How to play shakuhachi by Josen (Jon Kypros)

flutedojo.com
Josen (Jon Kypros), shakuhachi Dai-Shihan 'Grandmaster' teacher and craftsperson of fine shakuhachi. Note that the free intro lessons is now an extensive free beginner's course which you can find in Koryu's channel or on their website flutedojo.com

[@Prince40005]

Anyone else here, because they played Ghost of Tsushima ?

[@6ix782]

Damn right now I want one

[@draytonstafford2847]

I thought i was the only one

[@kenpocrane]

Maybe

[@mystic_hero8800]

...Yes

[@Empik_]

Im here from league lol

[@dayron9802]

So that's what Apollo looked like before he got turned into sculpture!

[@zm3609]

Haha, that's it xD

[@urfavginga5765]

For real this guy seems like he was carved from stone by michelangelo himself

[@sissi8610]

Yes, he's gorgeous!

[@jessejace]

2:43 sick scars from a recent shakuhachi fight

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Well noticed. It was a bamboo harvesting accident ;)

[@nancyteufel5403]

I have been trying to play for a little more than a year (with a teacher) and this is the first decent explanation I have gotten on achieving Kan. I experimented withg the tighter lips and higher pressure and saw an immediate result. THANKS!

[@JosenShakuhachi]

I am very glad I could help! You're most welcome.

[@buzyreading]

Thank you for the comprehensive instructions. I can finally try the shakuhachi that I bought ten years ago!

[@ZackGomez198035]

The shakuhachi is a very interesting Japanese instrument. It has a very interesting sound to it for meditation.

[@ashlynnmoler8274]

U have a good explanation of how to play I play piccolo and flute and I'm 13 my dad also got me a Irish whistle and then he got me a shakuhachi bamboo flute that is a 8 hole I played it right away but I've had about 2 full years of flute playing, hope u help others.😁😁

[@TamuNgina]

I just found your website. Thank you for the very basic finger chart. I have come across many online and yours is the first that i could wrap my brain around and start with. Thanks. I look forward to checking out more of your Shakuhachi videos. I own a US made 2.o ji nashi by S.P.Shepard and one 1.8 from Japan...that needs refurbishing. I so enjoy playing it...or just making sounds.

[@ragsnorth1624]

Hey Tamu, are you still playing?

[@cheliae8560]

Brilliant lesson! Thank you! 🏆🏆🏆

[@javongoshay]

Very helpful video. Your playing is masterful, thank you for the upload.

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Thank you. You're most welcome :)

[@MichaellCMusic]

Thank you my friend helped in a second! Just got my first Shakuachi Jinasi, opened you video and the sound cane out😊

[@kalenbuggs75]

That is beautifully and sounding instrument.

[@essencezenessencezen6838]

wanderful...tks for your precious advices. tank you ...

[@salkex3]

I ordered the Yuu Flute a few months ago and am very new to the shakuhachi, and for the last week or two I finally started to understand the air pressure-principle where the notes (especially Kan\higher octave notes) have so much more quality and clarity if you squeeze the lips together and basically make them fight the air that's trying to push through a very thin hole. Before discovering this I could only play Kan very loudly, brute-forcing it, so this might be the most important element of playing the shakuhachi. The only problem was, I couldn't always find the exact angle from which to blow into the flute until watching this. I think I always held the flute at a lower angle ,so that paired with my inexperience made me sometimes miss notes and have less clarity, until now. I followed your instructions step by step, raised the flute so my lips can make contact with the blowing edge, and then lowered it just slightly, and it made hitting notes like 10x easier! Thanks for the video!

[@fernandadesa9435]

Perfect!!!! Thank you!!

[@Libertariandude]

The shakuhachi is also a weapon. It has beaten many men to death.

[@JosenShakuhachi]

I believe this to be more folklore than fact

[@aquapillareilleahpar3129]

Hold my classical metal flute

[@aboubakreharakat836]

I've heard the same from Linfamy, KZbin Japanese historian. Swords would do a better job but...blind monk shakuhachi players battling it out is a pretty romantic scene :D

[@askiasabur381]

Great video family

[@user-vl1xv1tu8n]

Hownice !

