{"id":2745,"date":"2025-09-13T03:18:24","date_gmt":"2025-09-13T03:18:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shamisen-zentrale.de\/glossary\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T22:21:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T22:21:24","slug":"glossary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/shamisen-zentrale.de\/en\/glossary\/","title":{"rendered":"GLOSSARY"},"content":{"rendered":"

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GLOSSARY<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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The ultimate glossary for shamisen.<\/h3>\n
This glossary provides a detailed overview of all shamisen-related terms: techniques, components, genres, theory – everything is here. A practical learning tool that makes it easier to navigate lessons, online resources, and discussions. <\/div>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

This is how it works<\/strong><\/div>\n
Click on a letter in the overview to jump directly to the corresponding section. Individual entries can be expanded using the arrow button on the right side of the entry. <\/div>\n
Each entry has the Japanese term in romaji<\/em> (transliteration into the Latin alphabet) as the heading, followed by the term in kanji<\/em> and then in hiragana<\/em>. Below that is the category (e.g., “Genre” or “Component”), followed by a brief explanation. <\/div>\n
If there’s additional content about the term, the link appears at the end of the glossary entry.<\/div>\n
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A<\/a> | B<\/a> | C<\/a> | D<\/a> | E<\/a> | F<\/a> | G<\/a> | H<\/a> | I<\/a> | J<\/a> | K<\/a> | L<\/a> | M<\/a> | N<\/a> | O<\/a> | P<\/a> | R<\/a> | S<\/a> | T<\/a> | U<\/a> | W<\/a> | Y<\/a> | Z<\/a><\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_id=”A” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-56px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”|||1px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Ayasugi” module_id=”ayasugi” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u7dbe\u6749\u80f4 | \u3042\u3084\u3059\u304e<\/pre>\n
Intricate herringbone pattern carving inside the d\u014d<\/a> (body) to enhance sound. <\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Azuma Sawari” module_id=”azuma-sawari” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ body_line_height=”0.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u6771\u3055\u308f\u308a | \u3042\u3065\u307e\u3055\u308f\u308a<\/pre>\n
Part | Adjustable buzzing mechanism for shamisen.<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
 <\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_id=”B” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-56px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”|||1px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
B<\/strong><\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Bachi” module_id=”bachi” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u64a5 | \u3070\u3061<\/pre>\n
Accessory | Plectrum for playing the shamisen. Depending on the style, the strings are either plucked or struck percussively along with the skin. Size and material vary according to the genre.<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bachi no Ha” module_id=”bachi-no-ha” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u64a5\u306e\u5203 | \u3070\u3061\u306e\u306f<\/pre>\n
Parts | Long, flat edge that forms the tip of the bachi<\/a> blade. Thickness varies by genre\/style: particularly thin on nagauta<\/a> bachi, particularly thick on giday\u016b<\/a> bachi.<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bachigawa” module_id=”bachigawa” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u64a5\u76ae | \u3070\u3061\u304c\u308f<\/pre>\n
Accessory | 
Small piece of skin or self-adhesive synthetic film used to protect the shamisen\u2019s skin (kawa<\/a>) from the bachi<\/a>. Traditionally crescent-shaped and placed under the strings near the edge of the body. On Tsugaru Shamisen<\/a>, it is rectangular and larger, extending protection toward the center of the skin.
