Ro Kan fingering - partially open hole 5?



barry_g
Member
Ro Kan fingering - partially open hole 5?
I've been taught to close all finger holes for Ro Kan (D5). But I've recently seen a few Kinko finger charts showing a partially open hole 5. I definitely find it "easier" to blow Ro Kan with a partially open hole 5 (eliminates tendency to slip into Otsu register). I'd appreciate informed comments on the "acceptability" of partially opening hole 5. I don't want to develop bad habits and will happily "tough it out" if the proper way to play it is with a totally closed hole 5.

Thanks
Last edited by barry_g on 2017-04-15, 12:22; edited 3 times in total
Markus Guhe
Member
You can use hole 4 as an 'octave key'. I usually open it ever so slightly to reduce the 'pressure' a bit for kan-no ro.

I'm assuming by hole 1 you mean my hole 5 - the thumb hole. That's common practice too, but when you do that the pitch is less stable than when using hole 4 (topmost front). With 5 you need to add meri, with 4 you don't.
barry_g
Member
Thanks very much Markus and yes, I meant hole 5, not hole 1 (duh). I corrected my original post.
LowBlow
Member
Don't cheat yourself. Opening additional holes for kan ro is bad practice. It seems easier in the beginning but it will harm you in the long run. Your kan ro will stabilize with more practice.
Markus Guhe
Member
In my view, calling it bad practice is quite harsh. I agree that you should be able to produce a clear and stable kan-no ro with all holes closed. It is very good practice. (As for many other tones, like kan-no hi meri with 1 & 2 closed.) But there are many situations where it is appropriate for better musical expression.
barry_g
Member
more practice sounds good, although I'm already doing 5 minutes of long tones on kan ro twice a day already.
LowBlow
Member
"Markus Guhe""Markus Guhe"
But there are many situations where it is appropriate for better musical expression.

Yes, i agree, but not for a beginner. First thing is to master the basics.
Markus Guhe
Member
If we waited to master the basics before moving on we'd never do anything else than ro-buki. Smile
Répondre