What does shinobue (篠笛) mean anyway???

We refer to the incredible instrument we play as the "Shinobue." But what does "shinobue" actually mean? We also frequently come across the terms "Yubiuchi" and "Utakuchi."

Understanding the origins of these words will help unlock the secrets to mastering this fascinating instrument.

"Shinobue" 篠笛

Shinobue has two kanji characters 篠 (shino) and 笛 (bue).

Let's start with the second one 笛.

Without "shino", this kanji character is pronounced "fue" by itself.

Why is "fue" pronounced "bue" when we are talking about shinobue?

Because it's just easier to say "B" (voiced consonant) than "F" (unvoiced consonant) after "shino". This is not unique to the Japanese. For example, when you say "Asked", the d is pronounced "T", but when you say "Leaned", the d is pronounced "D".The pronunciation changes depending upon what's in front of it.

We use the word "fue" very often. It simply means "flute".

So Shakuhachi is considered a type of fue.

Japanese people even call a whistle a fue.

So, to be more specific, the kanji "篠” shows the type of bamboo used to make shinobue.

Shinobue is made of "SHINOdake", a type of thin bamboo that grows only 3-9 feet (1-3 meters). Typically, they grow in clumps.

It is said that Japan has about 600 different types of bamboo.

So shinobue means a flute that is made of shinodake.

"Yubiuchi" 指打ち

When the same note is repeated, the sound is separated by opening the finger holes and quickly returning them to their original positions, or by briefly closing the open finger holes. The technique of briefly tapping the fingers is called "yubiuchi."​

So what does the word "Yubiuchi" mean?

"Yubi" 指 means finger(s).

"Uchi" comes from the word "Utsu" 打つ, which means to strike.

So the word "Yubiuchi" means "finger strike".

Now, it's important to remember it's a Finger STRIKE. Not Finger 'Softly touching the hole".

The most common Yubiuchi issues beginners encounter are moving the fingers slowly and touching the hole softly.

You need to STRIKE the hole with your finger!

And as you practice moving the fingers faster, make sure you do not increase the TEMPO of the song.

You must learn how to move the fingers faster without playing the song faster.

"Utakuchi" 唄口

"Utakuchi" refers to the opening on the shinobue that you place your mouth on when playing the instrument.

"Uta" 唄 means song or singing.

"Kuchi" 口 means mouth or opening.

Now, pay attention to the word Uta - Singing.

Shinobue is a melody instrument.

What is a "melody instrument"? It can play melodies, unlike percussion instruments like drums.

You need to "SING" with your shinobue.

Humans are fascinated by the sound of the human voice when it sings. Have you ever wondered why violinists often shake their left hands on the strings while playing? They're actually imitating the vibrato of the human voice.

All my piano teachers have always encouraged me to "sing" the melody in my head as I play. The human voice is the most natural instrument we have; we’re born with it.

You don’t need to be a superstar singer to play the shinobue well, but you must learn how to make the shinobue sing. Listen to a talented singer performing the song you are playing. Study how you can make your shinobue sound like that singer.

This practice can elevate you from a beginner shinobue player to one who can truly touch the hearts of listeners. 💞