How To Be A Better Hurdy Gurdy Player? – A Brief Guide

Be it the hurdy gurdy or any other musical instrument, it takes both time and effort to master them. Compared to other instruments, learning the hurdy gurdy is a bit more challenging. First, it is an ancient instrument, and secondly, there are very few hurdy gurdy teachers out there.

However, if you are determined to become a hurdy gurdy player and hone your skills, you are in the right place. With patience, practice, and proper technique, you can learn to play the hurdy gurdy. To help you out, we have provided a few tips below.

Understand the Basics

You cannot start playing the hurdy gurdy without understanding the basics. You need to have a good idea about its structure and function, so you can play it more efficiently. Start by learning about the various parts like crank, keys, wheel, drone strings, melody strings, and the buzzing bridge. Understanding these parts will help you navigate the instrument more confidently.

Practice Finger Placement

The keys of the hurdy gurdy require proper finger placement. As a beginner, you should start with simple scales. This is a good way to familiarise yourself with the layout. As you become more confident, you can try playing melodies and also experiment with different techniques.

Listen and Learn

To understand the potential of the instrument, you must immerse yourself in the music. Listen to recordings by skilled players, and watch instructional videos, so you can learn about new techniques and try them yourself. If possible, join a hurdy-gurdy community or attend workshops to inspire yourself.

Focus On Proper Posture

Playing the hurdy gurdy involves both hands. This is why it is essential to maintain the correct posture when playing the instrument. You should play the hurdy gurdy on your lap. If needed, you can use a strap for better support. While playing, keep your shoulders relaxed, and make sure that your crank hand moves without strain.

Learning to play the hurdy gurdy doesn’t have to be difficult if you are consistent in your effort. Once you learn to play, it is a rewarding experience.