Intro to Shamisen

Get an introduction to shamisen with Sumie Kaneko. In this course Sumie teaches us the basics of how to put together a shamisen, how to tune the instrument, read shamisen music and get a good sound. She then gets into the different nuances that make shamisen a special instrument and applies it to our first shamisen piece: Sakura Sakura.

Course Resources

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Course Lessons

Lesson 1 – Shamisen is a Small Taiko

In this lesson Sumie introduces the shamisen, explains why she thinks it’s like a small taiko and explains the different...

Lesson 2 – Assembling the Shamisen

In this lesson Sumie demonstrates how to assemble and string the shamisen.

Lesson 3 – Koma and Sawari

In this lesson Sumie demonstrates how to place the koma and how to get good sawari (buzzing resonance) with her...

Lesson 4 – Bachi and Tuning

In this lesson Sumie talks about the three tunings used with Shamisen and demonstrates how to hold and play the...

Lesson 5 – Sakura Sakura

In this lesson Sumie teaches us how to play Sakura Sakura on the shamisen.

Lesson 6 – Three Colors

In this lesson Sumie demonstrates the different nuanced techniques that are used with shamisen.

Lesson 7 – Disassembly and Maintenance

In this lesson Sumie shows you how to take apart, store, and maintain your Shamisen.