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From: ELDEREL~ol.com
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 23:56:57 EDT
Subject: ===Circular Breathing.==
In a message dated 5/29/99 3:41:25 PM Central Daylight Time, ELDERELAV writes:

I have just taught myself circular breathing... and although It can only
be done on the blow notes, which is all you do on the didjerido is exhale, I
think it says alot about using your nose in harp playing. I had a friend ask
me the other day if I could and I said "I guess so". Since I thought he was
refering to the way we get in air when we need it through our nose. Well, I
got to messing with it about a hour ago and I can do it very well... sorta.
Heres a qoute from a digjerido tutorial...

"First a word about what circular breathing is. As you listen to didjeridu
recordings, you will no doubt notice that the performer never seems to stop
for a breath! Either he or she has a phenomenal lung capacity or there is a
trick somewhere. Being world-wise, I'm sure you'll all choose the latter
explanation. The "trick" is known as circular breathing. Physiologically its
not possible to breathe in and blow out simultaneously, but it is possible to
maintain air pressure, without blowing, by using your mouth like the airbag
of a bagpipe. With this (small) reservoir of air maintaining the drone, you
can sniff a quick breath through your nose, thus topping up your lungs so
that you can then continue blowing. This process of snatching short sniffs
will, with lots of practice, allow you to play continuously. It's not easy
though, and may well be the trickiest part of learning to play."

Although this sounds impossible to do (have a constant stream of air
coming out of your mouth) I assure you its not. I dont think that it will be
something that I will use for a long time... and if I do.. not very much. I
have been practicing it on a 'A' golden Mel on blow 7,8,9. It will work
easier on a higher pitched reed. Chords seem to take too much air to have a
consistent volume.

If you want to hear a recording of me doing this... Send me a simple note
concerning it and I will send you an attached file to your E address. It is
ALL blow notes, and I am circular breathing on the long notes. Warning, it
sounds stupid musicaly... do to the length and nature of the example....and
my volume wavers slightly. It is by no means a good example of my playing
style. So dont critisize the licks, 'cause I am focusing on the Circular
breathing only. I would like to hear some comments on this, and what you
think about it.

Having fun, farting around...

Pete....elderel~ol.com

P.S. If you want to hear my style of playing, include your request
and I will send a clip of some improvised blues licks.