When it comes to learning a new musical instrument, you must know the basics. Be it a piano, guitar, or an old instrument like hurdy gurdy, you cannot just start playing it without understanding the instrument.
In recent years, the hurdy gurdy has been resurfacing again, stirring interest in many people. If you are one of those people who are willing to learn the hurdy gurdy, you are in the right place. In this post, we will tell you a few things about the instrument that every hurdy gurdy player should know. So, let’s begin!
The hurdy-gurdy, an ancient and unique string instrument, captivates many with its intriguing sound and rich history. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, here are some essential things every hurdy-gurdy player should know.
Structure
The hurdy gurdy has a unique structure that makes it stand apart from other musical instruments. It consists of a wheel that rubs against strings to produce sound. To rotate the wheel, you must turn the crank. By pressing the keys on the instrument, you can easily change the pitch.
Strings
Like a violin or guitar, a hurdy gurdy has multiple strings, including melody strings, drone strings, and sympathetic strings. The melody strings are the ones you play tunes on, while the drone strings provide a continuous harmonic background. On the other hand, the sympathetic strings add richness to the sound.
Sound
The sound of a hurdy gurdy is a blend of a violin and a bagpipe. Its unique timbre comes from the drone and the melody played over it.
Playing Techniques
To become a pro hurdy gurdy player, you must learn different playing techniques, including cranking, keying, and buzzing bridge. Unlike some other instruments, learning a hurdy gurdy is not that easy. It requires practice and patience to handle the instrument.
The hurdy gurdy is a great musical instrument, especially if you know how to play it well. The more you learn about it, the easier it becomes to understand how it works. If you are serious about learning the hurdy gurdy, reading through these pointers is a good start.
