How To Play Shruti Box for Absolute Beginners with Ixchel Prisma

Welcome to your first lesson on how to play the shruti box. In this video you will learn some basic techniques to make a steady sound on the instrument, how to start the instrument most effectively, how to tune to different keys PLUS a few different vocalizations that work well with the shruti box.
***Order the Shruti Boxes shown in this video at didgeproject.com/store
The shruti box shown in this video are all tuned in the C3-C4 range at the conventional standard of A=440hz.
About Ixchel Prisma:
Ixchel Prisma is a vocalist, songwriter, performer and sound healer who blends subtle electronic sounds, acoustic instrumentals, uplifting lyrics, wide ranging vocals, and poetry, submerging listeners into a full spectrum experience. In addition to writing her own music, ixchel has also been studying sacred healing songs from indigenous cultures for many years. She is a student of maestro manuel rufino and a member of dream seed. Check out Ixchel’s music at www.Ixchelprisma.com
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The Didge Project KZbin channel features tips, tutorials and interviews with amazing musicians, all so that you can elevate your music to a higher level. With a strong focus on the didgeridoo as a musical instrument, we also cover percussion, handpan, drumming, and instruments from around the world. Hit subscribe and stay up to date with us!
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[@walkingwithin]

Thankyou so much!! That was an excellent tutorial on the Shruti Box, which until an hour ago I knew nothing about💛💙💚🧡

[@carolwagner9186]

Hi there, in music theory a fifth is always a “perfect”, it is not major or minor. Just an fyi. I enjoyed your video.

[@jettabijl46]

Same for me.❤

[@robertlittlebury1316]

Fascinating. Thank you. The Krishna chant was beautiful.

[@gmcara]

Congrats Ixchel…wonderful voice.!

[@jennyhong6746]

What a treat to watch! Your voice!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@mindfulnessakademie]

Most wonderful!! Your presentation, information and your voice! Thank u very much beautiful one! Hari Bol! ✨❤️🤗

[@fuchsiamood]

I heard this instrument while listening to one of my favorite mantras and now I'm curious to begin learning it!

[@MsThirtythree]

Thank you, a beautiful voice and clear instructions.

[@user-sj1cz5pu7g]

Love this!! Thank you so much for sharing. I love to chant and am very familiar with a harmonium but only today at a crystal bowl meditation I was introduced to the shruti. Blessings ❤

[@stephaniesingh555]

I love your voice and music Ixchel takes me right back to the jungle 🕉️✨

[@kevin2themystic]

Thanks for this lovely demonstration!

[@soundismedicine6128]

Thank you so much. I am so happy to singing with my new Shruti box.

[@weirdoregonian]

This is such a cool instrument. Why have I not heard of it before?

[@IndraBahiaMusic]

Gorgeous!!! Thank you Ixchel 😘

[@jennymyers8365]

Love this tutorial ..... thank you:))xx👍🎶🕉

[@dljensen9882]

Excellent! Best , most complete tutorial i have seen!

[@didgeproject]

Thank you. Let us know if you have any questions and how we can further spread the knowledge of how to work with this instrument.

[@alienalajna]

Thank you so much Ixchel. I found my way to your tutorial because my upstairs neighbor, who sings, I believe was accompanying herself on a shruti box, and the sound was out of this world. I didn't know its name, but I'm sure I saw one used at a concert of Indian music, back around 1990, presented by the great World Music Institute on White Street in NYC. It was a shorter, squatter box than what we see here, and finished in some black material - if you closed it up you could mistake for a portable typewriter - but this was the sound. A woman played it, accompanied by a tabla player and something that was not exactly a sitar. She played constantly, before the "beginning", and even in the intervals between "ragas". The remarkable thing was that this created the impression that the music itself emerged from the drone, as a universe emerges from the void, or as life emerges from life, and as each raga ended, it faded away and was again consumed by the drone. It was thrilling to hear. I don't recall what sort of Indian music it was - i.e. regional - but it's odd that I haven't seen the shruti box more often. I've attended several performances of Indian music, but this was the only time I saw a shruti.

[@didgeproject]

More often a harmonium is used in Indian Classical Music. Even more common than that is the tanpura, a stringed drone instrument.

[@alienalajna]

Thank you about the harmonium and the tanpura. Allen Ginsberg played a harmonium sometimes.

