“Nagauta” (長唄) is the genre of shamisen accompaniment music developed for kabuki. Therefore, it is said that there are dozens of types of shamisen, all originating from the “sanshin” (三線).ĭuring the 17th century, “kabuki” (歌舞伎) theater and dance rose to popularity. The main features of the shamisen: “koma” (駒), “bachi” (撥) and “gen / ito” (絃), are also specific to the different styles of shamisen. For instance, “gidayu-bushi” (義太夫節) and Tsugaru folk songs use both the futozao / wide neck shamisen, however, there are distinctive differences in shape. Specific types of shamisen are utilized to perform for the specific varieties of shamisen music. “Hosozao” (細棹) / thin neck, “chuzao” (中棹) / medium neck, and “futozao” (太棹) / wide neck. The varying forms of shamisen are differentiated by the thickness of the neck. The right hand also uses pizzicato technique without the use of the plectrum.Īs a fretless instrument, a high level of skill is required to obtain the specific pitch of the notes. While the right hand is used for the plectrum to strum the strings, the plectrum is also used as a percussive technique. The “itomaki” (糸巻き) / the tuning pegs are tightened or loosened to change the tuning of the instrument. At times there are tuning changes in the middle of the song. The samisen uses specific tuning for its compositions. The sawari is one of the shamisen’s characteristic noise sounds of the instrument. The sawari produces many overtones and suspends the sounds – resulting in such distinct effects. It is vital to note that the 1st lowest string is slightly lowered creating this buzzing sound. “Sawari” (さわり), is a unique timbre of the instrument, comprised of overtones that create a “buzzing” sound. The size of the bachi depends on the type of shamisen and the music. The “bachi” (撥), is the plectrum also made out of ivory, tortoiseshell or plastic. The varying thickness of the strings is a notable distinction, as the thickness is more or less contingent upon the type of shamisen instrument. The string materials are made out of silk, nylon or tetron. There are 3 strings or “gen” / “ito” (絃). ![]() Interestingly enough, the koma is made out of various materials ranging from cow bone, ivory, tortoiseshell, bamboo or plastic. The “koma” (駒), is the bridge, placed onto the dō, where it serves to support the strings. The “dō” (胴), is the body of instrument traditionally made by using cat or dog skin, though, in recent years, artificial and synthetic materials have been utilized to this end. The assembly of the 3-part neck speaks to the extremely high skill of the shamisen master craftsman, seamlessly making it look like a single neck. There are 2 types of sao necks, one is comprised of 3 sections and the other is a single part neck. The long neck of the instrument is referred to as “sao” (棹): “hosozao” (細棹) / thin neck, “chuzao” (中棹) / medium neck, “futozao” (太棹) / wide neck.
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