If you want to play the hurdy gurdy and improve your skills, you are in the right place. Playing a hurdy gurdy is not as easy as other musical instruments. It being an old instrument requires the player to first understand its intricacies, and once you get the hang of things, the journey should be easier.
To help you become a pro hurdy gurdy player, we have put together some tips in the lines below. Go through the pointers and find out what needs to be done.
Start with the basics
Before you start playing a hurdy-gurdy, it’s crucial to understand how the instrument works. It produces sound by turning a crank, which rotates a wheel rubbing against the strings. This wheel acts like a violin bow while the keys change the pitch of the melody string. Once you familiarize yourself with the parts of the hurdy-gurdy, playing it becomes easier.
Tune the instrument
You need to first tune the instrument to produce a pleasant sound. The hurdy-gurdy is equipped with several strings, including melody strings, drone strings, and sometimes sympathetic strings. Make sure each string is in tune. You can use a tuner to achieve accurate tuning.
Practice crank technique
The crank is the heart of the hurdy-gurdy and practicing it is important. Beginners tend to struggle with maintaining a consistent speed, which is crucial for a steady sound. Therefore, you should start by practising cranking without pressing any keys. Focus on keeping the wheel turning at a constant speed and incorporate simple melodies into your practice gradually.
Master the keys
The keys on the hurdy-gurdy can be tricky to master but not impossible. Start with simple scales and create different pitches. Playing slow and steady will help you press the keys correctly and produce clear tones. As you become more comfortable, you can try playing simple melodies.
To improve your hurdy-gurdy skills as a beginner, you must understand the instrument and how it works. By practicing regularly, and seeking inspiration from others, you can become a successful hurdy-gurdy player. It takes patience and dedication to play an instrument like the hurdy-gurdy.
