Traditional Shakuhachi Lesson: Ryokudan (level 1)

[@rafikiatkak8404]

The amount of dedication to ur channel is amazing. Thank you sir.

[@nyohaku]

You are welcome. A new video was posted today about caring for the Shakuhachi. Also, a follow up of the Rokudan lesson is in the works, something a little easier, and a little more flowing for beginning level students.

[@-the-light]

This is so excellent! Thank you. This seems so daunting, with the time changes and how long the piece is. Your lesson here will prove to be invaluable. Thanks again Daniel!

[@nyohaku]

You are most welcome. This was intended to be a video lesson, beginning easy and ending a little too difficult. But by repetition you can play this piece at faster speeds. In a live lesson, your teacher would play it with you at a speed just a little beyond your skill, Then you can eventually get a handle on the piece. Best wishes.

[@tiercincachou7836]

thank you again, a guide to get started .... didier

[@nyohaku]

More lessons are on the way for different skill levels. I am glad you are following along.

[@oicnhtsui3113]

Thanks for another wonderful wonderful lesson you made! Daniel Appreciate your time and effort

[@nyohaku]

You’re welcome. It is nice to have virtual students.

[@aircombatmaneuvers]

Thank you! its amazing!

[@nyohaku]

I guess we are on this Shakuhachi journey together.

[@dan.pacini]

Very interesting! Thanks for this video. I'm trying to study this song. But it's hard for me to follow the notes on the screen. Where can I find this score?

[@nyohaku]

The simple answer is freeze the video frame, and get a screenshot, then print it out. If you want an original copy, which I recommend for it’s sturdiness, buy it from Japan. Website: Meijiro Shakuhachi store in Tokyo. Ryokudan no Shirabe, 850 yen. Turn on English language. Chikumeisha Sankyoku sheet music. #B0098. The notation was written by Goro. Inexpensive and beautiful. Good luck.

[@dan.pacini]

Thank you! I was looking for exactly this. I didn't know it was available on Meijiro. I will buy it 😊

[@dahlavibez5726]

Hi Daniel ! I'm wondering does traditional Shakuhachi have 5 playing holes to play these peices? Can I play a 4 hole Shakuhachi in the key of D/E minor, could I simply use the western music system to understand the same note values as a way to learn the Traditional Shakuhachi Peices? Thanks / Jamie

[@nyohaku]

I have a beautiful sounding Shakuhachi that has only the top four holes. But the thumb hole notes can be played with other fingerings. Nevertheless, a Shakuhachi by definition has five holes and is end blown. I don’t read or play western music, but I once wrote the Shakuhachi katakana notes on the piano keys to help learn beginner pieces and get a handle on the interesting Japanese scale. I decided to learn Japanese music because the Shakuhachi is perfectly suited for it.

[@dahlavibez5726]

@@nyohaku yes ! Perfect reply thank U also for replying. It makes sense by definition they should have 5 holes , I to have a 4 hole that plays the hole minor scale or course in its own way, and I jumped the gun with a 6 hole Shakuhachi but I haven't quite understand the 5 hole in its making as to which end is tuned evenly is the first and last hole tuned both Flat to make up for a hole ? 😅 Serious question and please answer when have time. Cheers brutha !

[@nyohaku]

The Chinese six-hole vertical flute made its way over to Japan during the Tang Dynasty. The Japanese turned it into a five hole flute and gradually increased its weight to create a more substantial (sound to their taste). The “tuning” of the Tang dynasty was established as a D, so for 13 centuries our flutes have been 1.8 shaku long. This morning I posted a video demonstrating the scale of a flute tuned in E. www.ebay.com/itm/1-8-Shakuhachi-Tom-Deaver-/313755570742?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0 A fingering chart for the Shakuhachi is included in my lesson number one. You can easily find the western equivalent to the traditional Japanese scale on line.

[@nyohaku]

I’m not sure I understand the logic/history of establishing the pentatonic scale in Japan. I do have a six-hole (two thumb holes) for sale that is in a D-major western scale, but still has the wonderful Shakuhachi tonality. But why not start with the classic 1.8 Shakuhachi and be able to play with people from all around the world. The plastic or maple versions are quite good for beginners. Like the violin or guitar, the Shakuhachi is a truly perfect form, fully evolved.

[@dahlavibez5726]

@@nyohaku wonderful Daniel ! Ofcourse I will get my hands on an a 1.8 from a master maker to Understand first hand! The man Daniel thank you for replying 🙂