[@yevgeniykim_]

Hi, thank you ❤

[@trancecrafter]

Hi! My name is John! this is a helpful video XD

[@AntonSherar]

Greetings Jon! About a half a year ago i got myself a shakuhachi and learned how to make a sound from your videos. You offered me a free lesson over skype too, and I would really love it if we could do that! :) I have had quite a break from the shakuhachi, from a mix of school/work and pure lazyness. But i really want to learn how to play the shakuhachi properly! thanks a lot! Hope your offer still stands :)

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, I hope we had out lesson! I don't check youtube comments often. Email is best [e-mail]

[@destroyerofgold]

dude responded 6 years later

[@AntonSherar]

@@destroyerofgold hahaha

[@nugley]

If you can blow some clear notes on a beer bottle you can do this. Drink, practice, drink, play. Then get a flute.

[@mingcongzhou5934]

very nice chiba 尺八

[@bodybalancer]

Cool!

[@ben.mehmet]

Please continue uploding on youtube...

[@yevgeniykim_]

good job and good luck

[@duchindo6949]

I have one and this is by far the most difficult instrument I've ever tried to learn. It's so hard to make it sound good 🤣 Didn't even get sound out of it the first day lol

[@JosenShakuhachi]

deceptively simple looking, a lifelong puzzle!

[@xSirDudex]

I just beat Ghost of Tsushima.....I think I might take up the shakuhachi.

[@Sagitario23]

Exelentt¡¡

[@kubik6646]

🙏

[@IronDragonGroup]

Great video. Very informative. I like the sound of the Shakuhachi. I am trying to make a bamboo flute, as well, and your playing was amazing. I am trying to make a bamboo flute, and could use some help. Any tips?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

My best tip and one of the few that's possible to give in text is to work on poles (no root end) first. Practice essentials over and over on scrap. This is the advice I would have given my self 15 years ago.

[@jimson9297]

Thank you! I am currently looking for some place on the web to find a 2.8-9 shakuhachi but it's difficult when your country has no stores that sells shakuhachi at all.

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Yes and these lengths are somewhat rare. I'd recommend jinashi. You'll have to buy online. I don't currently have any available and need to get more bamboo. I recommend Jem Klein, Perry Yung, and Monty Levenson.

[@ashikkhan-ew8bd]

nice

[@kyreshlcsw2229]

his book so far is the best one, the other one blowing zen is confusing. His book is clear and really teaches.

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Thank you!

[@abalorias333]

Thanks for such a good video! One question, I bought a cheap shakuhachi some time ago and I'm pretty confortable with the sound I'm getting but is not the same size and type of I see in many videos. Could you tell me where can I purchase high quality made shakuhachi? It's really hard to find stores online and I would love to have some recommendations

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi Pablo, Check out my Bell shakuhachi flutedojo.com/shakuhachi-for-sale/bell-shakuhachi

[@abalorias333]

Thanks! I'll order one

[@rickysingh616]

Boy is this hard. Got a pvc shakuhachi today and it's really hard to play. I've got a pretty big beard and moustache and have been told its very difficult to play with that as it can obstruction the air flow. Breathing in and blowing out is making my light headed lol, nearly passed out.

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hajime! ;) It is a tough one. Making the lip opening smaller is the key to conserving air and not passing out. Works better than cardio ;)

[@sissi8610]

Have you gotten rid of the beard yet?

[@rickysingh616]

@@sissi8610 I haven't yet 😂 haven't touched the shakuhachi in ages

[@sissi8610]

@@rickysingh616 That made me laugh, because I've had a piano for about 7 years, and done almost no practise!

[@rickysingh616]

@@sissi8610 🤣 I bought an acoustic guitar years ago randomly and never got anywhere with it 🤦

[@Cowbungo1]

I just saw this tonight and became very interested. Is this instrument anything like a recorder that you would play in school or a saxophone or flute? I know the basics of the sax/ recorder and self teaching myself the flute. Is there any similarities in those instruments? I have always wanted to learn how to play any instrument that could recreate this sound but I had little knowledge of this particular instrument.

[@JosenShakuhachi]

HI, One of my students plays sax. This is the only instrument I ever played. He says it's harder than sax. I've heard it's harder than most instruments. Recorder has a fipple to direct the sound and shakuhachi doesn't. There totally different safe for not having keys. My passion and profession is teaching shakuhachi over skype and google hangouts. I specialize in helping people get a sound and improve their sound. [e-mail]

[@dudeonthasopha]

Dang 235k views, I wonder how many free lessons you ended up giving 😄

[@JosenShakuhachi]

A lot haha! It really helped me to be a better teacher :)

[@robinrossow2654]

What are some differences between a shakuhachi that has the bone inlay at the mouth end of the instrument and one that is pure bamboo? Can one be reworked to have the inlay and if so, how costly would that be?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

An inlay is usually a sign of a better instrument but not always. One can be added if not present. They mostly help to create a more durable edge

[@alejandrocercos6610]

Where I can find one??

