen anything like it (hurdy gurdy), and my first thought was how does that work... good thing you made this how it works video. Sounds amazing. Love it!

[@TheGrumpyScottish]

Who else is here just because they love the way that Patty talks

[@commodorejones8044]

2:25 that song there has to be made into something full. It sounds so good.

[@ianmills9266]

love how simply you explained this. So easy to understand now.....still saving for one

[@AlexanderosD]

That is super rad info! It was always a mystery to me. Honestly, I feel like I could listen to lectures about anything from you, your accent is captivating! AND you have some stunning skill with the Hurdy-Gurdy, keep it up!

[@fabots13]

The gurdy has always been on my list of cool instruments. Wish I had the talent to even play one. Also a big fan of the accordion and bag pipes... yea, bag pipes😊

[@matthiaskar1112]

I think we mostly hesitate because we think that we're unable to do things and say sentences like "Wish I had the talent". Don't underestimiate your potential and practice it! :)

[@honzahavlas4061]

@@matthiaskar1112 not underestimating yourself is big part of playing, but when it comes to gurdy not underestimating the depth of your wallet is pretty important too

[@GFCOLCQuote]

That melody at 1:40 and 2:25 actually sounded really good. Is that part of something greater, like a song? I would really like to hear it, if so.

[@thedisgruntledharpist6699]

Already spent 1,200 GBP on music equipment last year. Now thanks to you I need to spend another 800, I think I love you and hate you at the same time for giving me this hurdy gurdy urge.

[@dsolnit]

Great explanation - clear and understandable - and Patty is enchanting.

[@euartes2794]

Beautiful Patty

[@ianneon6509]

Oh mother of god!!! I have finally found someone who not only knows what a hurdy gurdy is but also knows how to play and explain one. Being scot, And American I have always loved the drone of the pipes and have been playing string instruments since I was five years old, some 60 years now (ok, IM OLD) even if my family came to the states some 350 years ago and I was raised on some scot gaelic and wondering why I always had a yearning for haggis. That said, thank you for the info and the Tuggin at my heart strings. BTW, a very attractive instructor, to say the least. All respect intended. Rgds Dr. J.

[@catw.1798]

Intriguing, fantastic, limitless range of tones & notes. Love it!💖 (40yrs here, alegro guitar talent🎸)

[@jamesocker5235]

Thanks so much for taking time for this. Very complex instrument awesome to see played well.

[@iquemedia]

Anyone here play Sea of Thieves?

[@-Fapologist-]

I will be when the beta starts this week!

[@instinctualhavoc]

I saw BasicallyIDoWrk

[@wandm_artist]

Yes

[@WeareLegion97]

Yea

[@NiGHTMARE_NiCk]

Ique honestly i never knew this instrument existed untill i played the Beta

[@MrHedning]

I love the hurdy gurdy :)

[@tallerkenkreps6521]

Why do YOU have the flag of my country/Norway?

[@tygereyes]

Great short on your instrument. Thanks beautiful Patty.

[@FalloutUgglan]

I am absolutely falling in love with the sound of this instrument

[@coi82a]

Awesome! Thanks for the insight! A question: Where does the hurdy gurdy get it's name?

[@ParlonsAstronomie]

A big mystery for me. In french it's called "Vielle a roue" (Wheel viel litteraly).

[@imdead2563]

in italian it's "Ghironda" and gets his name from the verb "girare" which means "to turn; rotate".

[@vinercent215]

In German its called "Drehleier", where "Dreh-" means "turn" and "leier" is a old word for "violine". And in English I guess its just a onomatopoesis.

[@vvolchonok]

"18th century, probably imitative of the sound of the instrument" (c) etymology dictionary. In Russian it's "Kolyosnaya lyra" - Wheel lyre)

[@Timmavid167]

I heard a story about it being old english for "swinging the hips"

[@simonhylander1945]

i had to watch this twice -the first time i just kinda fell into trance just sitting and watching that damn beautiful face...

[@jackwalker8789]

yeah me too

[@Stabelar]

plus one. i didnt catch some of information 'cause of that

[@jonathanthoresen7646]

Thank you for the quick lesson. Always ready to learn more.

[@calebguidry3115]

First video I've seen of yours and hell the first mention of this instrument I've ever even heard. Earned urself a sub hope to see more intresting content like this

[@chado3000]

I'm just gonna go out on a limb here and say this must be the most sensual video on playing an instrument there is. Er, hands down. Such a talented beauty with the most amazing eyes. And smart, too!

[@PhilippPosovszky]

Pew pew pew 🤣 Nice Video!

[@garykuovideos]

As a composer, I found this absolutely fascinating! Thanks so much for the introduction!

[@bigsmith6240]

I just discovered your channel, you, your music and the hurdy gurdy! Thank you for your music and the educational videos! Both are fantastic.

[@davetkd666]

An incredible woman going "pew pew" has to be the most beautiful thing I've ever heard 🤣🤣🤣

[@nathancarothers-noaafedera5654]

I kinda got lost in her eyes, so I still have no idea how it works!

