How to play the shakuhachi

This video shows the proper embouchure, or, lip shape most experienced players use to make a sound on the shakuhachi. This is just a starting point as the embouchure is constantly adjusting for the tonal manipulations the shakuhachi is known for.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• shakuhachi
• shakuhachi flute
• bamboo flute
• japanese flute
• japanese music
• flute music

[angelmind9494]

Hello i just bought a home made shakuhachi and i've been trying every angle, every embouchure, every breaths and i can't make a single sound! I easily make sounds on empty bottle, it should that different but i really just can't get a sound out of the flute! Maybe twice or thrice but that's it, i would like to know if it's me or the flute, is the inside of the flute supposed to be plastic or wooden? Does it have any impact? Does it need to be a root end? Please help!!

[yungflutes]

@angelmind9494 Hi, It could be the flute. maybe it is damaged. Do you have a photo of the flute? If you send a photo of the blowing edge, I will be able to tell you what the problem is. Go to my website at world wide web yungflutes address for direct contact. Take care, Perry

[sfan1]

Very nice video. I'm a woodwind player and looking into branching into ethnic instruments such as these. What's a good key and type of Shakuhachi for a beginner?

[yungflutes]

@sfan1 Hi, the 1.8 length (D pitch) is the standard to start with. Shakuhachi flutes are basically made in two styles - natural bore called JINASHI and fabricated bore called JIARI. You should get a JIARI if you are a musician.

[Unzaman]

Very nice playing! What is the Key-tone of your flute?

[yungflutes]

@Unzaman Thanks for your question. This is a standard 1.8 shakuhachi Key in D. This is a modern , fabricated bore intrument referred to as the JIARI style flute and is the standard for traditional study world wide. Please feel free to ask any more questions what so ever.

Thanks again! Have a great day, Perry

[TheNikyxx]

i just started to take lessons to play shakuhachi, but i get dizzy after trying to blow that much, and i feel like i am kinda out of breath and cant do those so long blows, is it normal at the very beginnings? i am a smoker, could that have any influence on that?...

[bebhibebhi]

@SamildanachEmrys I've taken a break for a while from it. It's been too annoying trying to get a note

[SamildanachEmrys]

@bebhibebhi Three weeks and no change. Sigh.