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In this section we'll focus on Beta basics and Matsuri
Week 4
Week 4
Taiko Basics
Taiko Basics
Drills
Drills
Song Summary
Song Summary
Beta Fundamentals
Stance
Legs should be wide enough that your hips are level with the top of the taiko
Knees should never be locked but slightly bent. If you find yourself squatting, you may need to widen your stance
Don tsu
Don (loud hit)- grip should only tighten to catch the bachi as it rebounds off the surface of the taiko after a hit
Bachi should be caught right above taiko surface
Tsu (soft hit)- loosen grip of bachi as you lift your arm up
Tip of bachi will fall and gently hit the surface of the taiko, making a soft sound
Remember to practice both right and left hands
Horsebeat Solos
Practice playing with others and then on your own
This is also known as soloing!
Count 1, 2, 3, 4, So-re! when not playing
This will help you keep time and also cue you to when it's your turn
The kiai (So-re!) is the cue for your solo or when to jump back in with the group
Practicing on your own? Play the below recording and play/sing along with me
Play the horsebeat when I'm counting and count out loud when I'm singing the kuchishoga (Don doko)
Level up- play with the kuchishoga
Level up more- play or count for longer than 5 counts
Horsebeat drill Kuchishoga.m4aHorsebeat Kuchishoga
Week 3
Week 3
Taiko Basics
Taiko Basics
Drills
Drills
Song Summary
Song Summary
Beta Fundamentals
Stance
Wide, relaxed stance
Hara (your center or hips) face the taiko and at the level of the top of the taiko
Toes are all facing forward with feet parallel to each other OR left foot facing forward, right foot slightly behind with toes pointing towards left foot (make sure hips are still facing the taiko)
Use the stance that is most comfortable for you
Weight should be more on your toes and still grounded enough that you don't lean forward
Knees should never be locked
Back should be straight like you're sitting in a chair
Stroke
Keep a loose grip with all fingers wrapped around bachi
Control bachi with ring and pinkie fingers while other fingers have a looser grip to allow bachi to wiggle
Snap wrist towards drum right before hitting
Grip tightens when bachi bounces back after striking drum
Bachi are extensions of your arms- when they are raised over your head, they should be pointing straight to the sky!
Oroshi
Right and left alternating hits
Begin at a slow pace using beta fundamentals
When you are ready, begin to play faster--remember to stay relaxed!
Grip of bachi should still be loose to allow bachi to bounce back during slower playing, and wiggle when pace gets faster
Control bachi with ring and pinkie finger will allow bachi to still move
Remember to BREATHE, it will help you stay relaxed
Horsebeat
Kuchishoga- Don doko
Right, right, left
Level up: Left, left, right
Alternative Kuchishoga to practice "tsu" (soft hit)- Don tsuku
Tsu can be played by just letting go of bachi and relaxing wrist as you lift your arm up after Don
Practice Don tsu with right, then with left
Bachi remains down after Don
Practice playing at different tempos
This is a great drill to play with a metronome
Horsebeat drill.mp4Horsebeat Drill
Song learning Tips: Matsuri
Singing or reciting the kuchishoga of the melody will help internalize the rhythms
Refer to Week 2 for kuchishoga written out with an 8-count or feel free to write it out your own way
Air bachi, play on your lap, on a pillow, or any other surface, while you run through it will also help internalize the melody and movement in your body
Make a recording of yourself singing the ji
Loop the recording and play/sing the melody over it
Fun fact- Matsuri can be played over a horsebeat ji too!
Matsuri with Ji (front view).movMatsuri with ji (front view)
Matsuri with Ji (side view).mp4Matsuri with ji (side view)
Week 2
Week 2
Taiko Basics
Taiko Basics
Song Summary
Song Summary
Beta Fundamentals
Stance
Two versions- use the one that feels the most comfortable
Stroke
Keep a loose grip
Control bachi with ring and pinkie fingers while other fingers have a looser grip to allow bachi to wiggle
Snap wrist towards drum right before hitting
Grip tightens when bachi bounces back after striking drum
Bachi are extensions of your arms- when they are raised over your head, they should be pointing straight to the sky!
Song Learning: Kuchishoga
Singing each line will help with remembering the song
Practice singing the song while you play
Song: Matsuri
Lines 1 through 6
Don Don Don Kara Ka Ka
Don Don Hup! Don Don Kara Ka Ka
Su Don Su Don Don Kara Ka Ka
Do Ro Ka Ka Don Don Kara Ka Ka
Ka Don Ka Don Don Kara Ka Ka
Doro Kara Don Don Don Kara Ka Ka
Line 5 starts with a Ka with the left hand
Ji (Basebeat)
Don Doko Don Don (Repeat)
Week 1
Week 1
Taiko Basics
Taiko Basics
Song Summary
Song Summary
Videos
Videos
Beta Fundamentals
Stance
Wide, relaxed stance
Hara (your center or hips) face the taiko and at the level of the top of the taiko
Stroke
Keep a loose grip
Aim for center and bottom of drum
Grip tightens when bachi bounces back after striking drum
Song Learning: Kuchishoga
Taiko traditionally learned through kuchishoga ("kuchi" means mouth, "shoga" means song) or singing the lines
Each word means a different kind of hit
Don- loud hit
Doko- medium right and left hit
Su- rest (no hit)
Hup! So-re!- Kiai, vocalization used to share energy, keep time, add flare
Song: Matsuri
Song often played during Obon summer festival
To be in community and celebrate our ancestors
A common song played throughout the North American Taiko Community
Many versions and arrangements but the rhythms tend to stay the same
Lines 1 through 3
Don Don Don Kara Ka Ka
Don Don Hup! Don Don Kara Ka Ka
Su Don Su Don Don Kara Ka Ka
Ji (Basebeat)
Don Doko Don Don (Repeat)
Resources
Resources
Courses in Beta
Courses in Beta
Kadon Online Course (paid) with Shoji Kameda (Free Lesson on Youtube)
Asano Taiko US Course with Yuta Kato (Free Lesson on Youtube)
3 Stretches for Beta Playing with Vivian Lee, Physical Therapist
Where to Buy Bachi
Where to Buy Bachi
Chudaiko Maple bachi (lighter) for practice. If you prefer heavier bachi, Chudaiko Oak bachi are also an option. Recommended bachi length is length from your elbow to end of middle finger.
Want to play more taiko?
Want to play more taiko?
Queer Taiko- led by Kristy Aki Oshiro (they/them). A multi-cultural and intergenerational group of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies committed to building trans and queer community, representation and visibility through taiko. Based in Oakland, the group meets on Friday nights and is always accepting new members and drop ins. No experience is necessary for most events. Sign up via Meetup.
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