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Left-handed people often have to adapt to a world designed for right-handers. While there are now some tools and accessories for left-handers\u2014like scissors or notebooks\u2014they\u2019re still not the standard. In a typical office kitchen, for example, you can be almost certain that the scissors in the drawer are made for right-handed use. Right-handed people rarely notice these everyday obstacles. <\/p>\n
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But why should one conform to this norm in leisure activities?
In many cases, a shamisen can simply be converted for left-handed playing. If the instrument doesn\u2019t have an Azuma Sawari, it only requires a few straightforward steps that can be done at home: <\/p>\n
1. Adjust the Kamigoma and Sawari
2. Re-string the instrument\u2014drill new peg holes if necessary
3. Move the d\u014dkake to the other side<\/p>\n
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One common question I want to address first: Is this allowed?
\nMy clear answer: With your own instrument, you can ultimately do what you want. However, if you want to join a traditional ensemble in Japan, a left-handed shamisen might stand out, especially on stage. Personally, I haven\u2019t had that experience, so I can only speculate or rely on conversations with players in Japan.
One thing I know for sure: I wouldn\u2019t enjoy playing right-handed if I were left-handed (except as a fun challenge). Likewise, I don\u2019t see why a left-hander should have to play right-handed. My personal stance is simple: everything is optional\u2014nothing is mandatory.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The Kamigoma is the small golden bridge at the Tenjin, guiding the strings onto the fingerboard. It usually has a groove or indentation on the left side for the thick string. Since we\u2019re moving the thick string to the other side, the Kamigoma also needs to be adapted so the characteristic buzzing (Sawari) remains audible.
You can carefully saw and file a brass Kamigoma with some patience. The easiest approach is to remove the existing Kamigoma (lifting it gently with a small knife) and use it as a template. This is by far the most labor-intensive step. If anyone needs detailed guidance here, feel free to email me.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The middle string (Ni no Ito) stays in place. The two outer strings\u2014Ichi no Ito and San no Ito\u2014swap sides. Even though the strings remain on the pegs they were originally on, this step can be tricky if they get tangled during the swap.
To avoid complications, it\u2019s easiest to completely unwind the outer strings from the pegs. On the Neo, loosen the strings and reattach them in their new positions.
To ensure the strings have enough slack when rewound, I recommend drilling new holes in the corresponding pegs. The new hole should ideally not be on the side where the string will eventually rest. The simplest method is to mark the new hole location with a pencil while the peg is still in the Tenjin. Then remove the peg and create a small indentation at the mark with a nail or center punch, giving the drill bit a secure starting point. The peg can then be fixed in a jig for drilling, or placed back in the Tenjin to drill the hole in position. Always start with the smallest drill bit to prevent splintering or cracking the wood, and gradually enlarge the hole until the string fits.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Before restringing, move the D\u014dkake to the other side. The D\u014dkake always goes on the side of the D\u014d where the thick string points. If a self-adhesive D\u014dgomu is attached, it must be removed first so the D\u014dkake sits properly.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
With a simple Kamigoma, the Sawari is produced by lowering the thick string. The groove in the Kamigoma alone is usually insufficient; an additional notch in the wood is needed.
This is easiest with a fine triangular file. Place the file close to the pegbox and remove a small amount of wood at a shallow angle toward the fingerboard. Work slowly and carefully, checking progress by tightening the thick string and tuning it to C. Once you start hearing the characteristic buzz, you can file a little more to enhance the Sawari.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Not everyone uses a self-adhesive rubber pad. If you\u2019re using a loose rubber mat, you can skip this step entirely. Installing the D\u014dgomu is quick and straightforward.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
If you use position markers, they must also be moved to the opposite side of the neck. A Fujakustrip generally cannot be reused. You\u2019ll need a new strip or can place individual markers instead. One downside of a pre-made strip for a left-handed shamisen is that the numbers will be upside down.[\/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” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(12,53,124,0.58)” divider_weight=”3px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”19px|||||” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”34px||64px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_font_size=”23px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Watch the video here:<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/TblKlam-Npw” thumbnail_overlay_color=”rgba(40,122,135,0.75)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”88%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Left-handed people face many challenges in our right-hand-dominated world. So, can a shamisen be converted for left-handed use? I\u2019m happy to report that most shamisen can be easily adapted for left-handed playing. Here\u2019s how you can do it at home. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2295,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[84],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shami-life-hacks"],"yoast_head":"\n