[@lorirodriguez2388]

I love the Shruti box It is so peaceful and so beautiful to

[@NastuFfka]

awesome!!! thank you so much! very beautiful singing 😍☺

[@silviacruceno4879]

Thank you! Great video 👏👏❤️🌟

[@rosaleendempsey2313]

Brilliant video. Your voice is beautiful.

[@pauvinas1642]

excelent explanation, thank you so much!

[@melissablaiklock8959]

Great lesson, thank you!

[@BarryGrueter]

Thanks for sharing your lovely talents 🙏

[@curiosidadtech]

So useful! Thank you so much. Big hugs

[@janeeni]

Excellent instruction, thank you very much! 🙏 ❤ Clear & easy to follow - so grateful for this demonstration.

[@playswellwithothers9508]

Great information, well presented. I want one. Soon.

[@luminouspause]

Ah, you are wonderful Ixchel! I LOVE your music! Thank you for this demonstration, I can't wait to get my first shruti box!

[@didgeproject]

Thank you for tuning in. We agree, Ixchel is wonderful. We have a bunch of shruti boxes in stock so reach out to us by email or phone if you have questions about which may be best for you. Cheers!

[@Merl-xw5ng]

Wow gurlllll your voice is amazingggg ❤

[@floatingleaf1897]

Love love love this ❤

[@geno604]

Great breakdown of the basics. You have a kind strength to your essence. Much appreciated, I was not brought up with technical training and have had to find my way through feeling. This bridged a nice gap to understanding the instrument. Gratitude :)

[@didgeproject]

Thanks for your support. Happy we could share the knowledge!

[@suzannemrozak3645]

Thank you! Very helpful - and beautiful 🙂

[@rosannaheinander3612]

Awesome, thank you🙏✨

[@TheButtafly]

My first search on the shruti box and you came up, Ixchel. Among other things, I work with Mayan medicine and so your name hooked me in. I'm so glad it - you did. You answered all my questions and more and have inspired me, thank you for sharing and demonstrating so beautifully 💛

[@didgeproject]

Happy to be of service!

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

I was searching Shruti box

[@tomdarby2225]

Much gratitude 🙏

[@yogilad_om]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge I was happy to finally find a Shruti box tutorial. Kind blessings

[@Warimbapeople]

Thank you so much! This is super helpful

[@lorraineweiss8133]

wonderful , thank you !!!

[@BaptisteEveilMusical-hl9pt]

Thanks a lot , greatings from France !

[@didgeproject]

You are welcome!

[@AilsiePath1122]

Great tutorial ❤

[@franklinlunsford]

I always enjoyed playing a shruti box. It can be as subtle or as in-your-face as you want. Thank you for this wonderful introduction!

[@lowellirish]

That was AWESOME!! New instrument in my future!! Instrument #11....YAY!!! I perform Celtic, among other genres!! Great lesson!! Thank You!! Beautiful melodic voice.

[@armenvondoms1815]

Yeah! That is definitely needed in my collection too! Found one with an optional foot pedal.

[@lisapak5000]

Super helpful and beautiful presentation. Big thank you! ox

[@didgeproject]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iamashleycurtis]

Very helpful thank you

[@lzrd929]

Really enjoyed this video. Beautiful voice as well. Hope she makes more video collabs!

[@earthtonestherapy]

thanks so much for this video. My first shruti box arrived this morning and it was really useful to follow along with you to get the basics. Now I need to practice!

[@michaels2814]

Thanks. Your amazing.

[@rachaelmongeau4598]

What are the size dimensions of the larger box?

[@garyrouyea3450]

I'm actually ordering one right now...

[@xuzhangning]

好棒，这个乐器真不错

[@acyaana]

Hello can you tell me what are the purpose of the two little pieces in front on the notes ?

[@benblack6673]

Thank you so much!

[@soundinmind]

Beautiful

[@blossominglotussound]

Beautiful vocal!! I need to add this instrument to my wish list 🙏

[@nitnickers]

Do you have one now? It's been on my wishlist about a year ..I think I'm ready

[@blossominglotussound]

I do not have one yet.

[@blossominglotussound]

Ha, bought one today!!! Thanks for the reminder 😀

[@nitnickers]

@@blossominglotussound wow that's amazing ... Happeee harmonic making 👌🥰

[@PatriciaDawn1]

Lovely. I want one! How easy is it to pump the box?

