How do you arrange a piece for shamisen? What if you get stuck? Is it something you can learn? All good questions that you’ll eventually ask yourself. I’ve summarized the answers in this article!
Tension in the shoulders and back is a common issue among shamisen beginners. When focusing on so many new techniques at once, the body tends to join the brain in tensing up in solidarity. Luckily, a few simple exercises can quickly bring relief.
Anyone who’s ever forgotten their yubisuri while playing shamisen knows that it’s just not the same without it. Yubisuri can be made in various ways, and this simple elastic-band version is perfect for those who usually shy away from crafts.
Chōshiawase is a fascinating feature of Tsugaru Shamisen performance: tuning the instrument right before a piece begins, and making that process part of the performance itself. There are rules, but also freedoms, and if you want to give it a try yourself, it’s good to know both.
