Shakuhachi kan technique

Most shakuhachi players have experienced difficulties with the kan register. Below are some ideas based on my experience as a flute and recorder teacher.

The first step is to experience the difference in blowing between otsu and kan without the shakuhachi.

Exercise 1

Sing ro-otsu to ro-kan and back to ro-otsu with the syllables ooh- aay -ooh. Hold each for a steady count of two. Put your hand on abdomen and feel the change in the muscles around the diaphragm and abdominal area.

Please note that it is going down that is more difficult! Everyone panics about going up but it is the going down that needs more concentration.

Exercise 2

Try blowing this without shakuhachi but against your hand. You should feel the same 'kick' when you jump up and down. You need to mentally prepare a split second before the change. Concentrate on how the diaphragm feels. Be aware of any tension in the throat, lips or shoulders and try to eliminate.

Exercise 3

Then try the same experiments with the shakuhachi held in front but not yet touching your chin. Don’t try to get a tone. Enjoy the muraiki! Be aware if your throat, lips or shoulders become more tense. It is the control of tension in the diaphragm and abdominal muscles that will make a good kan tone.

Exercise 4

Finally try moving from ro-otsu to ro-kan and back with the shakuhachi placed in normal position. Try to feel the sensation of singing ooh-aah-ooh. You should feel the same change physical changes as the previous exercises. The important thing is not to worry about getting a good high note at first. If the top note cracks, it means you are really close to getting a good sound. Increase awareness in the diaphragm to improve.

Exercise 5

Do the complete set of exercises but start with kan, move to otsu and jump back to kan.

Do not eliminate the cracked notes completely as these are often very effective in shakuhachi playing. The aim of these exercises is to move between otsu and kan registers with minimal tension in the throat, lips and shoulders so the kan notes are not squeezed.