Bounce breathing is one of the didgeridoo circular breathing basics all players should learn. In this approach, the cheeks appear to be full the whole time. The quick pace of this exercise is the key. The emphasis here is on maintaining a constant rhythm with your breath and sending continuous air through the didgeridoo with your abs.
This technique works well for beginners because it is not necessary to actively squeeze the cheeks
Make sure to focus on the rhythm and keep your cheeks full the whole time. The rhythm comes from the continued pressure. So it’s just “Out-In-Out-In…” repeating at a quick pace. Staying in time is very important for this exercise.
Again, we are keeping a very rhythmic breath cycle: in out in out. In through the nose, out through the mouth. You don’t even need to squeeze your cheeks. If you are doing it right you will maintain pressure in your cheeks and this keeps the air flowing through the didge. Pracitce this by getting into the rhythm without the didge at first. This needs to be done quickly because if you do it too slow it doesnt keep the pressure up and keep the sound going. Notice that the cheeks never come in all the way. Abs are very important here.
Bounce Breathing is an essential technique for didgeridoo players of all levels, so make sure to check out this video.
What is the most difficult part of learning circular breathing? Post your response in the comments section below.
More Circular Breathing Basics
What is the most difficult part of learning circular breathing for you? Is it working with the cheeks? Is it timing everything properly? We want to hear from you.
How do i have my theeth in side the mouth, touching bottom teeth with top teeth or is there a little bit of space in between them, while i am breathing in and out , does it matter, and how should i keep them while iam learning?
There should definitely be some space between your teeth, just a little bit.
AJ, your online tuts have taken me on a tremendous journey in learning this instrument – i want to thank you for that. I’m in the process of becoming a circular breather (i am so close i can literally feel it! which is awesome) but I’m frustrated with the inconsistent drone quality between blowing out from the abs, keeping cheeks full and breathing in through the nose. Any tips on how to marry up the sound from the 2 processes? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hey Margaret, Thanks for writing! I highly suggest you utilize the tips in our video “Getting A Better Drone Sound”. Let me know how you go!: https://www.didgeproject.com/free-didgeridoo-lessons/didgeridoo-playing-tips-getting-better-drone-sound/
Thanks for the feedback AJ – I just signed up for your Circular Breathing Mastery class. I look forward to it.
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