Play the Kazoo

The kazoo is a fun and whimsical instrument. It is inexpensive and easy to start playing, but it’s not just for kids. Even bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jimi Hendrix have used the kazoo in their music.

Steps

Getting a Kazoo

1. Determine your purpose. Do you want to play for fun, for a class, or as a whimsical addition to your band? This will help determine the quality of kazoo that you need.
   • For the most part, the kazoo is a very inexpensive instrument. You can find plastic kazoos at dollar stores, department stores, and toy stores.
   • If you’re looking for something of a slightly higher quality or different aesthetic, consider a wooden kazoo. You also might consider a metal kazoo. If you do choose metal, watch for rust, and dry it off each time you play.
   • If you’re going to be playing a lot, consider getting a few kazoos, since they are often only a couple of dollars each. This will ensure you have a back up in case one breaks.
   • An electric kazoo is another alternative for musicians and those interested in recording with the kazoo.
2. Choose your color. The kazoo is a whimsical instrument that comes in a rainbow array of colors to match.
   • Pick a fun color that makes you excited to pick up your kazoo and play.
   • Add personalization. Consider putting a small sticker on your kazoo. This is especially great for identification if you’ll be using it in a classroom setting, where a lot of people with have their kazoos with them.
3. Create a designated case for your kazoo. Even though the kazoo is a relatively inexpensive instrument, you still want to take care of it.
   • If the kazoo doesn’t come with a case, use an old, hard shell eyeglass case. You can find these at thrift stores, if you don’t have one already.
   • Write your name on your case in permanent marker.

Learning to Play

1. Hold the kazoo horizontally. Unlike a larger instrument such as a clarinet, you can use one hand to hold your kazoo.
   • The mouthpiece of the kazoo is the wider, flattened end.
2. Hum into the kazoo. To make sounds with your kazoo, you’ll need to hum, rather than blow because humming create vibration.
   • You should place your mouth on the kazoo as though it were a whistle.
   • To make slightly different types of sounds, try humming different syllables like “do,” “who,” “brr,” or “rrr.”
3. Create pitch with your humming. The kazoo has no frills so you create all of the pitches in a song with your mouth.
   • Practice humming songs you like without the kazoo, first.
   • Then, try humming them with your kazoo’s mouthpiece against your mouth.

Improving Your Skills

1. Train your ear. Because all the pitch in your kazoo playing comes from your mouth alone, you’ll want to practice hearing and recreating notes.
   • Listen to songs you like, and sing along out loud. Pay attention to trying to match the pitch correctly.
   • Record yourself humming a song on a recorder device or your phone. Then, play the song and your recording at the same time. See how well you matched pitch.
   • Try playing your kazoo along to recorded songs.
2. Set aside time to practice each day. Even though the kazoo is a simple instrument, you won’t improve unless you practice.
   • Pick a specific time of day and length of time you want to practice.
   • Set some goals for each practice session. Write them down in a notebook. Your goals could be experimenting with humming techniques or practicing specific songs.
3. Play with friends. Above all, the kazoo is a fun instrument, and you should enjoy playing it.
   • Play your favorite songs for your friends.
   • If you’re in a class, practice with other people from your class.
   • If some of your friends play different instruments, consider starting a band for fun.

Tips

• You can get a cool “wah-wah” effect by holding the fingers of one hand over the top of the kazoo and gently lifting them up as you blow into the kazoo. As you get the hang of it, put some feeling into it, and let the music swing and sway. With a little practice, you will be playing jazz and blues riffs that will amaze your friends and neighbors.
• When playing the kazoo, it generally helps to make a sound that is higher pitched than you normally would while humming
• Remember that the kazoo should not be hard to play. If you are blowing hard and getting no sound, then try softening your breath.
• Do not worry if your plastic kazoo gets wet. In a few days, it will become normal.

Warnings

• Be aware of people around you when you are practicing, as it can be annoying to some people.

Related Articles

• Learn to Play an Instrument
• Blow a Shofar
• Break in a New Instrument
• Play the Tin Whistle

Sources and Citations

See also

• Play the Ocarina
• Play the Andean Quena or Kena
• Bend a Note on Harmonica
• Play the Tin Whistle
• Build an Air Horn Kit
• Play the Fife