Covering the holes... a point worth making.
Covering the holes... a point worth making.
It's just something that I have become more aware of, and something that a beginner might not realise the importance of, and that is, to be careful to make sure you are covering the holes in the shakuhachi properly. Even a slight leak will make all the difference. It's worth spending a practice session concentrating on how your fingertips feel and seeing for yourself what subtle differences occur.
You are absolutely right! 
It often occurs that the beginner can't get a sound because of a leaking hole - but the attention is 100% on the embouchure. So it is a good advise.
Check also the holes that they are not leaking anywhere - apart from also checking embouchure.
Good luck to all beginners! It is a wonderful journey!
It often occurs that the beginner can't get a sound because of a leaking hole - but the attention is 100% on the embouchure. So it is a good advise.
Check also the holes that they are not leaking anywhere - apart from also checking embouchure.
Good luck to all beginners! It is a wonderful journey!
Great point! To add emphasis to this advice... I am a seasoned western flute player who also dabbles with Irish and Baroque flute. The Shakuhachi is much more sensitive to leaks than these other flutes! I was certain I was covering all the holes but couldn't get a tone. Guess what! I wasn't covering the holes as well as I thought I was! A good way to figure out if you are covering all the holes is to start on chi and work your way down the scale, wiggling your fingers a little bit to double check their seal if you can't get a note to sound. Starting on ro can be asking for frustration.
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