Koto Sound Dictionary

Chan

Chan is a playing technique where typically two strings usually an octave apart are played simultaneously. In the standard koto tunings, the string pairs 7+2, 8+3, 9+4, 10+5, 11+6, 12+7, and 13+8 are used to create octaves. Strings 5+1 are also used to play chan, but usually these two strings are tuned to the same pitch, although string 1 is sometimes tuned an octave lower than string 5.

Sound Examples

Strings 7+2
            MP3 (175 KB)
            WAV (960 KB)
Chan technique on strings 7 and 2 (Hira tuning).

Strings 8+3
            MP3 (216 KB)
            WAV (1189 KB)
Chan technique on strings 8 and 3 (Hira tuning).

Strings 9+4
            MP3 (215 KB)
            WAV (1185 KB)
Chan technique on strings 9 and 4 (Hira tuning).

Strings 10+5
            MP3 (234 KB)
            WAV (1288 KB)
Chan technique on strings 10 and 5 (Hira tuning).

Strings 11+6
            MP3 (211 KB)
            WAV (1161 KB)
Chan technique on strings 11 and 6 (Hira tuning).

Strings 12+7
            MP3 (180 KB)
            WAV (991 KB)
Chan technique on strings 12 and 7 (Hira tuning).

Strings 13+8
            MP3 (207 KB)
            WAV (1137 KB)
Chan technique on strings 13 and 8 (Hira tuning).