Sunday, May 31, 2009
Shamisen
The shemisen resembles a guitar, it has a long thin neck and a small rectangular body covered in skin. Its got 3 strings and the pitch is adjusted using the tuning pegs on the head, just like a guitar. The strings are seldom plucked with fingers, instead a large plectrum is used to strike the strings. the plectrum called a bachi, which was traditionally made with ivory or tortoise shell but which now is usually wooden, is in the shape likened to a ginkgo leaf.the bachi is often used to strike both string and skin, creating a highly percussive sound. This instrument is often used as accompaniment to songs of different types.
Shamisens vary in shape and size, depending on what genre the shamisen is used in.
The plectrums used to play the shamisens also differ in shape. The width of the bridge also varies between genres, and even between schools of playing.
The shamisen derives from the sanshinan which in turn evolved from the Chinese sanxian.
The shamisen can be played solo or with other shamisen, in ensembles with other Japanese instruments, with singing or accompaniment to drama. Both men and women traditionally played the shamisen.
Labels: Shamisen
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