Audio Examples of Selected Songs
Most of these songs are standards in the Tsugaru repertoire, with some classic Japanese folk songs as well. Notation for songs with the * are included in the book Shamisen of Japan.
Note: Folk songs often have multiple versions (slightly different melodies). Years after writing Shamisen of Japan, I’ve grown to like some other versions and have recorded those. Thus, don’t be concerned if some recordings differ from the notation. Notation should only be used as a stepping stone to learning the basic melody of a song, not to be rigidly conformed to.
(Pieces arranged in order of difficulty, from easiest to hardest.)
Sakura Sakura
Kokiriko Bushi
Konpira Fune Fune
Hanagasa Ondo
* Kuroishi Yosare Bushi
* Tsugaru Jinku
* Ringo Bushi
* Tosa no Sunayama
* Kase no Yakko Odori
* Yasaburo Bushi
* Ajigasawa Jinku
Donan Kudoki
* Rokudan – Part 1
* Rokudan – Part 2
* Rokudan – Part 3
* Rokudan – Part 4
* Rokudan – Part 5
* Rokudan – Part 6
* Tsugaru Aiya Bush
Tsugaru Tanto Bushi
* Tsugaru Jonkara Bushi (kyuu)
* Tsugaru Jonkara Bushi (shin)
* Akita Nikata Bushi
* Tsugaru Yosare Bushi
* Tsugaru Ohara Bushi
* Tsugaru Sansagari
Tsugaru Ondo
Tsugaru Shiogama Jinku
Tsugaru Waiha Bushi
Tsugaru Bayashi
Tanabe Oshimako Bushi
Tsugaru Gannin Bushi
Tsugaru Shiogama Ohara Bushi