[@nicoletamlin4429]

Thank you ❤️

[@kalavie3403]

Amazing! So helpful and inspiring. Thank you! :)

[@emmanuelperez9490]

On meditation soundtracks here on KZbin I notice no breathing in the drone. Is it because they use a virtual instrument? By virtual I mean computer software. Thanks.

[@theharmonybellessinging109]

What’s the chant or song called you sang secondly? Xx thank you

[@annsumner6485]

Many thanks for a great introduction to how to play and use the Shruti box to full effect. I am looking forward to exploring.

[@kuladevidasi]

Is it necessary to know how to tune? thank

[@minibuns5397]

Ixchel I want to learn more about pumping this instrument

[@savitriyogaymeditacion]

🕉🙏Faboulos tutorial. Thanks, thanks, thanks 🙏

[@andrealowe15]

Thank you

[@ritacouceirolima3003]

Hi! Thank you for the tutorial. I have two questions. What is the difference between one Shruti Box 432Hz and 440 Hz? which do you recomend? And which size do you recomend Large, medium or small?

[@adriennecsanadi1088]

really nice video and explanation! Beautiful voice too, I will look up your music! :)

[@blancaplasenciacorrea9896]

Muchas gracias, hermosa. Magnifica explicación. También podemos tocar con 3 notas, verdad?, es decir por ejemplo, Do Mi Sol o C E G....Bendiciones.😍

[@didgeproject]

Sí, se puede tocar con 3 notas pero hay que jalar un poco más fuerte porque el bellows tiene menos presión con más aire saliendo

[@vsp237]

14:52 what a beautiful voice

[@nagarajugoud2252]

Super

[@alexandra.adventures]

Amazing video 🙏🏻🌈✨

[@tubize1480]

Thank you so much !!! (((🙏🕉️🙏))))

[@Brittunculi]

Universe in a box 😘

[@holisticpt7742]

Hi Thank for the video. What brand do you use / recommend ?

[@didgeproject]

The brand in this video and in our store is here: www.didgeproject.com/product/shruti-box-monoj-kumar-sardar-bros-3-sizes-available/

[@sophymavridis5906]

Hello, that was incredible-thank you. What is the

[@didgeproject]

What is your question?

[@paulbronwasser1122]

thanks for your clear Beginers Instruction! Maybe a strange question, but I like the wall cloth hanging behind you very much! Where does it come from? Can you give me a hint? thanks!

[@didgeproject]

It's a handmade tapestry from Egypt!

[@paulbronwasser1122]

@@didgeproject thanks! it's beautiful and unique design, not available on an production wise basis, I guess...

[@samanthawilensky6801]

Such a great tutorial! I have just been given a small shruti box, and am finding droning doesn't work so well because the fans don't stay open very long. Similar experience when I try to do shorter rhythmic pulsing -- it just sounds very choppy. Is that generally the case on the smaller boxes, or is there perhaps something that could/should be adjusted with mine?

[@didgeproject]

This is a common issue with smaller shrutis

[@soundhealingbygene]

thanks for this guide id get a smaller one.

[@marialobos123]

Awesome ! How about changing the notes within one song ? Can you do it ? Is that a “thing” ? And if it is, how would you do so, for it to sound natural ? Thanks !!!

[@didgeproject]

With a shruti box its generally better to stay on one chord for a whole song. If you want to play chord changes, I suggest you get a harmonium. -AJ

[@emiledubois958]

It can be done, just recorded a song doing this, albeit 2 chords. Timing can take a while to master. Offers different sound to harmonium suggestion

[@nochi9]

Is there a brand or where recommend to purchase a good one?

[@didgeproject]

Yes, didgeproject.com/shruti - we only stock top quality and we check every reed before shipping.

[@k.c.2918]

❤️❤️❤️

[@beatrizlema9886]

My Shruti box only sounds when I pressed it but not when it's expanding back to the normal position, unless I pump it very hard and continuously. But then it sounds really loud and I can't sign softly. Any tips? Should I look for a different Shruti box? Thank you!!

[@didgeproject]

It sounds like your Shruti Box is not functioning properly. You can try having it repaired or consider getting a new one.

[@ShakeMyWay]

Forgive my naivete. Can I change chords during a song, or do I stay with the same chord during a song?

