Tips for playing the shrutibox

It is best to keep the shrutibox standing on even ground or any stable support. Alternatively it can be carried on its handle to allow free movement while playing. Volume and continuity of sound depend upon the speed and pressure of the movement of the bellows. You will get a feel for that in no time. Depending on the context you might prefer a completely smooth and even drone or an increase and decrease of the volume or groovy rhythmic accents - all that is controlled by the movement of the bellows. A particularly round and full drone is created by adding the fifth or the fourth above or below the chosen tonic. Other combinations of notes are possible as well according to individual preferences - from straight major chords to dissonant clusters. But watch out: More sounding notes mean more air consumption - harder pumping is required in order to maintain a steady sound!