About This Video Workshop

This is a hands-on course for learning tsugaru style of shamisen, so bring any shamisen you have to the computer and follow along!

Background: The goal of Bachido is to get those interested in shamisen able to play as easily and enjoyably as possible, as well as connect with other shamisen enthusiasts in their area. We hope this video will start you off on your journey with the shamisen!

Before You Start

Three important things to keep in mind so you get the most from this video.

Mimicry before understanding: Just watch what I am doing and without thinking, copy what I’m doing as close as you can. Understanding will come later.

Repeat lessons again: Tons of visual information is given, and you will miss important information if you turn your head or even if you’re fully focused.

Keep your expectations low: Don’t expect to be the best player immediately. Nobody ever got good right when they started! Enjoy playing the shamisen, and proficiency will come over time.

Four Kinds of Shamisen

• Tsugaru (futozao) – The shamisen Kyle is using in this course
• Jiuta (chuuzao)
• Nagauta (hosozao)
• Sanshin – the shamisen's ancestor instrument

All styles are acceptable. Which shamisen to play depends on personal preference and budget.

Preparing Your Shamisen

The required videos in this chapter are Holding the Bachi, Inserting the Koma, Tuning and Sawari. If you have time, a lot can be learned from watching all the videos in this chapter.

Shamisen Tableture

Melodies of shamisen pieces can be hard to remember. Using tableture can be a great way to help us memorize new melodies. Shamisen tableture is introduced here for those who would like to learn how to use it.

Tableture is not necessary for playing shamisen. If you find it difficult to understand, you don't have to use it. Just mimic what Kyle's doing as closely as you can, and you'll be fine. :-)

Watch 'Position Markers' before continuing.

Feel the Beat!

Rhythm. The most important thing in music aside from groupies!

Internally feeling the rhythm makes following tableture much easier.

Measure 1

Let's play the first measure of the Kuroishi Yosare Bushi, a great folk song from Nothern Japan. Repeat this first measure until you feel comfortable playing it by yourself. When you can comfortably play it, try it again without looking at the strings! Then, continue on.

Congratulations!

You just played the first measure!

Remember, The highest priority is to enjoy playing shamisen. Don't try to understand and don't worry about how good you sound. Learning music is a journey like learning a new language. Fluency takes time. If you get really confused, take a break and relax. But most importantly, have fun!

Measure 2

Numeral ‘III’ indicates to press string with ring finger.

Repeat this video until you feel comfortable playing it alone. In the beginning, it can be difficult to intentionally strike an individual string without accidentally hitting another. When you get comfortable with this measure, repeat it again and practice your accuracy, striking the exact string you intend to play.

Measure 1-4

Stay relaxed. Imitate as close as you can.

Repeat this video until you feel comfortable playing it by yourself.

Measure 3-6

Stay relaxed. Imitate as close as you can.

Repeat until you feel comfortable.

Measure 5-8

Stay relaxed. Imitate as close as you can.

Repetition and practice is very important, and it's much more enjoyable to play a piece you know confidently.

Measure 1-8

Now let's play all eight measures, from beginning to end. After you feel comfortable, you can try increasing the speed! On the sidebar below this chapter, click on 'Medium Speed' or 'Fast Speed' to play along with the video at a faster tempo.

As you get more and more comfortable, repeat these eight measures and try to play it with a smooth and even flow.

Practice Point

Below is a PDF of the tableture for these first eight measures of Kuroishi Yosare Bushi. At your convenience, feel free to download this PDF and print it out or view it on your screen:

Authentic timing

To make getting started easier, we used an easy, steady rhythm. If you have gotten this far, you are skilled enough to learn the real, authentic timing for this piece! Let's try measure 1 again with this new rhythm to get feeling for the swing.

If you are using a metronome to assist your rhythm, set it to 120bpm.

Measures 1-8 w/ Authentic Timing

Now, let's try playing the same eight measures, spiced with the authentic, swingy rhythm! Remember, it's a dancing folk song. Play it relaxed and bouncy!

Practice Point

At this point, you have learned to play Kuroishi Yosare Bushi with the video, and alone with the PDF. Now, please focus on memorizing the piece so you can play it without using tabelture altogether! Having the piece completely internalized will make learning new techniques much easier.