Taiko Performance

There are four different styles of Taiko performance.

(a) Multi-drum, multi-player (複式複打法) It is also called Kumitaiko (組太鼓). Two or more drummers play more than one type of Taiko. This style of performance is popular nowadays.

(b) Multi-drum, one player (複式単打法) One drummer plays more than one type of Taiko.

(c) One drum, multi-player (単式複打法) Two or more drummers play only one type of Taiko.

(d) One drum, one player (単式単打法) One drummer plays only one type of Taiko.

Taiko ensembles

Taiko ensembles are groups that are nearly completely drum instruments, with a couple of exceptions. Each from the drums plays a very specific role to the overall aspect of the ensemble. Of the many different styles and shapes of Taiko drums, the most common drum found in an ensemble would likely be the nagado-daiko.

Drums are not the only instruments played in the ensemble. They also incorporate a wide variety of other Japanese instruments to their ensembles. Common string instruments found with many different Taiko groups would be the biwa, koto, and the shamisen. Of the woodwinds used, the bamboo flutes known as the shakuhachi and the shinobue are popular items.

Elements of Basic Taiko Rhythms

From the earlier years of the more simplistic Taiko rhythms, to the complex bastions of modern performance groups like kodo, a more basic look at the framework of these rhythms. The most common rhythm seen in a Taiko performance would is called ju-ichi. The ju-ichi is somewhat of a bouncing beat that is similar to what you might expect to hear from a riding jazz symbol. Another rhythm that is typically played on top of the ju-ichi rhythm is o-uchi. The o-uchi is essentially the phrasing of the combinations of rhythms, like the ju-ichi for instance. This phrasing is considered to be more natural when counted in eight beats than the traditional four that we’re used to. This also allows the Taiko players to syncopate their sticking to do more interesting things within these rhythms as well.

The last element of many Taiko performances is the kakegoe. The kakegoe is simply a verbal shout that takes place at a precise time during the performance. In the martial arts realm, they use a similar style shout called a ki-ai. However, there is a great difference between the kakegoe and the ki-ai. The ki-ai is more of a spontaneous action, where the kakegoe is placed in a specific place and time. It is typically used to mark a change in the beat or tempo, and can be used for a variety of other transitions. Another common placement of the kakegoe is the call and response method that is used in countless other music and cultures.

Even from its early beginnings on the battlefields of Japan, Taiko has always been a powerful dynamic of the Japanese culture. Now that Taiko has made it across the oceans to places all over the world, audiences can see the dedication and depth the performers provide on the stage.

Uses of the taiko in warfare

In feudal Japan, taiko were often used to motivate troops, to help set a marching pace, and to call out orders or announcements. Approaching or entering a battle, the taiko yaku (drummer) was responsible for setting the marching pace, usually with six paces per beat of the drum (beat-2-3-4-5-6, beat-2-3-4-5-6).

According to one of the historical chronicles (the Gunji Yoshu), nine sets of five beats would summon an ally to battle, while nine sets of three beats, sped up three or four times is the call to advance and pursue an enemy.