Keep Your Shamisen Secure – Even in Flowing Clothes

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Shami-Life-Hacks

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No matter what you’re wearing – casual, formal, or traditional kimono – slippery fabrics can make your shamisen slide while playing. A simple trick lets you hold your instrument steady and play with ease.

When Things are just Too Slippery

Whether it’s loose pants, a flowing skirt, glamorous attire, or even a kimono – smooth fabrics often make relaxed playing difficult: the shamisen constantly slips off the leg despite an anti-slip mat. Wide cuts and flowing materials have the downside that either the shamisen itself slides, or the fabric and instrument glide together across the leg – with the same result: uncomfortable playing. The most obvious fix might be to simply change clothes. But there’s a much easier trick that lets you play comfortably again in any outfit, in seconds.

The Little Helper in a Pinch

All you need is a grippy cloth. I usually use my cleaning cloth because I always have it handy when playing anyway. But a kitchen towel or a cloth napkin will work just as well. The short version (cleaning cloth/napkin) is suitable for slippery pants. For skirts, dresses, and other garments where the fabric extends over both legs in one piece, you’ll need a longer cloth, like a Japanese Tenugui or a kitchen towel.

The principle is the same: We cover the leg where the shamisen will rest with an additional layer of non-slip fabric.

You usually always have the Tsuyafukin handy. Otherwise, a cloth napkin will also do.

The versatile Tenugui can also be very useful in this situation. Alternatively, a kitchen towel is very suitable.

Option 1: The Short Cloth

For pants, tuck the short end of the cloth from the inside under the thigh where the shamisen will rest. Then, let the long end drape loosely over your leg. Now you can simply place the shamisen as usual, and it will be as comfortable as with the grippiest pants ever.

Simply tuck the edge from the inside under your thigh and lay it over your leg.

With this quick trick, you’re ready to start playing!

Option 2: The Long Cloth

For all garments where the fabric stretches over both legs, take a slightly longer cloth and tuck the short side under the outside of the leg where the shamisen will not rest. The cloth is then laid over both legs and drapes down on the other side. Place the shamisen and start playing!