Music and sound effects played behind the Kuromisu (black bamboo curtain) on the Shimote (stage right): this is also called Geza-ongaku. The musicians cannot be seen from audience seats. Music and sound effects appropriate to each scene are played here, assisting the progress of stage performances.

Shosa-ongaku is played on stage, and is directly related to actor's performances. Shosa-ongaku includes the Takemoto narration for Gidayu-kyogen, and the Nagauta, Tokiwazu and Kiyomoto music played as the accompaniment for Shosagoto or Buyo (dance plays).

Ki & Tsuke are distinctive sound expressions that cannot be classified in the above two categories. Two pieces of oak wood cut in square section are used. When the 2 pieces are struck against each other they produce the Ki sound, and when the 2 pieces are struck against a hardwood board they produce the Tsuke sound. Ki and Tsuke are used for different scenes and purposes.