In this space I've used many metaphors and images to try to hint at the best way to use mouth shape and breath in playing shakuhachi. Some of these have been easy to visualize and some harder.
This time, I would like to give one more image about how to form a good shape for your lips and inside of your mouth. I think this may be the most abstract image I've introduced yet, but I think it is also very easy to understand.
Use the same mouth shape you would as if blowing a note, and blow into the palm of your hand. Does your breath feel cool or warm? It's important to use breath that feels warm when playing shakuhachi.
For warm breath, you need to increase the volume of the inside of your mouth, which I've stated many times is important. You also need to relax your lips, for excess tension in your lips will lead to cool breath.
When you are playing well, you probably won't need an image like this to help you. On bad days, however, it's useful to have an image of this kind as a trigger to break out of a slump.
I think this image is useful in such circumstances. Try it out. 作者: 小莊 時間: 2013-4-27 11:42