Shakuhachi master Kaizan Harago explains the basic notes of the shakuhachi, focusing on the fundamental scale.
In the Tozan school, these notes are commonly called Ro-Tsu-Re-Chi-Ha, while in the Kinko school, the final note is often called Ri, giving the sequence Ro-Tsu-Re-Chi-Ri.
For beginners, these five notes are an important starting point. By learning the basic fingering pattern and keeping your blowing technique steady, you can begin to move smoothly from one note to the next.
In this guide, we will look at the basic Ro-Tsu-Re-Chi-Ha fingering, the approximate Western pitches on a standard 1.8 shakuhachi, and a simple way to practice the scale.
1. Ro-Tsu-Re-Chi-Ha: The Basic Shakuhachi Notes
Start with all five finger holes covered. This is Ro.
From there, gradually open the finger holes to move through the basic scale:
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Open the bottom front hole → Tsu
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Open the next front hole → Re
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Open the next front hole → Chi
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For Ha, change the fingering by opening the appropriate upper holes while covering the lower holes again.
The thumb hole on the back remains covered through these basic fingerings.
2. Fingering and Approximate Western Pitch
On a standard 1.8 shakuhachi, Ro-Tsu-Re-Chi-Ha roughly corresponds to the following Western pitches.
Listen
Ro (D)
Tsu (F)
Re (G)
Chi (A)
Ha (C)
3. Keep Your Breath Steady as Your Fingers Move
When practicing Ro-Tsu-Re-Chi-Ha, try to keep the way you blow as consistent as possible.
A common beginner mistake is to concentrate so much on the note names that the mouth begins to move as if silently saying “Ro-Tsu-Re-Chi-Ha.” Even a small change in the shape of the lips can affect the airflow and make the sound unstable.
Instead, imagine that you are continuing to play Ro while only your fingers change.
Keep your lips, breath, and instrument angle as steady as possible. Let the fingers do the work of changing the notes.
This makes it easier to hear how each fingering changes the pitch without introducing unnecessary changes in your blowing technique.
4. Practice the Scale Slowly
Begin by playing the notes slowly:
Ro → Tsu → Re → Chi → Ha
Do not worry about speed. First, try to produce a clear sound on each note before moving to the next.
Once this feels comfortable, reverse the sequence:
Ha → Chi → Re → Tsu → Ro
Try to keep the airflow steady and move only your fingers.
If a note suddenly becomes weak or disappears, check whether the finger holes are fully covered and whether your mouth position has changed.
A useful practice pattern is:
Ro — Tsu — Re — Chi — Ha
Ha — Chi — Re — Tsu — Ro
Repeat this slowly several times.
The goal is not simply to memorize the names of the notes. It is to become familiar with the relationship between your fingers, your breath, and the sound of the shakuhachi.
Learning the shakuhachi can feel challenging at first, but you'll improve steadily with regular practice and patience. Take your time, enjoy the process, and embrace the journey of mastering this beautiful instrument!
Once you feel comfortable with the basic notes, continue with A Beginner's Guide to Playing the Shakuhachi: How to Blow Kan and Otsu Sounds to learn how to move between the lower and higher registers.
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