Shō (instrument)

The shō (笙) is a Japanese free reed musical instrument that was introduced from China during the Nara period (710–794 CE). It is one of the three primary wind instruments used in gagaku, the ancient court music of Japan, alongside the hichiriki (a double-reed pipe) and the ryūteki (a transverse flute).

The instrument is constructed of 17 bamboo pipes, each of which is fitted with a metal free reed at its base. The pipes are inserted into a windchest (called the kashira) lacquered with black. Two of the pipes are silent. The player blows air into the windchest and activates the reeds by covering holes on the pipes with their fingers. Different combinations of fingerings produce different chords.

The shō is used to play sustained chords that accompany the melody instruments in gagaku. Its sound is often described as ethereal and evocative. The instrument is also used in some modern compositions. Skilled players can produce a wide range of timbres and textures, creating complex and nuanced musical landscapes. The visual aesthetic of the shō is also important, and the instrument is carefully crafted and maintained.