How to Hold Long Shakuhachi

For many players, shakuhachi measuring 2.0 shaku (60 cm) or longer can feel substantial. When embracing these larger instruments, understanding how to hold them securely and comfortably is paramount. In the accompanying photos (below the video), you’ll see me demonstrating with a 2.6 shakuhachi, roughly 78 cm long. This is a medium-large instrument for me, at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) with large hands. To determine what constitutes a “large” shakuhachi for your unique build, I recommend consulting my guide found here.

As you observe the photos, notice the placement of my fingers:

• My right hand utilizes the basal portion of my index finger.
• My top hand’s index finger uses its mid-portion.

This specific grip allows for a remarkably comfortable ‘bagpiper’s grip’ (or ‘piper’s grip’). Crucially, my ring fingers engage only with their tips, and all my fingers remain ‘natural’ or relaxed or flat, so not arched in any way.

This method offers an ideal foundation for comfortably holding and playing shakuhachi that feel large to you.

Note that I’ve observed stringed instrument players sometimes instinctively curl their fingers and press the tips into the holes, as if depressing strings. Obviously don’t do this!

For those with relatively smaller hands, a more in-depth look at safely holding shakuhachi can be found here.

Embracing larger shakuhachi opens up new possibilities in sound and expression. With the right approach to holding and posture, you can unlock the full potential of these instruments.