One of the things I found rather surprising is that there are few English online resources dealing with actually learning to play the shamisen or sangen. The instrument is well over four hundred years-old and yet English translations of tablature, songs, etc. are almost non-existent.
There are a few online resources that are posted by Japanese individuals but the translation sometimes needs a little work. Some web sites offer video demonstrations showing positioning and technique, but these online lessons usually stop after eight sessions or even sooner.
No English online resources deal with Japanese musical tablature and how to read it. After all, most of the music written for the sangen is in Japanese tablature and language--especially the more structured forms like jiuta as compared to the more freewheeling, street type, interpretive shamisen music like tsugaru (think opera music versus bluegrass).
I'm going to attempt to remedy the situation the best I can. I want this blog to be a resource for those who want to learn to play the sangen but perhaps do not have the fortune, like I did, to find a teacher.
A cautionary note at this point is advised: I do not recommend you attempt to learn the sangen without the direction of an instructor. The different instrument sizes, multitude of playing styles, posture, sangen position, hand positioning, and having to learn Japanese musical notation is difficult to say the least. Without constant correction and guidance, the task at hand would become exceedingly difficult as self-taught bad habits become permanent ones.
However, having said that, I was going to attempt to do just that--teach myself the shamisen. In finding so little online, English resources to call upon to at least guide a beginner in the sangen, I feel an obligation to remedy the situation as best I can.
This will be a work in progress. Constant revisions will take place as I learn new information, techniques, and tablature notation. If you have feedback or questions, please don't hesitate to comment or email me.
I will give every effort to give you correct information. If there are errors, I would chalk them up to how my instructor teaches, the instructor's suggestions as to the method of playing or technique, or my own weakness in interpreting what is being taught. Note that teachers of the instrument can disagree about technique or playing style with neither of them being incorrect.
With that in mind, if you want to follow the journey with me, turn to the Lessons Page Tab and begin. Please note that what is posted there regarding Japanese music tablature (as compared to my own comments and notations) is copyrighted material and can ONLY be used for personal, educational purposes as allowed under the Fair Use doctrine as contained in current copyright law of the United States. Reproduction of any copyrighted material contained within this blog for commercial use is strictly prohibited. It can be used only for non-commercial, nonprofit, educational purposes.
Please remember that as you take the lessons, you read the notes beginning at the top right, moving down the page (each block is a measure). When you reach the bottom, move up to the top again, moving left one line. Right to left, top to bottom.
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ReplyDeleteOut of curiousity, what is the difference between Jiuta, Tsubaru(?), and the other type? And how does one tell the difference?
ReplyDeleteI'm looking into learning but I don't know which one I got (off etsy, its an antique shamisen) and would appreciate help haha
Kaila,
DeleteIt's mostly a style of playing rather than the instrument itself. Tsugaru is one of some 15 styles of playing the sangen or shamisen. However, there is also a particular shamisen that is often used when playing that style. Look up the article Tsugaru-jamisen in Wikipedia for a fuller explanation.
Jiuta is one of those styles of playing the sangen. It is one of the more traditional styles often played by geishas. Tsugaru, as a style, is street music. It is played very fast and rhythmic using lots of percussion effects on the drum. Jiuta is much slower and quieter; no pounding on the drum.
Many people choose Tsugaru because it lends itself better to Western musical styles. I chose Jiuta because I wanted to play strictly Japanese music on the instrument.