Shamisen Japanese Traditional Musical Instrument History and Technique Guide Tutorial

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese musical instrument known for its distinctive sound and versatility in various cultural contexts. Originating from China, the shamisen has evolved over centuries to become an integral part of Japanese music and theater.

History of the Shamisen

The shamisen's roots trace back to ancient China, where a similar instrument called the sanxian was popular. The sanxian, meaning "three strings," was introduced to the Ryukyu Kingdom (present-day Okinawa) and evolved into the sanshin. From there, it made its way to Japan and developed into the shamisen as we know it today.

The shamisen was first introduced to Japan through the Ryukyu Kingdom around the 16th century. Initially associated with street performers and geishas, it was regarded as an instrument of the lower classes. However, its popularity grew significantly during the Edo period, especially in kabuki theater and bunraku puppet performances.

Types of Shamisen

There are several types of shamisen, distinguished primarily by the width of the neck:

• Futozao: This type has a wide neck and is used for music from the Tsugaru region or for gidayu dramatic recitations.
• Chūzao: With a medium-wide neck, this type is mainly used to accompany jiuta and minyō folk songs.
• Hosozao: Featuring a narrow neck, this type is used in traditional music, including nagauta (kabuki music) and zoku’uta (traditional folk music).

Construction and Materials

The shamisen is a stringed instrument with a wooden body traditionally covered with animal skin, such as cat or dog skin, although synthetic materials are now commonly used for ethical reasons.

• Body (Do): The body of the shamisen is a hollow box, typically covered with cat or dog skin, but modern versions may use synthetic materials.
• Neck (Sao): The neck can be divided into three or sometimes four parts and features three giant pegs for tuning, which are now made of plastic or wood instead of ivory.
• Strings: The strings are made of silk, but nylon has become popular in recent times. They stretch from the pegs down the neck, over the body, where they are raised by a bridge called a koma.

Playing Technique

The shamisen is played using a plectrum called a bachi, which is used to pluck the strings. Here are some key aspects of playing the shamisen:

• Bachi: The bachi is an epic-looking guitar pick used to pluck the strings. It is typically made of wood or plastic.
• Sawari: A unique feature of the shamisen is the intentional setting of the lowest sounding string to buzz, known as "sawari." This creates a distinctive buzzing sound.
• Tuning: The shamisen has only three major tunings, yet it can create a different atmosphere for each musical piece.

Musical Genres and Uses

The shamisen is versatile and has been incorporated into various musical genres and performances:

• Kabuki and Bunraku: The shamisen is a principal instrument in kabuki theater and bunraku puppet performances, providing background music and accompanying narrators.
• Geisha Music: Geishas traditionally played the shamisen and sang short songs called kouta, which are very short and generate a new atmosphere with each piece.
• Folk and Contemporary Music: The shamisen is used in folk music and has been incorporated into contemporary genres such as rock and jazz.

Modern Adaptations and Innovations

The shamisen continues to evolve and adapt to modern musical styles:

• School Education: Traditional Japanese instruments, including the shamisen, have become part of compulsory music study in schools, making them familiar to Japanese school children.
• Rock and Fusion Music: The shamisen has been combined with rock music and other genres, showcasing its versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles.

Notable Styles and Players

Several styles and notable players have contributed to the shamisen's popularity:

• Tsugaru-Jamisen: This style, popularized by the Yoshida Brothers, is known for its energetic and aggressive playing style.
• Nagauta: This genre started as a simple lyrical style but developed into complex storytelling similar to biwa storytelling culture.
• Joruri and Kake Ai: These styles are used in bunraku and kabuki theater, respectively.

The shamisen's rich history, unique construction, and versatile playing techniques make it a fascinating instrument that continues to captivate audiences both in Japan and around the world.