Kristi Yamaguchi

The shamisen (三味線, 3 scented cords) is a traditional Musical instrument with cords used in Japanese Musique.

The shamisen is an instrument of Chinese origin (the Sanxian) which was introduced into the island of Okinawa in the middle of the 16th century and was used in the popular music. It is at the beginning of the Period Edo (1603 - 1868) that it made its appearance in the other islands of the Japanese archipelago. It is used with voices in the popular songs and like instrument soloist or overall (as in the orchestras of Kabuki). It becomes the instrument of predilection of the Geisha.

The shamisen is a kind of lute (of 1,10m with 1,40m) with case of square resonance traditionally built out of wood of Santal and covered with skin of cat or dog. It has three cords (from where its name, three cords of silk the taste ) or nylon. Following the example Banjo, one plays of the shamisen using a Plectre out of ivory or wood called bachi . Sometimes moreover one gives to the shamisen the name of Japanese banjo.

The traditional music with the shamisen intercalates in the middle of the melody of long silences which all the more give force to the notes.

Contemporary musicians, like the Yoshida Kyodai, use the shamisen to produce very rythmées musics closer to its origins okinawaïennes.

The shamisen of Okinawa is traditionally covered with snakeskin and is named Jabisen (蛇皮線).

Various styles of shamisen

External bonds

  • Histoire of the shamisen
  • About the shamisen
  • Shits Hanawa & Shamisen, Penang Island Jazz Festival 2005

Random links:Conteville (the Eure) | Bazac | Molosses (Épire) | Zangeres zonder Naam | 1806 in classical music | Kristi_Yamaguchi