[@neyzen9]

Thanks for the video. I am playing Ney, which is also a reed flute widely used in middle east countries and in Turkey. I am interested in Shakuachi. I would love to have one but I live in Turkey, so I can't find a maker to buy it here. Could you inform me about the prices? can I order it on the internet and if I can where should I look for it?Thank you.

[@reydelmuerte]

+neyzen9 I have similar situation with the inability to buy one in my country. Would be awesome if someone could answer this ! =D

[@andreapfister453]

+Zenos7 ...hi ..there is a shakuhachi maker in Germany, where i got mine from. You`ll find him if you goggle shakuhachi-shop, the owner is Marwan Hassan.

[@reydelmuerte]

Andrea Pfister ty man!

[@dat_chip]

I just bought one in the Asakusa part of Tokyo. The shop was run by an old lady who had taken over the shop after her grandfather. It was 25000 yen. I have no clue about the quality of the flute, as this is the first shakuhachi I've ever held in my hands, but when I play it, I get a nice pentatonic minor scale which is in tune, so I think it's legit. Now I just have to learn not running out of air too fast. (This video already helped btw!)

[@JosenShakuhachi]

I make these and am selling them to people all over the world, there's a high demand but you can sign up to be notified here flutedojo.com/shakuhachi-for-sale/bell-shakuhachi

[@sinanuzun5479]

i Want to buy a Shakuhachi, wich Tone is that in your Video ? B C or D ?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, It's a D. I make a affordable one you can sign up to get here flutedojo.com/shakuhachi-for-sale/bell-shakuhachi

[@theexample0118]

i cant seem to make a sound from the shakuhachi :( how do you do this

[@pjhakopian6610]

hey ok 1. ur amazing and 2. I need help with this amazing instrument but I couldent open ur link to contact you for some reason?

[@just.g8160]

Can you actually play shakuhachi?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Sorry about the link not working! You can google my name. I can't put links in comments for some reason here. I guess against rules. I have more videos now too, really in depth stuff

[@gypsyman535]

I wonder which is more difficult this one or the ney?

[@ModularIsl]

What do you think about the quality of a 3D printed flute, in reference to sound

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, I've never played a 3D printed shakuhachi. As I understand it the average 3D printer can't print something as large as a 1.8 (54.5 cm) in one piece and I prefer to make my Bell shakuhachi in one-piece using a handcrafted mold flutedojo.com/shakuhachi-for-sale/bell-shakuhachi

[@MegaSexydexy]

i would love a lesson i suck but want to learn

[@JosenShakuhachi]

I have a growing list of teachers on my website but also the website komuso is a good source. best of luck and after nearly two decades of full time playing I'm still learning!

[@mokuho]

I've been trying to sound regular for 13 years, but I still can't do it, I must keep your advice in mind...😔🙏🏼

[@datgio4951]

Inrecently bought a shakuchai and its so hard to even make a sound

[@gwiyomikim5988]

Same! No sound, just a bit of lightheadedness from blowing and hyperventilating.

[@TakasiTamaFutuna]

Do you have an online store where you sell the flutes you make? If so, would you mind sharing the link?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, Sure thing, this is the only one I am making right now. There's a mailing list as many people are waiting for one flutedojo.com/shakuhachi-for-sale/bell-shakuhachi

[@peterlangham8580]

Namaste! I began playing a Shakuhachi as a yoga teacher 40 years ago when given the flute by a student. I just passed my flute and its karma along to my daughter who now is a yoga teacher herself. I want to replace the flute and am interested in purchasing one (5 hole flute). Do you make them for sale?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

I currently spend all my time making the Bell Shakuhachi for people which is a copy of a jinashi bamboo shakuhachi I made. I have a video showing an example of how I go about doing that. Bamboo can be quite expensive. Though for simple playing there does seem to be some shakuhachi-like options out there

[@williamt1083]

Hey Jon, I've been thinking of learning the Shakuhachi, but I'm a bit confused as to where to start. I've been looking around online and I think I should start with a 1.8' D key (I Shaku Ha Sun), but I would like some guidance, as they're quite expensive. :)

[@iamtenzin4409]

+William T A yuu is only about $160 and sounds very nice.

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, I make these which you can sign up to get flutedojo.com/shakuhachi-for-sale/bell-shakuhachi

[@jeng5591]

Hi Jon, I have small hands. Do you need to have large hands and wide fingers (wide enough for the holes) to play this instrument. I feel like this is one of those stupid questions that I need to ask...

