Exploring Unique Instruments and Their Playing Techniques

Exploring Unique Instruments: Innovations in Sound Creation

Ever since the existence of music, artists have explored all possibilities to produce unique sounds with their instruments. The more you try, the more the chances of new innovations arise. It is evident that no artist has survived without newness in their craft because change is good for music. Max, this guy was crazy and passionate about his art. Apart from having an excellent hand on drums, he used to play everything other than the conventional percussion instruments. Max had bought one car door from the local garage, and with a normal drumstick, he wrapped it with white tape—the kind used medically. This was to create a bass sound on the door. When he played it, it was a sight to watch—simply amazing. Max used to create propulsive rhythmic sounds, kind of a swing sound. There are endless possibilities of creating new and different sounds. Reshaping instruments is one such concept, which is giving new heights to music. Exploring unique instruments has opened doors to incredible musical experiences. Some of the most amazing instruments are:

Hand Percussion Instrument – Cajon

Cajon is simply a wooden box shaped percussion instrument. It is hollow inside thereby providing ample pace for bass sounds. The player uses hands, finger, and different accessories to produce various sound. Conventionally, the arrangement of Cajon is such, it requires the player to be sit on it while playing. Well, I guess, without sitting on it, one can still play the instrument. There is no hard and fast rule for playing of this box shaped instrument.

How To Play Cajon Box Without Hurting Hands

You can use your palm like giving a high – five to the box to get the surface sound fully i.e., creating the bass sound and using your fingers on the top to get the snare timbre.

To produce a rattling sound out of it, put four strings inside the Cajon to help amplify the desire crisp sound. Usage of brush to the Cajon gives you softer and quieter tone to the beat. To get the high-hat sound, simply use the brush and hold it traditionally. Use wiretap wooden brush for the authentic drumstick sound.

You can also use anklets (traditional Indian Instrument used in dance form) by tying it on one foot and tambourine on the other. This would give the authentic acoustic drum set sound.

Jhunka Baja – Originated in Chhattisgarh, India

One of the rarest instruments, originated in Chhattisgarh, India. One of the rare and extinct instruments used to lure wild animals for hunting.

This was invented out of necessity. Interestingly not used for music but to Lure man eater tigers for hunting. Group of four people used to carry a wooden mat type partition and a smoke device that lure any animal. Playing the Jhunka Baja and the releasing the smoke from the vessel lures the animal. When the animal comes near to the sound gets killed by the hunter.

Similarly, to ward off the tiger, there is another instrument used called Ghumra Baja. Both Jhunka Baja and Ghumra Baja is extinct now. If we analyse it deeply, the instrument has only the specific uses and invented out of necessity. Before finalising it, there were number of other attempts were made to keep the tiger at bay. Most certainly after creating various sound, the particular community got succeeded with Jhunka Baja.

The Bucket Drummer – GORDO

The famous bucket drummer, Gordo. Lacklen aka Gordo is a drummer born in Australia. When he was in school. He got his nickname after a famous TV Show, Lizzie McGuire. One day one of his friends said, you look like Lizzie McGuire friend, Gordo. From there and then Lacklen got his new name, Gordo. After finishing his high school, Gordo went to Japan at the age of 19, where whosoever he met found difficult pronouncing the name, Lacklen. Eventually, Gordo was easy for the Japanese to pronounce and from his nickname, Gordo become his first name.

Born in a small village of buddo, Australia, Gordo parents were in teaching profession. Youngest of the four siblings, Gordo initially used to play Drum. BUCKET drumming, he started in the later years. One day, he saw one video of Larry right, bucket drummer. Instantaneously he loves it and wanted to try the same. His dad was supportive enough and the very next day he brought some big buckets for his son. Gordo’s father was so much supportive, that he arranged one big place in the backyard of their home with soundproof arrangement, so that his son can practise without disturbing anybody. Gordo knew the lessons of drumming which he taught in his young age, so playing the bucket was not that hard.

One fine day , he went out and in front of small street and shops, he started playing the bucket drum. For two hours he played the drums religiously and what he earned was 200 dollars. That was his first earning at the age of 17. After that, every weekend he used to play at the main street of Tokyo as a busker and received applaud as well.

Buskers’ reality

There are different regulations and law as per street performances. Some countries allowed busking, and some do not. Some countries do not have the law at all, in such places it is the local law enforcement agencies have their own rules.

The artist in such places must give cuts from their earned money to uninvited elements. Street art poses a challenge because artists cannot guarantee a steady income. All they must depend upon viewer mercy. Plus, local hoodlums do trouble such artist.

Tips for buskers

Choose to play/perform something unique that can attract viewers attention.
If you want to do it individually then, take risks and do it. Respect the law of the land.
Always take your buddy along, some person whom you can trust.
Avoid shady places for busking where chances are too high for any mishap
Target places where art is respected. For e.g., one can take permission from the college authority to perform inside or near to college campus.
Upload your video on You Tube and you can earn money as per You Tube policy.

Are street artists getting their due properly? Is there a need to protect them by Law? Do they require sponsors? These questions are important and needs to be addressed