What are the numbers enclosed in circles on the scores?

These denote ornamentations using the hole number specified.

So this hole must be rapidly opened and closed.

In this case hole number 4
is opened and closed rapidly

Please explain the symbol

This means suriage. Usually notated when moving from one note to another going down the scale.

It is a kind of slide in pitch (glissando or portamento) upwards prior to the pitch being lowered to that specified.

When moving from RI to CHI, first gradually open hole 5.
This will result in a slide in pitch upwards (in this case 2 semitones) before
dropping the pitch by adopting the fingering for CHI.

ERRATA  (we welcome your feedback on our scores)

Please make changes where necessary to ensure that the notes shown below are correct on your fingering chart
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5 hole shakuhachi fingering chart
7 hole shakuhachi fingering chart

© Andrew MacGregor
Last updated 6 March 2008

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