The History of Shinobue
The traditional Japanese flutes
Traditional Japanese flutes include the ryuteki, koma-bue, and kagura-bue used in gagaku (ancient Japanese court music), the noh-kan（used in noh plays）, and the shinobue. These transverse flutes were used in a variety of settings, including court ceremonies, shrine and temple festivals, and entertainment.
As early as 1,300 years ago there was a transverse flute
Shinobue is a kind of transverse flute. It is not known when it was first played in Japan, but in the Heian period (794-1185), novelist, Murasaki Shikibu wrote a volume entitled "The Tales of Genji," which includes a section entitled "Yokobue," （Yokobue means transverse flute）describing it as a type of flute. Going further back in time, there are four yokobue flutes in the Shosoin Repository in Nara, and one of them, the "carved stone yokobue," has been confirmed to have existed since the Nara period (710-794).
Shinobue was tuned accordingly
The shinobue can be made by hollowing out a bamboo joint and drilling a hole. When Western music entered Japan in the Meiji period (1868-1912), the do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do scale and the concept of 12 keys were introduced, and shinobue was tuned accordingly.
Types of Shinobue
For festival performances
The shinobue is used in Japanese folk arts such as festival music and kagura. Therefore, it cannot be used to play music in the Do Re Mi scale. For example, even in the case of "six degree for musical accompaniment," there is no unified standard for the whole country, so there are differences in pitch depending on the region and the maker.
For singing, Doremi key
A shinobue tuned according to the size and spacing of the finger holes is called a shinobue for singing. Furthermore, shinobue flutes tuned to the western scale of Doremi (A=442hz) are called Doremi tuned. These instruments can be used to play contemporary music and in ensembles with Western instruments.
Tuning
The tuning is indicated by Chinese numerals on the head of the shinobue. Starting with the largest single tone, the pitch increases in half-tone increments with each additional number, and the length of the flute becomes shorter. For beginners, we recommend 6 to 8 Hon Choshi shinobue for singing and Doremi tuning.
Key
| Pitch | Key | |
|---|---|---|
| 一本 | 1-Hon Choshi | F |
| 二本 | 2-Hon Choshi | F# |
| 三本 | 3-Hon Choshi | G |
| 四本 | 4-Hon Choshi | A♭ |
| 五本 | 5-Hon Choshi | A |
| 六本 | 6-Hon Choshi | B♭ |
| 七本 | 7-Hon Choshi | B |
| 八本 | 8-Hon Choshi | C |
| 九本 | 9-Hon Choshi | C# |
| 十本 | 10-Hon Choshi | D |
| 十一本 | 11-Hon Choshi | E♭ |
| 十二本 | 12-Hon Choshi | E |
How to Hold the Shinobue
A good figure makes a good sound.
Japanese martial arts have a set of styles and body movements that make sense and are beautiful to look at. The same is true for the flute. If you pay attention to your posture and body movements, not only does it look beautiful, but it also has the merit of always producing a good, stable sound.
How to hold
- Stand straight and face forward.
- Turn your body diagonally to the right (about 30-45 degrees)
- Hold the flute in the position of the Utakuchi（Mouth piece）
- Slide your left hand also on Yubiana(Finger holes)
The shape of the mouth is "fi".
The direction of the flute is such that the Utakuchi and Yubiana point straight up.
The lower lip should be placed in the center of the Utakuchi.
FAQ
Q. What is a shinobue?
A. The shinobue is a traditional Japanese bamboo transverse flute commonly used in festivals, folk music, kagura, and other traditional performing arts. It is known for its bright, natural, and expressive tone.
Q. Can beginners start playing the shinobue?
A. Yes. The shinobue is popular among beginners, and with practice, most people can gradually learn to produce sound and enjoy playing.
Q. Which key is recommended for beginners?
Q. Is it difficult to produce sound?
A. It takes some practice at first, but the shinobue is generally considered relatively easy to start playing compared to some other wind instruments.
Q. What is the difference between bamboo and resin shinobue?
A. Bamboo shinobue offer a natural appearance and rich resonance. Resin models are durable, easier to maintain, and less affected by climate changes, making them popular with beginners and travelers.
Q. Can bamboo shinobue crack?
A. Yes. Because bamboo is a natural material, cracks may occur due to dryness or sudden temperature changes.
Q. How should I care for my shinobue?
A. After playing, gently remove moisture from the inside and store the instrument away from direct sunlight and extreme dryness.