Because the shakuhachi has only five tone holes (finger holes), in order to play the Miyako-bushi scale (a Japanese scale), a seven-tone scale or a twelve-tone scale, it is necessary to use techniques referred to as "meri" and "kari," involving the covering half of a tone hole and the adjusting of the angle of ones embouchure, to produce sharp or flat tones.
尺八は音孔（指孔）が5個しか存在しないため、都節音階、7音音階や12半音を出すために手孔を半開したり、メリ、カリと呼ばれる技法を多用する。