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The shamisen is a traditional Japanese musical instrument resembling a guitar, with a long, narrow neck and a small, rounded body covered in skin. Its three strings are typically made of silk or nylon, stretched over a wooden bridge.
The instrument is commonly used in various genres of Japanese music, including classical, folk, and contemporary.
A person who plays the shamisen is called a “shamisen player” or “shamisenist.”
In this guide, we’ll review what the shamisen musical instrument is by examining what it sounds like, how its played, its long history, how its made and also explore some of the great music it has produced.
Search the Table of Contents or watch the video below to get started on our shamisen instrument guide.
What does the Shamisen sound like?
The shamisen produces a unique sound characterized by its bright, expressive and sharp tones. Its sound is often described as twangy, with a resonance that combines percussive and melodic elements.
How to Play the Shamisen
Playing the shamisen involves a unique technique that requires both skill and precision. To produce sound, the player plucks the strings using a plectrum called a bachi.
When the player plucks a string, it vibrates, creating sound waves that resonate within the instrument’s body.
To play the shamisen, the player holds the bachi in one hand and uses it to pluck the strings while pressing down on the strings with the other hand to change pitch. This technique allows the player to produce different notes and melodies. Additionally, the player may use techniques such as vibrato and tremolo to add expression and texture to the sound.
Different Types of Shamisen that can be Played
As well as the standard traditional shamisen instrument, there are several types of alterative shamisen that are also played. These include the tsugaru-shamisen, nagauta-shamisen, and the jiuta-shamisen.
Tsugaru-Shamisen
Known for its powerful and percussive playing style, this has a thick neck and is suitable for folk and modern music. Requires strong fingerpicking technique and may be challenging for beginners.
Jiuta-Shamisen
Used in classical Japanese music, known for its refined and lyrical playing style. Built with a medium neck size, this shamisen requires great attention to detail and mastery of traditional repertoire.
Nagauta-Shamisen:
Traditionally used in Kabuki theater and traditional Japanese music, its characterized by its delicate and melodic playing style. With a thinner instrument neck, this requires precise finger movements and attention to subtleties of expression.
Shamisen Musical Origins
The term “shamisen” originates from the Japanese words “sha” (meaning “three”) and “misu” (meaning “string”). It refers to the instrument’s characteristic feature of having three strings. Over time, the pronunciation evolved to “shamisen.”
Instrument History
| Time Period | Evolution of the Shamisen |
|---|---|
| Early Origins | The shamisen’s roots trace back to ancient Chinese instruments like the sanxian. |
| Medieval Japan | Introduced to Japan during the medieval period, the instrument underwent adaptations to suit local tastes. |
| Edo Period | In the Edo period, the shamisen evolved into its modern form, with standardization of size, shape, and strings. |
| Modern Era | In the modern era, the shamisen has seen technological advancements in materials and construction techniques. |
| Present Day | Today, the shamisen remains an integral part of Japanese music, with ongoing efforts to preserve and innovate. |
Shamisen Instrument Description
The shamisen is made up of several key parts, each contributing to its unique sound and functionality.
The body, known as the “dou,” is often crafted from paulownia wood or cherry wood, chosen for its resonance and lightweight properties.
The neck, or “sao,” is made from hardwood such as red sandalwood or ebony, providing strength and stability.
The skin covering the body, called the “tsutsuri,” is traditionally made from animal skin, such as cat or dog, though synthetic materials like plastic are used in modern instruments.
The strings, known as “ito,” were historically made from silk, but modern iterations may use nylon or other synthetic materials for durability and consistency.
The bridge, or “koma,” which supports the strings, is commonly carved from bone or ivory, although materials like plastic are also utilized.
The plectrum, or “bachi,” used to pluck the strings, can be made from various materials such as wood, plastic, or tortoiseshell.
Each component plays a crucial role in the overall construction and sound production of the shamisen, combining to create its distinctive timbre and versatility.
Famous Shamisen Players
In Japanese society, famous shamisen players hold esteemed positions, revered for their mastery of the instrument and contributions to traditional music. Listen out for the following ten great musicians.
Kinshi Tsuruta
Renowned for her virtuosic skill and traditional performances, Kinshi Tsuruta has mastered various styles of shamisen playing, captivating audiences worldwide with her expressive technique and deep musicality.
Masahiro Nitta
As a prominent figure in the contemporary shamisen scene, Masahiro Nitta is known for his innovative fusion of traditional Japanese music with modern influences, pushing the boundaries of the instrument’s capabilities and attracting a new generation of listeners.
Hidetaro Honjoh
With a career spanning decades, Hidetaro Honjoh has established himself as a leading authority in the world of shamisen music, admired for his mastery of both classical and avant-garde repertoire, earning him international acclaim and numerous awards.
Hiroshi Nitta
A versatile performer and composer, Hiroshi Nitta has gained recognition for his dynamic performances and collaborations across different musical genres, showcasing the adaptability and versatility of the shamisen on both traditional and contemporary stages.
Chikuzan Takahashi
Revered as a pioneer of Tsugaru shamisen music, Chikuzan Takahashi revolutionized the genre with his innovative techniques and emotive playing style, leaving a lasting impact on future generations of shamisen players and enthusiasts.
