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

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

For beginners, producing the first sound on the shakuhachi can feel more difficult than expected.

Rather than trying to cover the finger holes correctly from the beginning, it is often easier to focus on the sound itself first. By leaving the finger holes aside for a moment, you can pay closer attention to the position of the mouthpiece, the angle of the instrument, and the direction of your breath.

The aim at this stage is not to produce a perfect tone. It is simply to become familiar with the point where your breath begins to create a sound.

 

1. Start with the Sound

At the beginning, try not to worry too much about your fingers.

Practicing without covering the finger holes makes it easier to concentrate on your embouchure, the angle of the shakuhachi, and the flow of your breath.

First, hold the shakuhachi naturally, as shown in the photo below.

There is no need to aim for a beautiful sound yet. For now, simply notice how the instrument responds when your breath reaches the blowing edge.

 

2. Find the Right Position

Lightly close your lips so that a natural line forms where your upper and lower lips meet.

Place the sharp edge of the Utakuchi, or mouthpiece, gently against this line. There is no need to press it firmly. Let it rest lightly against your lips.

It is fine to support the instrument gently with your lips.

At the same time, make sure the upper part of the shakuhachi rests naturally against your chin.

For now, simply become familiar with the relationship between the Utakuchi, your lips, and your chin.

 

3. Adjust the Angle and Airflow

Keep the shakuhachi lightly in contact with your chin, and use that point as a pivot.

Slowly lower the bottom of the instrument forward in a smooth, circular motion rather than pulling it straight away from your face.

As a general guide, lower it until the shakuhachi is at around a 45-degree angle.

This movement naturally creates a small gap between your lips and the Utakuchi.

 

Once the gap is formed, open your mouth slightly and breathe in naturally.

Then relax and let your breath flow gently through the gap.

Rather than blowing strongly into the instrument, imagine simply exhaling softly across the edge of the Utakuchi.

 

4. If You Can’t Make a Sound

It is completely normal if you do not get a sound right away.

When no sound appears, many beginners instinctively blow harder. However, more force is not always the answer.

First, check the angle of the shakuhachi and the direction of your breath.

Is your breath passing through the small gap between your lips and the Utakuchi? Is the instrument tilted too far in or too far out?

Too much tension around the mouth can also make the airflow less natural.

If the sound does not come, relax and make very small adjustments to the angle of the instrument.

Sometimes only a slight change is enough to bring out the first tone.

 

5. Find Your First Tone

When the angle of the shakuhachi and the direction of your breath begin to align, you should gradually start to hear a sound.

Your first tone may be soft, airy, or unstable. That is perfectly fine.

What matters most is noticing the position of your lips, the direction of your breath, and the angle of the shakuhachi when the sound appears.

Common beginner mistakes include blowing too hard, tightening the lips, and moving the instrument too much while searching for the sound.

When things are not working, try doing less rather than more.

Relax, make a small adjustment, and listen carefully.

Once you find the sound, repeat the same position several times. Little by little, your body will begin to remember where the sound comes from.

 

Good luck, and happy playing!

 

 

Ready to play your first notes? Once you can make a sound, the next step is learning how to change notes with your fingers. Continue with A Beginner's Guide to Playing the Shakuhachi: Basic Notes Ro-Tsu-Re-Chi-Ha.

 

 

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