There are two types of sounds which initiates a four-beat-rhythm; the weaker sound that doesn't ring out (the plectrum is held and it sounds like tsukutsuku), and the louder sound that rings out (small plectrum, medium plectrum, big plectrum, or shoulder plectrum is used, and it sounds like "tenten").
音は響かせない小さな音（押さえる撥・ツクツク）と響かせる大きな音（小の撥、中の撥、大の撥、肩の撥・テンテン）の2種で、四拍子のリズムを主導する役割を担う。