Shakuhachi Modes and Scales, Session 1: The Evolution of Hon-Choshi

In this video I discuss the origins and evolution of Hon-Choshi, the most commonly employed mode in shakuhachi honkyoku. It has its roots in the Ritsu and Ryo scales used in hitoyogiri shakuhachi music, of which one mode was preferred as the Fuke shakuhachi came into being during the early Edo era. From the latter half of the Edo era, we also have the Miyakobushi scale in popular music, which seems to have influenced many shakuhachi schools, and also explains the difference in the pitch of Tsu employed by many Myoan players, as opposed to that used in Kinko and other honkyoku schools.

[@Diehydro]

Great to see you producing informative videos again

[@8ohmrecords]

Thank you
I always appreciate your informative videos

[@MxBraeWilliams]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and insights.

[@Neosan1982]

Thank you! Is a half tone on hitoyogiri produced by changing fingering or by half holing or shading?

[@hon-onold-styleshakuhachic8017]

Like old-style shakuhachi, hitoyogiri doesn't use half-holing, nor do you need to shade. The construction allows for a range of nearly two full steps for each hole, so that the tones can be made using slight adjustments to your breath / blowing angle.

[@Neosan1982]

@@hon-onold-styleshakuhachic8017 ... Arigatō ... 🙂