A Beginner’s Guide to Playing the Shakuhachi: How to Hold the Shakuhachi

Shakuhachi master Kaizan Harago will show you some tips.
If you’re new to this beautiful traditional Japanese instrument, you might initially feel intimidated. Today, I’ll guide you through some essential tips on how to hold the shakuhachi and cover its holes properly. These small but important details will make a big difference in your playing experience.

Step 1: How to Hold the Shakuhachi Correctly

Holding the shakuhachi correctly is crucial because it sets the foundation for everything else.

For Right-Handed Players:
Place your right hand at the bottom of the shakuhachi.
Position your middle finger between the first and second holes (starting from the instrument's top). Place your thumb directly behind this position.
These two fingers—your middle finger and thumb—should do all the work of supporting the shakuhachi. It’s important to hold the instrument securely with just these two fingers. Why? Because this frees up your other fingers to move easily when playing notes. You'll struggle to play smoothly if your other fingers are busy holding up the shakuhachi.

Step 2: How to Cover the Holes Properly

The shakuhachi has larger holes compared to many other wind instruments. Beginners often make the mistake of using their fingertips to cover the holes. Unfortunately, this creates gaps, which lets air leak out and disrupts the sound.

Instead, here’s the correct technique:

Use your finger pad's soft, fleshy part to cover the holes. This is the slightly squishy area near the center of your finger. Press the holes gently but firmly. You don’t need to press too hard; just ensure no gaps.
This method makes it easier to seal the holes completely, so you’ll get a clearer, richer sound. You’ll also find it easier to focus on your music, rather than worrying about whether the holes are fully covered.

Why These Basics Matter
You might wonder why such small details—like finger placement or how you hold the shakuhachi—are so important. The truth is, these basics form the foundation of your playing. If you start with good habits, you’ll progress faster and avoid unnecessary frustration.

Good luck, and happy playing!