[@didgeproject]

With a shruti box its generally better to stay on one chord for a whole song. If you want to play chord changes, I suggest you get a harmonium. -AJ

[@MabInstruments]

What notes would you set the shruti box to play with Ragas like Marwa, Puriya and Sohani that would normally have tanpura tuned to major 7th, tonic, tonic, tonic (for example B C C C), please?

[@didgeproject]

It depends what key you are in, but if you want C major 7, for example, you could do C, E and B, with the option of adding G, however I find that more than 3 notes at the same time on the shruti makes the air pressure go down significantly and will require pumping, so I would stick with the tonic/root/1, the 3rd and the 7th. Let me know if you need it spelled out in a different key. Cheers! -AJ

[@MabInstruments]

@@didgeproject , thank you. That's very helpful. Personally, I would avoid using the perfect 5th because it's not in those Ragas. Would you use tonic, minor third, major seventh for Raag Gurjari Todi, which does not contain the perfect fifth or the major third?

[@didgeproject]

@@MabInstruments yes you could definitely do that

[@Dancecaller1]

When performing is it best to play with keys facing you or away from you?

[@didgeproject]

With keys facing you

[@kimholcomb6943]

Can this be used in scottish or celtic music?

[@didgeproject]

Yes definitely

[@cherylwilsherlimberlife7210]

Really useful thank you so much lovely

[@janeeni]

Oh truly beautiful voice to go with this instrument. May I ask - does anyone ever change a key during play? Or is it generally always played one chord all way through? Thank you kindly for this gift to us 🙏 ❤ 🌻 🐝

[@didgeproject]

J Quin Essence it is difficult to change during play but it is possible. Most people just put it in one key and change between songs.

[@goatskindreams]

sweet

[@JulieBickertonsVibe]

At last I can use my shruti beauty!

[@tadittramajumder7552]

Actually we are makers of these Shruti box and would like to get connected to you so is there any way possible

[@didgeproject]

[e-mail]

[@francotonini6446]

Om Shanti Om 🙏

[@inakifernandezperez1666]

What exactly is a major 5th? I'm puzzled...

[@didgeproject]

A perfect fifth is an interval, which is 7 half-steps between two notes. For example, when you play C and G together on a piano or shruti box, the resulting chord is the expression of a perfect fifth. G is the fifth note of the C Major scale, so you can also look at it that way. From an acoustical vibration point of view, the fifth resonates 3 times for every 2 times that the tonic (aka root, aka fundamental) vibrates.

[@inakifernandezperez1666]

@@didgeproject First of all, thanks. Second, I do know what a major scale and a perfect fifth are, and also know about the fraction proportion of frequency between notes in equal temperament. However, a major 5th, it's something that doesn't really exist, it's not really the same as talking about the 5th note of a major scale...

[@didgeproject]

In this case, she meant to say perfect fifth. There is such thing as a sharp fifth and a flat fifth, but here she was talking about a perfect fifth.

[@inakifernandezperez1666]

@@didgeproject yes, I assumed that. I usually refer to sharp 5th as augmented and flat 5th as diminished, but I like your way of calling it, it's more direct

[@syujengchyang]

#Wow2024😀

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Good but why is video & sound quality so low?

[@didgeproject]

Just happened to work out that way. It seems like people can still benefit from the content

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Great content ! 👍

[@globaleconetwork]

Hey, I have a small shruti box, but for some reason, it starts on a G at the lower left, and not a C. Any reason for this? Also, two notes sound the same. Can I tune it?

[@didgeproject]

The G2-G3 model is lower than the C3-C4 model. As for two notes, figure out which one is tuned wrong and then you can possibly shave it down or get a replacement reed by calling Ensoul Music. Cheers!

[@alienalajna]

By the way, what a lovely name you have - might it be Basque?

[@didgeproject]

Mayan

[@marionsutcliffe1119]

Saw one of these in the park today. Now I'll be annoying my partner with my 'Sur Sadhak' shruti box (+tabla etc) app!

[@rattyfingers8621]

Thanks for the tutorial. I have one for use with my concertina. Question: why are your statements posed as questions?

[@jaromejacksan6934]

I recommend Woodglut to every beginner and not only.

[@joecostello1624]

Whos here because of Shakti?

[@arboc81]

Pay attention to automatic translation...... "Scatola di merda" 😂🤣😂🤣😂