津軽じょんがら節
津轻三味线传统Hard plectrum attacks, rapid repetition and improvised ornament are easy to identify.
SINSTRUMENT · KNOWLEDGE GUIDE
Shamisen
A large plectrum strikes the strings with a dry, percussive attack.
- Instrument family
- Strings
- Origin
- Japan, sixteenth century; developed through instruments including the Ryukyuan sanshin
- Related genres
- 1
ORIGIN
Where does it come from?
Three strings are struck with a large plectrum that can also hit the skin-covered body, combining melody and percussion.
ROLE IN ARRANGEMENT
What does it do in an arrangement?
It joins rhythm and melody in Japanese narrative, folk and contemporary hybrid settings.
Plectrum attackSlidesRhythmic patterns
COMMON USES
Where will you hear it?
Used in kabuki, bunraku, folk song, Tsugaru traditions and modern crossover work.
LISTENING EXAMPLES
Recordings and repertoire to recognize
COMMON GENRES
Common in these genres
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