shamisen tunings

Here you’ll find an overview of all shamisen tunings, with audio examples for each string in every tuning. This page helps you tune your shamisen by ear.

This is how it works:

1. Choose the tuning you want for your shamisen – Niagari, Honchōshi, or Sansagari.

2. Click the buttons under each string to hear the target pitch.

3. Tune your string to match the sound you hear.

The Play Buttons:

- “Bachi” is the sound of the string struck with the bachi (plectrum)
- “Plucked” is the sound of the string plucked with the fingers
- “Pipe” is the sound blown on the pitch pipe

Tip: Start with the first (lowest, thickest) string and tune it to the correct pitch, then move on to the second and third strings. If you’re new to tuning by ear, you can double-check afterward using a tuning app.