The shamisen , also known as sangen or samisen (all meaning "three strings"), is a three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument derived from the Chinese instrument sanxian. It is played with a plectrum called a bachi.

Aug 21, 2024 · Here’s a list of 7 famous Japanese Stringed Instruments you should know! Shamisen literally means “three strings” in Japanese. The instrument is believed to have been brought into Japan during the Edo period (1603 – 1868) via …

Apr 2, 2021 · The shamisen is a stringed instrument and one of the traditional musical instruments of Japan. It comprises a wooden body covered with animal or synthetic skin and a long neck on which strings...

May 6, 2021 · Shamisen. This Japanese instrument has a basic form similar to that of the banjo, with three strings that are plucked with a large pick called a bachi. The neck is designed to allow the lower string to connect with the fingerboard, creating a unique buzzing sound when played, known as sawari. The shamisen has a relatively short history in Japan.

Jun 8, 2024 · What is the Japanese 4 string instrument? The Japanese 4-string instrument is called the shamisen. It is a traditional Japanese musical instrument with a long neck and a small, rectangular body covered in skin.

Sep 9, 2024 · The sanxian, meaning "three strings," was introduced to the Ryukyu Kingdom (present-day Okinawa) and evolved into the sanshin. From there, it made its way to Japan and developed into the shamisen as we know it today.

Strings: The 3 strings of the Shamisen are made of silk or nylon. The thickest string, known as “dou,” provides the lowest note, while the thinner strings, called “ni” and “san,” provide higher notes. Plectrum (Bachi): The plectrum used to play the Shamisen is called “bachi.”

Mar 5, 2025 · The Shamisen in Contemporary Music. Though its sound has traversed over many centuries, the shamisen has changed little. One of its distinctive elements is the sawari, a unique resonance produced when the lowest string vibrates lightly against the neck.Unlike Western instruments which favor complex melodies, the shamisen focuses on pure expressiveness with a limited number of notes, and does ...

Jul 16, 2024 · The shamisen's three strings, typically made of silk or nylon, are plucked with a large plectrum called a bachi. This unique construction allows for a wide range of sounds and techniques, ranging from delicate fingerpicking to robust strumming, making it versatile in …

Shamisen is categorized into the "Lute-family" instrument, has long neck, three strings, and no frets. The neck is connected into the body, which covered with stretched skin of dogs or cats.