[@JosenShakuhachi]

A very good question and important! I have a whole page about this on my website in fact. I can't put the link here but I hope you can find it on there in the lessons section. You can find a link to my site in the description of this vid or by googling me. I hope it works!

[@daynedement2645]

Where do I find hole sheet music for the Shakuhachi 4 hole

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, shakuhachi should have a 5th rear thumb-hole so make sure yours does as well. The scores are all in Japanese Katakana and most will require a teacher to show you how to play them. You can find some on google image search though and try to find the corresponding piece on youtube but of course it's not the best route and you will develop "bad habits". But if it's your only option...

[@bricefunk146]

My shakuhachi has a bad song, how do ?

[@smorgole]

Hi Jon I'm look in for your vidéo on how to make shakuhashi. I know your had à couple but can't find one any more ix there à reason or can you give me the links if the are Stiller on line?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, I took them down and am making new ones. I will cover what is possible in video but the more serious will have to seek out in-person apprenticeship + hours/years of self-learning to master it, of course. Oh, also playing well is really the first or most important "step".

[@martymartmusic]

I want to learn. Where can I buy a beginners flute? Is there a certain key to start in?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, I make a shakuhachi geared toward beginners called the Bell Shakuhachi. It's in the standard key people start in which is D. There are other options out there too

[@xeno126]

Can the Shakuhachi only play the pentatonic scale (1 3b 4 5 7b)? Most products say "pentatonic shakuhachi"

[@JosenShakuhachi]

It can play many, many more notes but it takes a fair amount of skill to get them. Anyone just saying pentatonic is probably making flutes which aren't really authentic fully-functional shakuhachi.

[@freddiekinsler1890]

Are you gonna give more videos I bought your book and own the Shakuhachi Yuu

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, Yes I'm trying to find the time. Right now all my time is going to making these for people flutedojo.com/shakuhachi-for-sale/bell-shakuhachi

[@noahliasam7407]

Hey! I just bought a Shakuhachi, and it seems I still can't control the sound, like you can only hear my air. Is it the way I blow? O.o

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Congratulations and I hope you kept it up! I've got some long, boring, in depth videos on this. Have you seen them?

[@sqwop]

There's nothing that comes close to this flute in terms of sound, timbre and expression, it really does sound (coincidentally & conveniently) spiritual.

[@Davmm96]

I guess the same principle can be applied to the quena ?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, It seems that it works with many flutes which do not have a fipple like recorders, but also some things work with them as well. I only play shakuhachi, my first and only instrument. But I teach people who play all kinds of flutes.

[@Tomb13]

So is this similar to an "Anasazi Flute" ? Hole placements are obviously different and I've noticed your holding it resting on your chin not so far angled down like playing the Anasazi would be held.

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, I haven't played one but I think they use a similar edge. Shakuhachi natural scale is minor pentatonic but makes heavy use of microtonal notes through pitch bending

[@juliotancredi7468]

Thank you!! Does it play by western notes like Do Re Mi Fa or traditional japanese notes?

[@basilschreyer8807]

Lee kh you man are a genius! THOSE ARE THE SAME NOTES!!!

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, Shakuhachi can play many notes and pitches which are not found on instruments like the piano. However, it takes a large amount of skill to get them. The basis notes which aren't as tough are minor pentatonic. So here with D that would be D - F, G, A, C and D again on the thumb hole round back

[@sebastianruif]

I'm from south america, and I really liked the sound, and I want to know how I can get a shakuhachi?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, I offer one which you can sign up to get here flutedojo.com/shakuhachi-for-sale/bell-shakuhachi

[@Mae_Dastardly]

What doth life?

[@BrianMurrayPA]

Wurm You slumber... Cucumber.

[@vyrewatch12321]

I'm in need of a 1.6 7hole shakuhachi, wooden. Do you know of any makers i could contact to get one? I already tried Perry Yung, but it appears he's blocked me for good because i asked 4 questions in 4 different emails. =(

[@JosenShakuhachi]

I can make one out of bamboo but it'd be expensive. I can also reconfigure the holes on a shakuhachi. Sometimes people sell wooden ones on eBay or check shakuhachi forums. What's your skill level? Why do you want 7 holes and do you know what scale you want exactly?

