![]() ![]() The simple mechanics and the ability to produce notes from the Western 12-note scale make it very accessible and easy to play for anyone. The players strum the strings with a pick on one hand while pressing the keys with the other hand to “fret” the notes. The Taishogoto consists of a long acoustic sound box with metal strings on top and numbered typewriter-like keys spread across its length. He later came up with the idea of combining the mechanics of conventional string instruments with typewriter-style buttons to change the notes. Morita was influenced by Western instruments. The inspiration behind this unique variation of Koto is typewriters – Yes, you heard that right! It was developed in 1912 (during the Taisho period) by Goro Morita in the city of Nagoya, hence the name “Nagoya Harp.” Taishogoto is a much more recent Japanese Stringed Instrument than some others on this list. You might find children as young as 2 years old or elders over 100 years playing the instrument. If you ever visit Okinawa, don’t forget to experience the beauty of this traditional instrument. Sanshin sounds like a banjo but has a very characteristic warm timbre to it. Besides family gatherings, weddings, festivals, the instrument has been an integral part of the Ryukyu culture, where it’s often associated with Deities and is celebrated as an instrument of legacy. The music of Japanese islands is very different from that of the Caribbean, and the Sanshin lies at the heart of Okinawan folk music. The Shamisen has a large triangular pick, whereas the Sanshin has a finger-like pick resembling a large hollow fang, which the players wear on their index fingers and pluck the strings. Another major point of difference between them is the pick. Sanshin is the national instrument of Okinawa (one of the Japanese islands) and has a body made of snakeskin, as opposed to cat or dog skin on the Shamisen. Similar to Shamisen, it bears close resemblance to the Chinese instrument Sanxian, but with apparent differences. Like Shamisen, Sanshin also means “three strings” in Japanese. However, modern players are finding their places in jazz, pop & fusion music, with some notable players being Reiko Obata, Michiyo Yagi & Miya Masaoka, among others. Traditionally, Koto has been associated with romantic music due to its soothing harp-like sound. There are variants with 17 strings (bass Koto) or even more than 20 strings which have gained popularity recently with the advancements in playing styles & the influence of Western pop music. Kotos have existed in a variety of styles and types, but the most common one uses 13 strings stretched over movable bridges & is made of Kiri wood. He is now known as the “Father of Modern Koto.” Yatsuhashi is credited for developing a new style of Koto and expanding the repertoire beyond the limited selection of songs. This changed in the 17th century when one of the court’s Koto musicians decided to teach Koto to a blind musician by the name of Yatsuhashi Kengyo. It’s fascinating the Koto remained an instrument of the Japanese Imperial Court for a long period of time since it first appeared during the Nara period (710-794). Regarded as Japan’s national instrument, the Koto is a large plucked zither similar to the Chinese Guzheng. It was even featured in the 2016 movie Kubo and the Two Strings, where the main character is seen performing in his local streets. Besides its closely-knit relationship with traditional folk music (minyo), it has evolved and adapted to suit modern styles & genres.Ĭontemporary musicians have brought more individuality & personality into their music using the Shamisen for a variety of genres from rock, bluegrass, jazz and even metal. Shamisen has been historically popular both as a solo instrument and as an accompaniment at Kabuki and Bunraku theatre performances. The instrument is played with a large triangular plectrum, called a “baichi,” which can be used to pluck the strings or hit the body to add percussive effects. It’s similar in length to a guitar neck but has no frets or fretboard.Ī distinct feature of the Shamisen is that the first two strings rest on the brass nut, but the third string runs over a cavity on the nut, which is purposefully done to create a characteristic “buzzing” timbre. The neck ( sao) consists of 3 or 4 pieces of wood perfectly fit together and houses three silk or nylon strings. On either side, stretched dog or cat skin is glued to form a drum-like body. Its body ( dō) is made from 4 pieces of hardwood joined together to form a square frame. ![]() However, the use of these skins gradually declined and was replaced with plastic. The instrument is believed to have been brought into Japan during the Edo period (1603 – 1868) via the Chinese Sanxian and Okinawan Sanshin.Īlthough both Sanxian and Sanshin used to be covered in python skin, the Japanese started using dog and cat skin for their instruments. Shamisen literally means “three strings” in Japanese. ![]()
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