Everything you need to know about the Shamisen!
How to Tune the Shamisen
Being a folk instrument, the shamisen is very easy for people to pick up and learn how to play (assuming they allow time to get accustomed to the large plectrum and the whole fretless thing). However, in the beginning, one major difficulty is understanding how the shamisen is tuned. [...]
Vintage Tone (Natural Skin)
Recently, huge shifts have been occurring in the shamisen manufacturing society as the use of a certain traditional material is unable to continue. While many shamisen players and makers bemoan this change, I think it is a pivotal moment for the future of shamisen. First, let’s set up some [...]
Make Your Own Kamigoma!
The standard kamigoma (metal nut) is a thin piece of brass (or such material) set under the two thinner strings to make them resonate clearly. If you have acquired an old shamisen through Ebay or family, there’s a chance it’s missing the kamigoma. This often occurs because the old [...]
Perks of Posture
What do you need to level up your tone and abilities? Perhaps a new flexible bachi, or a freshly reskinned dou? How about something free and immediately implementable? Posture! If you’re like me, you probably haven’t put much importance into proper posture. After all, wielding that giant putty knife [...]
Can Left Handers Play Shamisen?
Since establishing Bachido in 2011, one common yet specific question I receive is, “Can I play shamisen as a left-hander, or is right-handed the only way?”. Before I answer that question, I’d like to give my feelings about the general principle. Bear with me. It won’t take long! [...]
Concept of Flavors
Back in 2015, my friend Adrian and I led regular group lessons in San Jose California. Our group played some Minyo (Japanese folk songs), and we added solo parts in-between verses to let students build their improvisational skills. Our group lesson practicing Mike Penny’s Chop Builder! Recently, [...]