A Beginner’s Guide to Playing the Shakuhachi: Are you having trouble holding your breath?

Shakuhachi master Kaizan Harago will teach you the tips for blowing.

Many of my students often tell me that they struggle to hold their breath for a long time while playing. If you're facing the same challenge, don’t worry—it’s a common experience for beginners. Instead of focusing on holding your breath longer, I recommend starting with a different approach: practice making a louder sound.

Why Practice Loud Sounds?

Being able to produce a loud sound indicates that you're blowing into the shakuhachi at the correct angle and position. While it might not be perfect, it’s a strong sign that your technique is on the right track.

When you consistently hit the right position, the efficiency of sound production improves. This means you’ll be able to produce longer, clearer notes without using as much breath.

Understanding Sound Efficiency

Think of it this way: there’s a specific spot on the shakuhachi that produces sound when you blow. The breath often spreads out for beginners, hitting areas that don’t make sound. This leads to noise or even silence as the breath is wasted.

As you improve your technique and find the right position, your breath becomes more focused. The sound becomes clearer and more concentrated.

How to Get There

Even if your sound is mixed with noise at first, keep practicing to make it louder. Gradually, your breath will begin to hit the correct spot more consistently. Over time, you’ll notice that your sound becomes purer and lasts longer.

Good luck, and happy playing!