How To Play Bar Chords on Shamisen - quick demonstration and three-step instruction

This is a super quick demonstration of how to play bar chords. You want to shift your left hand into a position where you can pinch down your extended index finger firmly over all the strings. The thumb acts as the counterpoint that helps press the strings down.

Here's the three steps to follow :

#1 Bring your thumb to the underside of the neck (sao)
#2 Extend your index finger and angle it at 90˚ to the strings
#3 Press it down firmly to apply equal pressure on the same position on all strings.

It can feel really difficult in the beginning, but as you know by now, your fingers will grow stronger over time! So keep practicing and enjoy this cool technique and the new versatility in your shamisen play!

[kingofgames]

would you be willing to do private lessons over video chat for a beginner living in the USA? Looking for a teacher on some basics and could arrange paypal / Venmo for payment or something.