<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bachidzuke” module_id=”bachidzuke” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u30d0\u30c1\u4ed8\u3051 | \u30d0\u30c1\u3065\u3051<\/pre>\n
Technique | A playing technique where the bachi<\/a> alternates between maebachi<\/a> (front stroke) and ushirobachi<\/a> (back stroke), creating a continuous rhythmic pattern (groove) that adds depth and orientation to the melody.<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bekk\u014d” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u9f08\u7532 | \u3079\u3063\u3053\u3046<\/pre>\n
Material | Material traditionally used for high-quality bachi<\/a>, especially tsugaru<\/a> style. The whole blade or its corners can be made from bekk\u014d<\/a>. Also used for koma<\/a> saddles.<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bunkafu” module_id=”bunkafu” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u6587\u5316\u8b5c | \u3076\u3093\u304b\u3075<\/pre>\n
Theory | Easy to read tabulature notation for shamisen. Used in Tsugaru<\/a>, Miny\u014d<\/a>, Nagauta<\/a>, Kouta<\/a>, Hauta<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
read article <\/a>| watch video<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bunraku” module_id=”bunraku” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u6587\u697d | \u3076\u3093\u3089\u304f<\/pre>\n
Genre | A traditional Japanese puppet theater accompanied by narrative j\u014druri<\/a> chanting and shamisen. The shamisen part follows the tay\u016b\u2019s vocal storytelling closely, blending dramatic expression with precise timing to enhance emotional scenes.<\/em> <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bushi” module_id=”bushi” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u7bc0 | \u3076\u3057<\/pre>\n
Theory | Component of many shamisen titles, literally meaning \u201csong.\u201d Refers to a piece characterized by a distinctive melodic figure or phrase that can be sung or played. Appears in both folk music (miny\u014d<\/a>) and classical traditions. Bushi emphasizes ornamentation, recurring motifs, and melodic structure. Unlike \u201cuta<\/a>\u201d, the term does not imply that the vocal part is dominant; rather, the focus is on the melody or musical motif itself.<\/em><\/p>\n
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C<\/strong><\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Chibukuro” module_id=”chibukuro” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u64a5 | \u3070\u3061<\/pre>\n
\n
Parts | Rounded bulge at the end of the tenjin<\/a> at the joint to the sao<\/a> (neck).<\/em><\/div>\n
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<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Chirichiri” module_id=”chirichiri” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u3061\u308a\u3061\u308a<\/pre>\n
Technique | Ornamental melodic figure. A rolling, continuous alternation of a few notes that creates a shimmering sound texture.<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Chiritara” module_id=”chiritara” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u3061\u308a\u305f\u3089<\/pre>\n
Technik | Synonym: Tsuretara<\/a>. Onomatopoetic term for a characteristic rhythmic-melodic pattern in Tsugaru Shamisen<\/a>. The classical form is 4300, played as 43\u30cf0\u30b90\u30cf. When repeated frequently, this pattern becomes a hypnotic rolling sound carpet\u2014heard in every Jongara Bushi!<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Ch\u016bzao” module_id=”chuuzao” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u4e2d\u68f9 | \u3061\u3085\u3046\u3056\u304a<\/pre>\n
Style | Shamisen with a medium neck width. Instruments for Miny\u014d<\/a> and Jiuta<\/a> are generally classified in this category. The term refers solely to the width of the neck, not to other characteristics of the instrument.<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_id=”D” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-56px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”|||1px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
D<\/strong><\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Danchigai Mizo” module_id=”danchigai-mizo” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u6bb5\u9055\u6e9d | \u3060\u3093\u3061\u304e\u307f\u305e<\/pre>\n
Parts | Stepped groove joint for nihon mizo <\/a>joints. Most advanced groove joint, with offset steps that lock neck pieces precisely. Complex to craft but highly durable and stable. Favored in professional instruments. The more simple kind is called hira mizo<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”D\u014d” module_id=”dou” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u80f4 | \u3069\u3046<\/pre>\n
\n
Parts | Body of the shamisen. Hollow wooden resonator covered with stretched skins on the front and back, producing the instrument\u2019s tone.<\/em><\/div>\n
\"Dou,
<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”D\u014dgomu” module_id=”dougomu” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u80f4\u30b4\u30e0 | \u3069\u3046\u30b4\u30e0<\/pre>\n
\n
Accessory | Rubber pad underneath the d\u014d<\/a>. Rubber mat on the lower edge of the d\u014d. Provides better grip of the instrument on the thigh while playing.<\/em><\/div>\n
\"picture
<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”D\u014dkake” module_id=”doukake” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u80f4\u639b\u3051 | \u3069\u3046\u304b\u3051<\/pre>\n
\n
Accessory | Removable, sturdy body protector. Acts as a barrier between the player\u2019s skin and the shamisen\u2019s skin. Also serves as a decorative element, giving the instrument a personalized touch.<\/em> 
<\/div>\n
\"\"
<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_id=”E” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-56px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”|||1px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
E<\/strong><\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Ebio” module_id=”ebio” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u8766\u5c3e | \u3048\u3073\u304a<\/pre>\n
Parts | The rounded shape of the endpiece on the tenjin <\/a>(head) of the shamisen. Translates literally to \u201cshrimp tail\u201d.<\/em><\/div>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”En Sawari” module_id=”en-sawari” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ac8641df-64e4-4f7f-87a9-dc93bccd4c04″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u5186\u3055\u308f\u308a | \u3048\u3093\u3055\u308f\u308a<\/pre>\n
Parts | Round variation of the azuma sawari<\/a>. The movable block is round instead of rectangular. Installation is easier and therefore cheaper than the square azuma sawari<\/a><\/em>.<\/div>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u2191<\/div>\n