World Shakuhachi Discussion / Go to Live Shakuhachi Chat
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I am pleased to find this forum. I live probably 200 miles from a teacher and must rely on my own resources. I have played Native American Flute (improvised) for over 10 years and recently have been trying a side blow 5 hole flute.
I recently bought a very nice new 1.7 shakuhachi flute from a USA maker. I returned a 2.4 flute to him to make an exchange since the 2.4 length was just to long for me to handle.
Well, probably the most common problem is making a sound. Just in the last half hour I got very close, but I'm seeking advice on the holding angle, lip placement, lip shape, direction of breath flow, and, I do realize this could take months...:>) I'm just getting the idea on the side-blow flute. The Native flute is a piece-of-cake! To blow, that is.
Anyway, that why I'm here...to learn to play this flute at it's basic level, and enjoy the chat.
Blessings, Todd
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Todd Frederick wrote:
Well, probably the most common problem is making a sound. Just in the last half hour I got very close, but I'm seeking advice on the holding angle, lip placement, lip shape, direction of breath flow, and, I do realize this could take months...:>)
Try this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZlVXynkGes
And this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRS49JqD … re=related
Note that it's best, at least at first, to try these techniques with all the holes OPEN. When you start to get a sound you can control a bit, close hole five (on the back). Work with that a while, til you've got something, then close hole 4, work with it, then close 3, and so forth, til you've got 'em all closed. Getting a good tone with all holes closed can be difficult at first; much easier to do it 'backwards'. Take your time; try to blow some long, even tones (it won't be a piece of cake, at first).
Questions are welcome around here, of course, but there's a pretty good search engine (upper left nav) here, with a wealth of info in it. Try it out from time to time (if you have the time...).
Last edited by edosan (2009-08-29 20:19:41)
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Todd Frederick wrote:
...
Well, probably the most common problem is making a sound. Just in the last half hour I got very close, but I'm seeking advice on the holding angle, lip placement, lip shape, direction of breath flow, and, I do realize this could take months...:>) ....
Blessings, Todd
Hi Todd, Welcome to the forum.
Take a look at Edosan's links. It just takes a few minuets to get a sound with the right placement and/or guidance (a reliable flute would help too).
Looking forward to hearing of your discoveries.
Good advice Edosan!
Perry
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Thank you for the links. Those led me to many more. I am a photographer from 1960's and I know how impatient one can become with a beginner's questions, so I appreciate your patience and helpfulness.
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Yungflutes wrote:
It just takes a few minuets to get a sound with the right placement and/or guidance (a reliable flute would help too).
And it can be done with some jigs and reels, too, don't forget....
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