Short flute, long flute.
Short flute, long flute.
What are the main differences in playing technique between the standard 1.8 shakuhachi and the longer 2.6,2.7, etc. Are they another breed altogether or is it experience that counts?
Re: Short flute, long flute.
"felix martens""felix martens"What are the main differences in playing technique between the standard 1.8 shakuhachi and the longer 2.6,2.7, etc. Are they another breed altogether or is it experience that counts?
Hi Felix,
There are certainly different ways to approach playing different length flutes. For long flutes, the main thing is being able to reach the finger holes and applying fingering techniques without gripping or using awkward hand positions that can hurt or cause issues. For myself, I can't play flutes longer than an 3.1 comfortably because the extended bottom hand creates a constriction in the movement of my neck.
In general, however, I think one should have an idea of the sound that they like and a strong technique for producing it consistently. Once you apply that to playing any length flute, you will make the necessary adjustments required and decide whether it is a struggle or easier to get your sound.
Experience counts
Cheers, Perry
Thanks Perry and Kiku! So the main obstacle is the physical ability of the player, in terms of being able to cope with the size of the flute. Though I'd be interested to know more about the differences in breathing technique, Kiku.
The sounds produced are so very mellow, and am I right in thinking that the larger flutes are a recent development?
The sounds produced are so very mellow, and am I right in thinking that the larger flutes are a recent development?
"felix martens""felix martens"Thanks Perry and Kiku! So the main obstacle is the physical ability of the player, in terms of being able to cope with the size of the flute. Though I'd be interested to know more about the differences in breathing technique, Kiku.
The sounds produced are so very mellow, and am I right in thinking that the larger flutes are a recent development?
Long flutes are a recent development. But many players in Japan including my teacher Kinya Sogawa and his teacher's teacher Watazumi were not very mellow.
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The popularity of long flutes is relatively recent, but long flutes have been around for a long time. I have a 2.7 Edo shakuhachi which is probably 200 years old. There was an exhibit of VERY long flutes at the Kyoto festival that were close to 100 years old and are longer than anything almost anybody plays today.
The technique involved is not more or less difficult, just different. As Perry mentioned fingering is an issue and everybody has a limit to what they can hold or how big a hole their fingers can close. The blowing part is just a matter of practice. In some ways it's easier to play long flutes than short ones.
Here's a pic of Peter Hill playing my Edo 2.7.
The technique involved is not more or less difficult, just different. As Perry mentioned fingering is an issue and everybody has a limit to what they can hold or how big a hole their fingers can close. The blowing part is just a matter of practice. In some ways it's easier to play long flutes than short ones.
Here's a pic of Peter Hill playing my Edo 2.7.
Fantastic video,Perry. There's a man who suffers for his art! Yeah, with the mellow comes a rawness. Do the longer flutes represent now a Watazumi-fuelled exploration of a more raw and "natural" sound?
"felix martens""felix martens"Fantastic video,Perry. There's a man who suffers for his art! Yeah, with the mellow comes a rawness. Do the longer flutes represent now a Watazumi-fuelled exploration of a more raw and "natural" sound?
Kinya always rattles the room ;)
I'm not sure what longer flutes represent to others since many are made and played outside of his way. For me, playing in the Watazumi way is inspired by his term Hochiku - Darma Bamboo. It's a personal exploration involving spirituality, philosophy, art and music.... and personal truth.
Hmmm, which one should I work on today ;)
Yes, I remember that 2.7 Brian. A beauty. Never saw another one like it since .
"Perry Yung""Perry Yung""felix martens""felix martens"Thanks Perry and Kiku! So the main obstacle is the physical ability of the player, in terms of being able to cope with the size of the flute. Though I'd be interested to know more about the differences in breathing technique, Kiku.
The sounds produced are so very mellow, and am I right in thinking that the larger flutes are a recent development?
Long flutes are a recent development. But many players in Japan including my teacher Kinya Sogawa and his teacher's teacher Watazumi were not very mellow.
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Thanks for sharing this video Perry, I'm thoroughly enjoying my exploration with my 2.6 - I find we are doing all sorts of interesting things together
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