Humming

(intro | holding | humming | hands)

While kazoo is a remarkably easy instrument to play, many would-be kazoomers are thrown at the first hurdle - producing sound. The most common response is "just do it", which many find less than helpful.

While the Internet is a less than ideal mechanism for explaining how to blow a kazoo, I will endeavour to make this as easy as possible.

Basic Humming

First, we practise humming, without the use of the kazoo.
  1. Put the kazoo down.
  2. Breathe in.
  3. Say the word "hum", but keep the "mmm" going.
  4. If you put your hand on your throat, you should be able to feel it vibrating.
So that's a hum. But you can't put a kazoo in your mouth while it's closed! On to the next step.
  1. Breathe in. (I'm assuming you left the kazoo down, if not, put it down first)
  2. Say the word "do", but keep the "oooo" going.
  3. Feel your throat again - still vibrating, right? Great!
Now, your mouth is open, and your throat is vibrating - you're primed for some kazooing!
  1. pick up the kazoo.
  2. hold it in First Position (don't know what that means? see the previous section on holding your kazoo)
  3. Say "ooo", just like you did before. Don't be too shocked when the kazoo starts playing!
It really is that easy. Remember, your kazoo will only make sound when it's being vibrated. You can't just blow in it.

Kazooing in Third Position

Kazooing in Third Position, or any of its variants, is harder than either First or Second Position. Since the top end is convered by the membrane, more care must be taken in positioning it in the mouth. The cheaper plastic kazoos have a cover over their membrane to stop accidental damage; these are the easiest to use.

Since airflow can be an issue, one may like to leave a small gap to one side of the top end.

Ready for some advanced technique? Let's move on to Section Three: Hands.


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In loving memory of Jaala.

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