With respect to the movements of the player, if the player pulls back and down (withdraws) the point on which the shakuhachi rests (point on the lower jaw between the chin and lower lip), a meri effect is produced, and if the player extends the lower jaw, a kari effect is produced.
奏者の動作としては楽器と下顎（下唇よりやや下）との接点を支点にして顎を引く（沈める）と「メリ」になり、顎を浮かせると「カリ」になる。