How to Play the Shakuhachi: A Free Video Course

Embark on your shakuhachi odyssey with my comprehensive, four-part video course. Designed to illuminate the path for aspiring players, my free series gently guides you through every fundamental aspect of playing, from holding the instrument with grace to discovering its higher registers.

Through these videos, I also clear away common misconceptions. For instance, you’ll discover that mastering this instrument doesn’t require “extra-human” lung capacity. This course offers a depth of insight far beyond what was possible in my previous free live lesson offer, and the beauty is, you can revisit, pause, or even slow down sections as often as your learning path requires.

It is a true honor to share this knowledge and be a part of your shakuhachi path. May your learning be filled with discovery.

Your Step-by-Step Path to Playing:

1. How to Hold the Shakuhachi

Our journey begins by establishing a harmonious connection to the instrument itself. In this first video, I’ll gently show you how to hold shakuhachi of various lengths with comfort and stability, highlighting how proper posture, or ‘form,’ is intrinsically linked to effortless playing.

Further Exploration: If you’d like more detailed guidance on this subject before moving ahead, discover insights on:

2. How to Make a Sound on the Shakuhachi

Finding your first voice on the shakuhachi is a truly magical moment. This video focuses on the delicate art of alignment and playing angle, revealing how these elements profoundly shape your pitch and tone. I’ll begin by guiding you to position the sharp edge of the utaguchi (or ‘song mouth’) against your lips to create the essential air stream. We’ll then explore different playing angles, address common initial challenges, and I’ll show you how to nurture your shakuhachi sound.

3. Shakuhachi Embouchure: Forming Your Lips

Years of guiding countless individuals to discover their sound on the shakuhachi have offered me deep insights into the subtle art of the embouchure. Recognizing that each of us has a unique anatomy, seeks a distinct sound, and plays a varied instrument, this video focuses on the unifying principles that underpin every successful approach to playing the shakuhachi. It’s about finding the natural, expressive formation for your lips.

4. How to Play Kan: The Higher Register

Ready to expand your instrument’s voice and unlock new sonic dimensions? This video provides the key to playing the often elusive Kan, the higher, second register of the shakuhachi (sometimes referred to, though less accurately, as the “second octave”). You’ll see close-up views of my lips and Hara (abdomen) in action. As I share in the video, the Hara truly is the heart of shakuhachi playing; it works in a profound concert with your lips to bring forth every single sound. To reach Kan, for example, you’ll learn to draw more power from your Hara, focusing it through a precise, smaller lip opening.

Continuing Your Odyssey with the Shakuhachi

Once you’ve explored these foundational videos, I warmly invite you to consult my shakuhachi note charts. From there, you’ll be ready to embark on the rewarding experience of playing your very first Honkyoku with my free guide on Kyorei. I hope that your explorations of the profound depths of the shakuhachi continues to inspire you, breath by breath. Josen