nekase-uchi : The moment of attack, the angle between taiko's face and bachi(stick) is close to 0 degrees.
tatete-uchi : The moment of attack, the angle between taiko's face and bachi(stick) is close to 90 degrees.
First of all, I have to say I am not saying your play style is wrong, even if you do 'nekase-uchi' when you play taiko. I am writing this very nervously, because most of taiko player from professional to amateur seem to play it by 'nekase-uchi'.
Do 'tatete-uchi', I have been coached from my master from beginning.
Depending on style and music, nobody say which 'nekase-uchi' or 'tatete-uchi' better is, but I think 'tetete-uchi' is rational for making sound, and the way you feel less physical stress, especially on your wrists.
Because of playing taiko long time, player got wrist pain or sever inflamed of wrists , I have heard often. I think 'nekase-uchi' might cause such sympton.
Meanwhile, I and my friends who is doing 'tatete-uchi' sytle have not gotten such experience for almost 10 years.
'Tatete-uchi' allows you make taiko's variable sounds, anyway.
With Tatete-uchi, bachi attacks pinpoint on face of taiko and can make sharp(keen?) sounds according with your handling such as swinging and hitting of the play.
Let's try as much as you are forgiven with your master and the traditional style that you are learning.
'Tatete-uchi' might be little bit difficult until you got used to it, but there are variable things, if you grab!
