A Beginner's Guide to Playing the Shakuhachi: How to Blow Kan and Otsu Sounds
Shakuhachi master Kaizan Harago will teach you about an essential technique for playing the shakuhachi: how to distinguish and play Kan (甲) and Otsu (乙) sounds.
These two registers require different blowing techniques, and while they might seem challenging at first,with a clear understanding and practice, you can master them.
Understanding Kan and Otsu
First, let’s clarify the difference between Kan and Otsu.
- Otsu (乙) refers to the lower register.
- Kan (甲) is the higher register, an octave above Otsu.
Although the notes share the same finger positions, the way you blow determines which register you produce. The key lies in adjusting the angle of your breath, not just the strength.
The Role of Breath Angle
To transition between Kan and Otsu, you must change the angle of your breath. Some may think that changing the strength of the breath is enough, but that approach often leads to inconsistencies.
When you rely too much on breath strength, the volume may become uneven—some notes might sound too loud, while others remain too soft. This can disrupt the flow and beauty of your music.
Instead, the proper way to differentiate Kan and Otsu is by keeping your breath strength steady and focusing on the direction of your breath.
How to Blow Kan and Otsu
Here’s how you can produce these sounds:
-
Blowing Otsu (乙):
- Direct your breath almost straight forward, with a slightly sloped angle.
-
Blowing Kan (甲):
- Adjust your breath downward to create the higher pitch.
To demonstrate this, try exaggerating the movement of your mouth while practicing. Over time, these adjustments will feel more natural, and you’ll gain better control.
A Helpful Visualization: The Windmill
Changing the direction of your breath might sound difficult, but it’s quite simple. Imagine there’s a windmill in front of you, and you’re trying to blow on it to make it spin.
- For Otsu, the windmill is at mouth high, and you blow directly forward.
- For Kan, imagine the windmill is slightly lower. Adjust the angle of your breath downward without moving your face to reach it.
This visualization can help you focus on directing your breath with subtle changes in your mouth position rather than tilting your head or altering your breath strength.
Why Breath Strength Matters
If you rely on changing the strength of your breath to differentiate Kan and Otsu, you may face the following problems:
- Uneven dynamics: Some notes might become unexpectedly loud or soft.
- Disrupted musical flow: Sudden changes in volume can distract listeners and take away from the beauty of your performance.
You can achieve smooth transitions and a balanced tone by maintaining consistent breath strength and focusing on the angle.
I hope this guide helps you improve your shakuhachi skills. With dedication and practice, you’ll find that distinguishing Kan and Otsu becomes effortless. Enjoy your journey with the shakuhachi, and happy playing!
