What is it Like to Play the Japanese Shamisen?

This is a Japanese Tsugaru Shamisen, and today I am sharing what it is like to play it. I got my start 8 years ago under a duo known as The Yoshida Brothers, and today I want to share with you a bit of Shamisen playing and a few tips on how and where and how to get started for anyone interested.

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SHAMIBOY REPLACEMENT (full set with plectrum!):

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LEARN:
For anyone interested in learning Shamisen, we have started up a system to each everything from the basics and care, to Shamisen songs, and music!

Unfortunately Komatsukya is no longer accepting orders (so I have linked a replacement above)
Shamisen Komatsuya [English Page]

Shamisen Playlist

And here it is,

the doorway to a brand new adventure just for us...
The Tokyo Lens Patreon Adventure:

Come hang out on Instagram!

*******THE TOKYO LENS PRINTS AND MORE*******

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THE GEAR I USE [2019 Updated]
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SUBTITLE SUBMISSIONS

[TokyoLens]

I know it took a while to do this video. Thank you so much for waiting~
*FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LEARN:*
For anyone interested in learning Shamisen, we have started up a system to each everything from the basics and care, to Shamisen songs, and music! The BEST Place to learn:

[slap_my_hand]

So you're telling me the japanese were shredding in the 16th century?

[rikustorm]

Kabuki actors:
Shamisen players: *start shredding*

[SmallBlogV]

I like how every Shamisen piece sounds like an electric guitar solo with the amp unplugged.

[Junglehunter]

Him: shreds the shamisen
Neighbors: why are there yokai in my house

[marcoesposito]

I showed this to a lizard, now he's a dragon.

[CopperKid_CDN]

I play guitar, and just the sound of this instrument is different in such an amazing way I love the plucky ness of it and the purity of the sound

[kayokotosaka]

You are a good shamisen player.
I’m a Japanese.
I don't speak English．
sorry.

[enr]

I love how part of playing the instrument is physical grunts. It makes it so much cooler and so much more enthusiastic:

[likkha]

*Watches Mashiro no Oto*


YouTube Algorithm: I see you are ready

[gerardmourits]

That is definitely not a pick you toss into the crowd at the end of a gig.

[mangoshake]

2:35 I thought you were gonna troll us with Smoke on the Water lol

[k-lukawaii]

I absolutely love the sound of the Shamisen. They and Maiko are what drew me to Japanese culture initially.

[tylerrussell]

Still think it's amazing how most parts of the world managed to develop such a similar style of instrument while maintaining individuality between them

[はやて-ys]

Hi, I’m 🇯🇵!
Thank you for reporting Japanese culture!!
I’m happy about that as Japanese person .
I was interested in your performance.
I’m sorry that my English is so bad..
Arigatou!
ありがとう！！

[teokakashi]

Kamashi is the japanese thunderstruck.

[deeranfoxworthy]

I don't think Rob Scallon has done the shamisen yet. I think he's done the koto but it'd be epic to see a collab between you two!

[CedZii]

Can't believe i've never heard of this goosebump inducing instrument before, makes me want to try it out but never played any instrument before

[akd]

With that kind of background music, it lead to A Badass Anime Fight scene .

[JZHFN]

Omg you're exactly the last samurai!!!
As a Japanese, I'm proud of you and your tireless efforts. Thanks for loving our country's spirit.