Getting the hang of playing Ryo on 1 can be a little tricky. Sometimes it just doesn't want to make any sound, even if you're not a beginner anymore. Here are a few things you can practice to improve!
If you're having trouble getting a good tone on ryo on 1, try using a different shinobue for comparison. If you consistently have difficulty, you may need to work on your technique. However, if it's only with a specific shinobue that you can't produce a good ryo on 1, then the issue might be with the instrument itself. I recommend trying the Suzuki shinobue 6 hon choshi, as it produces a lovely ryo on 1.
Ensure that all the holes, except for the last one, are completely sealed.
This may seem obvious, but even a 1mm opening can affect the sound of ryo on 1! Learn to feel the holes on your fingers and make sure you are not using your fingertips to seal the holes. Watch this video to see the finger position recommended by my teacher, Bunta Satoh Sensei.
Learn to extend the breath ALL THE WAY down to the end of the flute.
When you play the ryo on 1, your fingers cover almost all the holes. This means your breath needs to travel almost all the way down to the end of the flute before it can start escaping. If your breath runs short, it will not make a sound.
When I tell my students this, most people think they need to "blow harder," but that's actually the total opposite of what needs to happen.
Consider this: When running long distances, you maintain a slow and steady pace. Conversely, for short distances, you run quickly and explosively. The same principle applies to shinobue breathing. To allow your breath to travel a long distance, it needs to be slow and steady.
Visualize your breath traveling all the way down to the end of the flute. Experiment with different breath speeds. Utilize your core muscles to control the airflow. Avoid blowing with your mouth, as this causes the breath to move too quickly for the shinobue.
There are four more Ryo-on-1 tips in this video!
Some things are easier to demonstrate in the video, so be sure to check this one out for your beautiful ryo on 1!
Shinobue Wako offers amazing bamboo shinobues with beautiful colors and a bright, rich sound that I'm sure you'll love! I'm currently working out the details with them so that I can bring Shinobue Wako to you. Stay tuned for more updates - exciting things are coming your way!!
Colors Shinobue Wako offers
I sent a message to Mr. Shoji to send us more shinobues!!!!
So, hopefully, we will see more of his glorious shinobues soon!! Be sure to get notified as soon as it happens. Get on my Shoji shinobue notification list here!
Q & A: Is it easy to play the shinobue if you are familiar with playing the Western (Silver) flute?
Answer: If you're a Western flute player, you'll find it easier to play the shinobue. However, the way you position the shinobue is a bit different. When playing the shinobue, you need to bring the instrument higher on the lips. Also, since the two instruments have very different styles, in Japan, it's recommended that Western flautists work with a shinobue teacher to ensure the shinobue doesn't sound like a Western flute.
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