Komus, or jew's harp, is a musical instrument of the peoples of the Altai mountains. The resonating body - the tongue - is fixed in a special frame, the shape of which can be varied. The sound of the komus is low, rattling, reminiscent of the stro-bass produced with the help of false vocal cords.
Instructions
Step 1
You can learn the basics of playing the komus in a few minutes. Press the base against your teeth. There should be a gap between the upper and lower jaw, in which the tongue of the jew's harp will be located. Pull the tongue forward, towards the lips or a little further, and release.
Step 2
The first time you try, you will probably touch your tongue; in addition, the teeth will hurt at first. After a while, the painful sensations should go away.
In addition, some performers on the jew's harp press the base not at the very teeth, but between the lips. Keep the jaws open anyway in this position, so as not to interfere with the vibration of the uvula.
Step 3
Change the position of your tongue, pull in your cheeks, giving the oral cavity different shapes. Add your own voice (sing a melody or pull one sound) and breathing, add a guttural sound from false vocal cords.
Step 4
There is also a technique for playing the jew's harp without hands. In such cases, the tongue is not driven by the fingers, but by the tongue. Proceed to mastering this technique only when you have fully mastered the technique of playing with your hands.
To play the jew's harp with your tongue instead of your hands, use an instrument with a soft tongue. Clamp the komus between your teeth. At first, minor injuries are possible due to the impact of the uvula on the jaw, tongue and the inner surface of the oral cavity.