[@scotcompston]

SAME

[@Jayjay-vi9jk]

Creep.

[@nathanc6516]

@@Jayjay-vi9jk You got issues?

[@glennbrymer4065]

I for one, am kind of blown away by this young lady. I watched 1 video of her, then flashed through serveral more, then serveral more... I'm 68 years old, I have met a few women in my time. Most are cut from molds. But evert once in a great while you find a woman that displays bewitching skills, features and mannerisms. In less then an hour I have found a new purpose in life! I must watch and listen to her more. I wonder if I have been snared? Lol

[@nathanc6516]

@@glennbrymer4065 Her music is good too, lol.

[@joycegagnon3734]

Patty! How amazing the hurdy gurdy is and you play this unusual instrumentl! Wish we could hear more! Thanks for the info!

[@JauStudioFR]

Merci voisine de l'est ! La vielle à roue is like a full orchestra all by itself. It deserves to be back ! With a splendid and powerful voice to accompany it, it's making our guts and bones move !

[@Rivers256]

Because of Sea of Thieves, I went from not knowing about the existence of this instrument to realizing it's the instrument of my dreams. Buying one someday.

[@kimokeokeahi8526]

She's got a comely, yet scary, Tori Amos vibe. The HG sounds like Irish Uilleann pipes. Me wantum!

[@Dargonkin527]

Thank You I also see a lot of Tori in Patty, a slightly diffrent skill set and instrument but both are AWESOME!

[@Zeno11Salazar]

I loved learning how this fascinating instrument works.

[@nealbradleigh5069]

Thank you! Very enjoyable to learn new things about unusual instruments, and music, in general. I know more, and will follow your videos!

[@zkylibra13]

And how to change the to one scale to another scale

[@JohnWSElek58]

You missed out the most important component Patty - and that's you! In order to make the Gurdy sound so wonderful you require a great understanding of what you can and can't do, and you need that magic ingredient - talent. Love John xx

[@LordGingerBerry]

John WS *talent is not a must

[@thugasaurusrex6004]

Bullwhip Bob it is if you want it to sound good :/

[@LordGingerBerry]

Austin Massey no. Talent is not needed to be good at something. Some people aren’t born with talent, yes talent helps a great deal but it isn’t necessary. Experience on the other hand is really important. If you don’t have talent you’ll have to practice, practice and practice again until you’ve gotten good at it.

[@thugasaurusrex6004]

Bullwhip Bob nobody is born with talent, and yes, you have to have talent to do something well. That's literally the definition of talent.

[@wyattreed4024]

I think the issue is bob defining talent as an inherent skill, while you define it as proficiency of any kind.

[@steveelmes9273]

Lovely, absolutely lovely!

[@royalbeebe]

That was pleasantly informative! I enjoy your videos.

[@blazemordly9746]

Since I was a little boy I called it a Thieve's fiddle. I told my ma thats what it's called when I was 5. She said according to my grandpa, my great great grandpa played one coming over to North America in the 1800s crossing the sea. Strangely enough, he was hanged in New Orleans around 1900 by a lynch mob for having been part of a supposed estate robbery gone awry.

[@optimus]

2:20 my 3d printer makes that same noise 😂

[@KrizMo122]

Sounds a lot like my old colour dot matrix printer. I got it third hand for nickels and dimes, but I’m sure it must have cost an arm and a leg when it was new. It could sort of do what an ink jet could do, but about a decade earlier and in 1% of the resolution... and taking 20x the time.

[@brianthompson5672]

You are so good at explaining things! This is a very nicely done video.

[@iantucker3600]

Very informative, thank you! You have some serious skill, and the green finish on the instrument is a super nice aesthetic.

[@juanpenas9946]

I love you Patty

[@vetboy627]

What's the outro song?

[@mikeymike9118]

That was the best 2 or 3 minute video I’ve seen in awhile. Count me in, subbed.

[@MysticExile111]

It all still sounds like magic to me!

[@LizardClarinet]

Who else thinks she’s hands down the most beautiful girl you’ve ever seen?

[@PatrickPease]

pretty, sure. that accent is beautiful though. I'm on my 5th listen

[@crookedpaths6612]

It kind of looks like an aircraft engine to me. I imagine if you turn the propellor a bit faster, you might take to the air.

[@bobolink890]

You, and your instrument, are awesome!

[@sludgeman2597]

Never heard of a hurdy-gurdy until today. Now I believe it's my new favorite instrument. It's such a beautiful invention.

[@TheSnakeIsSolid1]

I always thought the Hurdy Gurdy was a position. 🤣

[@bertkutoob]

@SHAZBAT414 You're thinking about the Hokey Pokey aren't you?

[@bertkutoob]

@SHAZBAT414 You're welcome. We professional Hokey Pokers are not small minded.

[@williamthomas2278]

OK so now I know, somehow still happily mystified

[@MadMax75th]

Wonderful explanation!!! Thanks so much for the great description, I had NO idea what made it all work. Great music as well! New fan here.

