Shakuhachi for Western Music
Shakuhachi for Western Music
Now that I got two nice shakuhachis, a 1.6 and a 1.8 (see my post "Did I make a good choice ?") I started learning slowly to play a few notes.
Actually, I should say self learning, with some help from a few Youtube videos. I can get quite easily some basic sounds, in both octaves,
but I am not good at all, yet, to play some sharps and flats using the half hole technique. The sounds that I get, compared to the regular
full "open" or "closed" hole notes, are weak and often not well in tune. This brings me to a question: is it possible, with a shakuhachi, to play complete Western scales in a satisfactory way ? Is it possible to play Western melodies ? I am asking the question because I would like to use the shakuhachi not only as an instrument of meditation, but also and most of all as an instrument to play any music I like.
I also have a couple of irish keyless flutes (six holes) in D, and I find it easier to play Western scales with them. However, the sound produced from a shakuhachi is so much more beautiful, in my mind. Any opinion, tip or suggestion are welcome !
Actually, I should say self learning, with some help from a few Youtube videos. I can get quite easily some basic sounds, in both octaves,
but I am not good at all, yet, to play some sharps and flats using the half hole technique. The sounds that I get, compared to the regular
full "open" or "closed" hole notes, are weak and often not well in tune. This brings me to a question: is it possible, with a shakuhachi, to play complete Western scales in a satisfactory way ? Is it possible to play Western melodies ? I am asking the question because I would like to use the shakuhachi not only as an instrument of meditation, but also and most of all as an instrument to play any music I like.
I also have a couple of irish keyless flutes (six holes) in D, and I find it easier to play Western scales with them. However, the sound produced from a shakuhachi is so much more beautiful, in my mind. Any opinion, tip or suggestion are welcome !
The Shakuhachi is capable of that and more, but you are way ahead of yourself. Get your sounds together before you think about scales or any kind of music.
Pepe is right! The shakuhachi can play the notes of a Western twelve-note scale... and many more in between. It is a matter of control.
For now your task is to get a good control of the straight notes - the kari notes. Embody the posture and make sure they are stable. Then you can make all the other fun notes as long as you make sure you can return to your stable kari notes. If the kari notes are not stable - your meri will never be stable.
Good luck with it and have fun! I can understand your curiosity!
Check out Fujiwara Dozan and John Kaizan Neptune for people good at playing Western 12-note scales. They are of course not the only ones.
For now your task is to get a good control of the straight notes - the kari notes. Embody the posture and make sure they are stable. Then you can make all the other fun notes as long as you make sure you can return to your stable kari notes. If the kari notes are not stable - your meri will never be stable.
Good luck with it and have fun! I can understand your curiosity!
Check out Fujiwara Dozan and John Kaizan Neptune for people good at playing Western 12-note scales. They are of course not the only ones.
I do believe John uses mostly a 7 hole for his Indian and Western style music, but I could be wrong. No question he is capable of anything technically. I'll check out Fujiwara!... never heard of him...
John mostly uses 5 hole shakuhachi as far as I know.... but he is good. But perhaps he does have some 7-hole.
Nakamura Akikazu I have seen use 9-hole shakuhachi for his rock-type music.
Fujiwara I think is the best in being accurate - I think.
Nakamura Akikazu I have seen use 9-hole shakuhachi for his rock-type music.
Fujiwara I think is the best in being accurate - I think.
Mmm... Fujiwara seems a good example of what in other thread was called "abject Shakuhachi playing"... very Hollywood... 
I'll take you jamming with Fred Frith anytime
I'll take you jamming with Fred Frith anytime
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