Masahiko Satoh
Known for his groundbreaking experiments with electronic and improvisational music, Masahiko Satoh has redefined the boundaries of traditional shamisen performance, exploring new sonic territories and expanding the instrument’s expressive potential.
Hiromitsu Agatsuma
A prodigious talent and rising star in the world of shamisen, Hiromitsu Agatsuma has gained widespread acclaim for his dynamic performances and genre-defying compositions, blending elements of rock, jazz, and traditional Japanese music with virtuosic flair.
Sumie Kaneko
Renowned for her captivating storytelling and emotive playing style, Sumie Kaneko has garnered international recognition as a shamisen virtuoso and singer-songwriter, enchanting audiences with her soulful interpretations and evocative performances.
Kevin Kmetz
A trailblazer in the realm of shamisen metal, Kevin Kmetz has gained a cult following for his electrifying performances and innovative approach to blending traditional Japanese music with heavy metal influences, earning him a reputation as a pioneer in the genre.
Yoko Nishi
Celebrated for her graceful technique and profound musicality, Yoko Nishi has established herself as one of the foremost female shamisen players of her generation, breaking barriers and inspiring others with her elegant performances and dedication to the art form.
Traditional Japanese Shamisen Music
The shamisen plays a vital role in traditional Japanese music, serving as one of the primary instruments in various classical, folk, and theater genres. Its distinctive sound and expressive capabilities have made it an essential element in preserving Japan’s deep cultural heritage and musical traditions.
Each of the following traditional shamisen tunes offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich musical heritage, spanning centuries of cultural expression and artistic innovation.
Rokudan no Shirabe
Composed by Yatsuhashi Kengyo in the early 17th century, “Rokudan no Shirabe” is one of the most famous pieces in the Tsugaru shamisen repertoire. Its serene melody and intricate rhythms showcase the technical skill and emotional depth of the shamisen.
Hachidaijuro
“Hachidaijuro” is a classical nagauta piece composed by Yamada Kengyo in the Edo period. Dating back to the 18th century, it is often performed as accompaniment to kabuki theater and traditional Japanese dance, featuring lively rhythms and dramatic melodies.
Sakura, Sakura
This traditional Japanese folk song dates back to the Edo period and is often played on the shamisen. Composed in the pentatonic scale, “Sakura, Sakura” evokes the beauty of cherry blossoms in springtime, with its simple yet poignant melody.
Midare
“Midare” is a dynamic piece in the Tsugaru shamisen repertoire, known for its fast tempo and complex rhythms. Composed in the 20th century by Takahashi Chikuzan, it showcases the virtuosic technique and improvisational skills of the shamisen player.
Yamauta
“Yamauta,” or “Mountain Song,” is a traditional min’yo folk song from the Tohoku region of Japan. Dating back centuries, it is often performed on the shamisen accompanied by vocals. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics capture the rugged beauty of Japan’s mountainous landscapes.
The Shamisen in Popular Culture
In popular culture, the shamisen has made its mark through various film and TV soundtracks, with several tunes becoming recognizable to audiences worldwide. Here are five shamisen tunes that people might recognize:
The Streets of Kyoto
This hauntingly beautiful tune is often featured in films and TV shows set in Japan, evoking the atmosphere of ancient Kyoto. Composed by traditional shamisen player Kinshi Tsuruta, it captures the essence of Japanese culture with its serene melody and evocative harmonies.
Tsugaru Jonkara Bushi
A lively and energetic piece, “Tsugaru Jonkara Bushi” is frequently heard in martial arts films and samurai dramas. Composed in the Tsugaru shamisen style, it features fast-paced rhythms and intricate fingerwork, reflecting the intensity and passion of Japanese warrior culture.
Sakura, Sakura
This traditional Japanese folk song is often used in film and TV soundtracks to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Dating back to the Edo period, “Sakura, Sakura” is composed in the pentatonic scale and is instantly recognizable for its simple yet poignant melody, symbolizing the beauty of cherry blossoms in springtime.
Shamisen Theme
Composed by renowned Japanese musician Yoko Nishi, the “Shamisen Theme” is frequently featured in anime and video game soundtracks. With its driving rhythms and dramatic chord progressions, it adds depth and emotion to epic battle scenes and intense action sequences.
Kabuki Overture
This majestic piece is often heard in films and TV shows featuring traditional Japanese theater, such as kabuki and noh dramas. Composed by Hiroshi Nitta, it captures the grandeur and theatricality of kabuki performances, with its soaring melodies and intricate ornamentation.
Instruments Similar to the Shamisen
If you’ve enjoyed reading about the shamisen musical instrument, here are four more similar instruments that are closely related to it and which we think may be of interest:
Sanshin: hailing from Okinawa, Japan. It features a snakeskin-covered body and three nylon strings, played with a plectrum like the shamisen.
Sanxian: a Chinese string instrument, also bears resemblance to the shamisen in its construction and playing style.
Banjo: originating from Africa but popularized in the Americas, featuring a round body and plucked strings.
Lute: with its pear-shaped body and fretted neck, shares similarities with the shamisen.