[@markwhite9148]

Nicely done !!! We want more !!!

[@theangrydweller1002]

Who else never heard of this until sea of thieves

[@JaguarFiend]

Important question: Is it hard being so awesome and good and lovely all the time?

[@PickleHick]

You explained that very well. Love the video.

[@andrewqsmith]

I found this very helpful and informative. Thanks!

[@hrhjustin8374]

True beauty.

[@JustBramz]

HRH Justin don’t be weird

[@geetar82]

Ryan-Playz dude really... the woman who brainwashed you isn’t watching. Drop the act.

[@QueenOfChaos1312]

@@JustBramz Look at this feminazi brainwashed man, where did your balls go dude?

[@JustBramz]

HellRhino Feminazi? 😂 wtf are you on about bro?? All I’m saying is don’t be that weird guy. Just say she’s fit or something. Nothing cringe or weird like “true beauty”

[@QueenOfChaos1312]

@@JustBramz This is why you're a feminazi, you think saying a woman is beautiful is "weird". What the fuck is wrong with you?

[@Boggerdansken]

Is it possible to get a "cheap" hurdy gurdy? The cheapest i've found is for like 1.000 dollars

[@yaboitushatoo6222]

better stop saving boiii

[@jamesnw]

I think you mean start ;)

[@rolandscales9380]

Not "decent". The quality is appalling. They are expensive firewood. If you invest more money in a proper instrument, then at least you can sell it on if you don't want to continue with the instrument. You wouldn't expect to get a decent motor car for $275 would you?

[@Dark__Thoughts]

Looking at how expensive even simple instruments of good quality can be I doubt it, that thing is some seriously complex engineering.

[@jamesrice6022]

Make one. It will probably be bad but cheap

[@AWESOMEvance]

SUPER cool instrument!! Thank you for the explanation.

[@lenaoxton3999]

I just fell in love with this channel! You've earned one more subscriber!

[@henrikskjolden]

You are just so damn cute!

[@seeourboughgur3690]

I would watch her explain anything. Even an IKEA bookshelf instruction book.

[@R-L-D]

Cute is like 5/10 She is a 11/10

[@austrianpainterhidingfromt5920]

Cute is six, five is just average.

[@wesleycarpenter86]

Didn't hear a word she said. Her eyes sucked out my soul in the best way possible

[@PneumaticFrog]

Rob what are you on about?

Is it really necessary for many of you to say how cute she is when we come here for the knowledge and no simpage. Stop being like this.

[@Just-a-Juggalo]

Hallf of the comment section is filled with thirsty dudes

[@naneyezgani]

Because she is cute, we are just pointing facts

[@Patttiat]

SIMP

[@equusmax8015]

I have been wanting, begging for a sitar for oh, Sooo many years.... But I'm thinking of changing my mind, the hurdy gurdy is so much more, everything! What a delightful, engaging inspirational instrument, like no other! Thanks so much for your informative videos, good luck with green screen.

[@Robstuff100]

Patty I love your music and I'm learnin all i can about a gurdy so i can build my own and learn how to play it.Thank you so much for sharin this.

[@user-sy3vp7yj1e]

Hello from Russia, you is beautiful girl and very musical person.

[@Videohead-eq5cy]

ПокопушкиН Поиск монет blyat vodka blyat

[@diogorodrigues036]

grammar 11/10

[@gijaysorez7747]

I just have to say, you are really beautiful

[@Fernando-cs9fp]

Don't be weird dude.

[@geetar82]

Fernando don’t be a feminist sellout dude. Go get your balls back.

[@robertoesquivel4447]

@@Fernando-cs9fp You just made all of this very weird

[@jukejointjack]

Loved the sound fx

[@MosesTemu]

I love this sound! Such a cool instrument!

[@georgeburkhard6139]

Love the bid and you are just toooo cute.

[@acorgiwithacrown467]

It sounds like a dying violin.

[@honzahavlas4061]

this made my day XD

[@Txcqunx]

A violin dying with style though

[@reeceytaylor]

Or somebody who just started playing the violin

[@pauloramos143]

such an amazing instrument

[@kimhenderson3879]

I've always wondered how they worked. Thanks for a brilliant video!

[@mariekazazian8019]

Very informative! Very cool instrument. Thank you for sharing and teaching. Love the sound and you are quite talented as well. Great video👍🏼

[@Xnocturnus]

Thank you for sharing and keeping ye olde instrument alive ;)

[@vaibanez17]

I love this instrument, thanks for explaining it to us.

[@SteveRacer]

Thanks for this, going to show it to my music appreciation class!

[@ACosmicCastaway]

Absolutely fantastic.

[@jeffreykettler5923]

Thanks for the explanation, Patty

[@theoglasson]

Thankyou so much your video was so infomative. I love to learn about other string intruments

[@TheFurriestOne]

Fascinating, thanks for the inside look! Recently saw WinterGatan checking out an old self-playing music machine (inspiration for the marble machine) and it had three violins inside a hoop bow, which reminded me of the hurdy-gurdy!