Arghul
Arabic twin reed pipe played as a flute. A short melody pipe with finger holes, and an adjacent longer drone pipe. The end two pieces of the drone pipe can be detached to shorten the drone pipe and alter the pitch of the drone. Each pipe has a free blowing reed. Both are inserted completely into the mouth for playing. The player produces a constant drone on the argul using a technique known as ‘Circular Breathing’. This is where the mouth produces a constant flow of air (also used on didgeridoo) without break. When the player needs to breathe in, he/she squeezes the remaining air in the mouth out, whilst simultaneously ‘snorting’ air in through the nose. To Practice the technique of circular breathing, get a straw and a glass of water and try to produce a constant stream of bubbles.
