The shinobue (kanji: 篠笛; also called takebue (kanji: 竹笛) in the context of Japanese traditional arts) is a Japanese transverse flute or fue that has a high-pitched sound.
Usage It is found in hayashi and nagauta ensembles, and plays important roles in noh and kabuki theatre music. It is heard in Shinto music such as kagura-den and in traditional Japanese folk songs.
Variations There are three styles: uta (song), hayashi (festival), and doremi. The uta is tuned to a Japanese variant of the shi'er lü scale, while the temperament of the hayashi vary across regions. The doremi is tuned to the western scale; hence the name.
See also Ryuteki Bamboo musical instruments
External links Syoji Yamaguchi's web site on Japanese transverse flutes (features articles on making and playing of the Shinobue and other Japanese transverse flutes: yokobue or fue) Japanese Traditional Music (archived 9 February 2008)