[@vyrewatch12321]

Jon Kypros The scale is E,F,G,A,A#,B,D,E I need this shakuhachi for Strong and Strike naruto ost cover, played along with shamisen, guitar, keyboard etc. I guess i'm an intermediate player. Do you mean that you can convert a 1.6 to a seven-hole or? Also i won't be able to spend more than 470$~

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Son Goku hmm yeah that wouldn't be enough for all of the work. Perry actually has a wooden 1.6 that I just chanced upon. www.ebay.com/itm/AUTHENTIC-WOODEN-JAPANESE-MADE-1-6-SHAKUHACHI-FLUTE-FINE-TUNED-PERRY-YUNG-/141195794412?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20dfecd7ec

[@ThatLostBarracuda]

これは私の国の日本を思い出させる

[@Enchantedescapesanctuary]

I play the Native American flute. Do u think it will be easier for me?

[@TheAdventuresOfDougan]

I play both, and while it helps some with breath control and fingering, the way you blow the shakuhachi is very different from most Native American flutes. It takes effort to learn to get a note, but then it will come to be natural.

[@lemuriantechpriestenginsee7590]

What would be a good beginner shakuhachi?

[@ibrahimsky]

Lemurian TechPriest Enginseer You might wanna give this one a shot: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00P2FXKRS/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1484830779&sr=8-5-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=shakuhachi+yuu&psc=1

[@JosenShakuhachi]

@@ibrahimsky Hi, I make these and you can sign up to get one flutedojo.com/shakuhachi-for-sale/bell-shakuhachi

[@charlesparham6221]

Loool

[@romeo999g]

is this one easier to play than the chinese dizi? cause i got a dizi and i haven't been able to blow a single note out of it lol.

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, It's much more difficult, maybe the most difficult flute in the world to play at a high level.

[@jacebeleren1703]

I would say it depends on you personally. I had a really hard time with irish flute and dizi, but with the shakuhachi, i was able to get a sound rather quickly. Keep in mind, if you are going to play shakuhachi, ideally you need the guidance of a teacher, either through Skype or in person. I honestly believe my teacher's guidance is what allowed me to make a sound so easily compared to the dizi and irish flute , for which i just tried on my own.

[@005musicschool]

Where would you recommend buying a Shakuhachi?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi Matt, I created and handcraft these for people flutedojo.com/shakuhachi-for-sale/bell-shakuhachi

[@L.BCinematography]

Anyone else here from The book Wabi Sabi by Beth kempton?

[@olvimend]

Hi Jon . Are you still teaching? I

[@JosenShakuhachi]

HI! unfortunately the current work load from the Bell Shakuhachi doesn't leave me with time to teach. Email me at [e-mail] and we can talk more and I can point you in the direction of a teacher. Sorry for the late reply I always forget to check youtube comments!

[@bimaceraolsundedik]

Hello which tone is this shakuhachi?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, this one was a 1.8 jiari type shakuhachi made by Justin Senryu Williams

[@cicada_games]

My flute has 5 holes, what's up with that?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

4 on front and one in back?

[@vincepena6308]

What Key is this flute?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

It's D above middle C AKA 1.8 shaku

[@BigBenzBizarreBazaar]

hello how are you? does the offer still stand?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, Yes anytime :)

[@niznet111]

AAA+++

[@oscarchamero507]

do you still do free skype calls?

[@JosenShakuhachi]

Hi, I do :) email is best for me [e-mail]

[@glizzygladiator6922]

Is this the video fruit watched?

[@yaakihito469]

I came here because of Yasuo XDD

[@andikusnadi132]

Nobuu come

[@TheVillageidiotsavan]

Still cant make a sound.... just got my first shakuhachi.....

[@tkaann12]

Hocam teşekkürler iddaa ya girdim bakalım yarın şu aletten ses çıkarabilecek miyim

[@degroot7158]

Hacı bunların tanesi pahalı değil mi sen ne kadara aldın?

[@tkaann12]

@@degroot7158 Yurt dışından almış bir arkadaş, TL'ye yuvarlayınca 350 TL civarı imiş hocam...

[@degroot7158]

@@tkaann12 eyvallah kardeşim birgün ben de çalacağım bunlardan basite benziyor

[@chuckwillis5827]

cost of your shakuhachi, thanks

[@JosenShakuhachi]

The one in the video was a jiari made my Justin Senryu Williams which I think was around $2k. I bought it off a friend and have since passed it on again

[@NorthForkFisherman]

If you're on a budget - A Yuu will run about $170. A good starter instrument.

[@charlesparham6221]

Yall cruel man

[@islandsfuldkorn]

Naruto anyone?

[@Akku8581]

Kimetsu no yaiba

[@flyerarts4729]

Much more complicated than a recorder…😅

[@user-ht5jp2lb4y]

г

[@LoaqsK]

Tfuuee