Didgeridoo accompaniment: what instruments go with a didgeridoo?

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In its traditional context the didgeridoo (yidaki) was always played along with the bilma, or tapping sticks, together with singers and dancing. Today players also add egg shakers, a stompbox, flutes, jaw harps, harmonicas and all kinds of world percussion.

Shop tapping sticks

Which instruments accompany the didgeridoo in a traditional performance?

Whether in a group or as a solo player the didgeridoo can be accompanied well by many other instruments.

In its traditional context the yidaki would always be played along with the bilma (tapping sticks). In fact, the two were inseparable! A ceremony may include many bilma players, many singers, and a yidaki player to create a haunting and powerful sound to match the dancing.

In a contemporary context we can find many people experimenting with new accompanying sounds that add whole new dimensions to the journey experience. Percussive, melodic, or even added layers of drone can be used to full effect.

Instruments to play with a didgeridoo, at a glance

Percussion to play while you play didgeridoo

Got a spare hand or two left, mate?

Sometimes the simple things are the best, and less distractive for a didgeridoo player who has created a one-man band.

Here are some common percussion instruments to experiment with as a solo player:

Egg shakers

These tiny, strong, and potentially LOUD little puppies are an easy must for almost every didgeridoo playing scenario. Shake a matching rhythm in your hand, palm mute it, tap it across your didgeridoo whilst playing, and finish it all off with a good rattle.

They fit easily into any bag with your didgeridoo or just your pocket if you haven't got a bag yet! Our egg shakers are practically indestructible and sound great. Available in a variety of colours & also in wood. Using one on stage will require no amplification as they just project so well.

See our percussion instruments.

Stompbox

Australia. The land of the doof. Sure, you can busk in the streets with your didgeridoo and tickle the fancies of the sonically curious as they wander by, or you can kick it royally with your own mini powerhouse heartbeat, THE STOMPBOX!

A mainstay for any Aussie venue performance whether you are a didge player or not. Guitarists love 'em, we love 'em, and we are proud to stock the very best there is.

Plug it into an amp or PA system and bring your foot down to create a powerful stomp tone that replaces the need for a kick drum or bass beat. They couldn't be easier or more comfortable to use. Crucial for maintaining energy of larger crowds.

Tapping sticks

Known by many different tribal names across this continent, the Tapping Sticks are as Aussie as kangaroo pie, and no didge meal is complete without them. They come in a pair, and of various shapes and finishes.

You can keep one in your lap and tap the other against it, or tap it along your didgeridoo if you wish. Not only do they create the atmosphere of an authentic bush sound, but they also provide an opportunity for new polyrhythms in combination with your didge play.

In ceremony they were THE most important instrument of all, with all people following the lead of the bilma player(s). Boomerangs could also be used in their stead.

We have many styles available, with new woods and artists coming in all the time. Feel free to contact us with your requests.

See our Aboriginal tapping sticks.

Melodic instruments that go with a didgeridoo

Beyond the scope of solo didgeridoo accompaniment there are heaps of possible instrument combinations to experiment with.

Remember that when including a melodic instrument into the mix that the didgeridoo is of course a drone instrument and has basically one note that needs matching or harmonizing with. Here is a list of some possible candidates to become inspired by:

HAPI drums

These amazingly beautiful instruments are available in various pentatonic scales and are simple to play. They each have plugs for contact microphones for larger performances and are real life dream machines.

Native American-style flutes

Flute & didgeridoo is a winning combination that we rate very highly. A good recipe for astral travel may be brewed by taking one pound of high-quality didgeridoo drone and simply adding a light pinch of soaring flute as a melody on top.

The didgeridoo can create the timeless sound of the land & space whilst the flute notes can provide the subject. The drone flute model is particularly magickal. See what happens when two ancient cultures meet with music!

See the flutes we have in the store.

Jaw harps

Another ancient droning instrument which is controlled tonally in a similar way to didgeridoo. So many styles exist in the world and we love them all.

See our jaw harps.

Harmonicas

If you are hoping to create the sound of 'waiting for a train in the outback', why not try the combination of didgeridoo and blues harmonica. A bushman's delight!

World percussion and the didgeridoo

On a final note we would just like to add three words:

PERCUSSION PERCUSSION PERCUSSION!!

Unlimited world percussion will always have a happy home alongside your didgeridoo performance. From djembe to dunduns, from gongs to maracas, from udus to log drums, the sky is the limit!

Didgeridoo players of Earth we encourage you to expand your sounds and experiment with your skills. Let us know if we can be of any assistance along the way or if you feel you have made a special sonic discovery of your own, why not share it with the community so that we may nod & dance.

From Didgeridoo Breath with love, we wish you all well.

Thanks for all the support over the years.

Browse the percussion in our store, or read what a yidaki is and what a didgeridoo is.