😃How to Place Fingers on Shinobue Flute ✋

Even if you have the perfect embouchure, having just a 1mm opening in the holes can make your tone sound not so great.

Most people try to seal the holes with their fingertips when first attempting to play the shinobue flute.

But my amazing teachers, Bunta Satoh sensei, Yoshihiro Karino sensei, and Makoto Takei sensei, all taught me to place my fingers on the shinobue FLAT.

Bunta Satoh Sensei

Yoshihiro Karino sensei

Makoto Takei sensei

Here are the spots on my fingers where I am sealing the holes on my 8 hon choshi.

My right hand

​My left hand

Feel free to position the holes on the knuckle (crease) of your fingers - that's what my teachers recommended for some of my fingers, and it works just fine!

The idea that "You must play shinobue with your fingertips or finger pads" is a myth.

To capture the images, I pressed my fingers firmly into the holes. Try it to see where the imprints are left on YOUR fingers.

When playing the shinobue, it's important to remember that finger positions can vary based on the size of your hands and other factors. There are different ways to approach it. I just wanted to share how my teachers taught me, and I hope this was helpful to you! 😃