Tanko Bushi originates as a work song sung by coal miners at the Miike Coal Mine, which stretched across Fukuoka prefecture and Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu.
In the early Showa period, it was arranged into a folk song, and today it is one of the classic songs for Bon Odori.
The dance is...
2025-11-14 12:00:03 +0000 UTC View Post
In this video, we have put together all the Christmas songs we have covered in past lessons. Why not start practicing now and try playing them for Christmas? Enjoy your practice!
Video featured in this lesson:
Jungle Bells 1 - Standard Version
2025-11-07 12:00:08 +0000 UTC
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Thanks for practicing Gentenkaiki with us!
This video includes two full-length play-along videos—one for the main part you practiced, and one for the other part. First, make sure you can play your part all the way through. The tuning is Niagari of C. Then try playing along with the other par...
This time, we picked phrases from Minyo (folk songs) played in Honchoshi tuning for your ear training challenge!
You may be more used to Niagari, so the Tsubo positions might feel a bit different.
It might be tricky, but give it a try and challenge yourself!
We have shared more abo...
2025-10-10 12:00:05 +0000 UTC View Post
We are excited to announce that entries for ‘2025 Learn Shamisen TAIKAI’ are now open!
This is a great chance to showcase everything you have been working on.
Just like last year, submit your performance by video.
Top entries will receive special prizes, so keep practicing and do ...
2025-10-03 12:00:10 +0000 UTC View Post
The entry period for the 2025 Shamisen competition is STARTING SOON!
This time, we have prepared 2 divisions. The performer’s choice division is beginner-friendly, so if you have been thinking about joining, this is your chance! Enjoy choosing your song and have fun practicing.
This is a lesson for Gentenkaiki, an original song by Ki&Ki.
We will go from the call-and-response section to the very end of the song.
In this part, it is not only the notes you play that matter—being able to wait and rest at the right time is also important. Be careful not to come i...
This video breaks down the key points of left-hand positioning in Tsugaru Shamisen. Clean finger form is essential for smooth, detailed technique. Let’s watch and follow along to see exactly what to focus on and how to shape your hand. Great for beginners and also for players who want to improv...
2025-09-05 12:00:04 +0000 UTC View Post
Ever wondered how we travel long distances with such a large instrument?
We Break it!! On Purpose!!
Today, we are talking about the multi-piece Shamisen. Some Tsugaru Shamisen can actually be disassembled into 3 parts!
With a multi-part Shamisen and the right case, you can bring it as...
2025-08-22 12:00:03 +0000 UTC View Post
This is a lesson for Gentenkaiki, an original song by Ki&Ki.
In this video, we will focus on one of the most technically advanced phrases in the song.
You will find many detailed techniques here—please take your time and start slow.
If it feels too difficult, try leaving out some o...
Let’s try playing Nebuta-bayashi on the Shamisen — the music performed during the Nebuta Festival. Originally played on the flute, this is the Shamisen arrangement of that melody. It is made up of seven similar phrases that are repeated throughout the piece. Because the same techniqu...
2025-08-01 12:00:07 +0000 UTC View Post
This is a lesson for Gentenkaiki, an original song by Ki&Ki. We will cover the middle section, which includes a variety of techniques. There are intricate phrases using Uchi, and the section where you keep the tempo and rhythm on the 3rd string while playing phrases on the 1st string. It may ...
2025-07-18 12:00:03 +0000 UTC View Post
Have you heard of the Nebuta Festival in Aomori?
Held every August, this incredible celebration fills the streets with towering illuminated floats (Nebuta), vibrant music from drums, flutes, and hand-held cymbals (Chappa/Teburigane), and energetic dancers called Haneto leaping and chanting ...
2025-07-11 12:00:04 +0000 UTC View Post
This is a lesson for Gentenkaiki, an original song by Ki&Ki. We will mainly cover the phrases leading up to Tsurutere, using positions of Tsubo 3 and 4. Being aware of where Bachizuke begins will help bring more dynamics to your performance. Also, as you repeat the Tsurutere section, try to i...
2025-07-04 12:00:04 +0000 UTC View Post
This is a lesson for Gentenkaiki, an original song by Ki&Ki. We will cover the very beginning of the song—from Otoawase (tuning) to the phrases on the 1st string. This is an important section that sets the tone for the whole song. As you practice, pay close attention to the first Bachizuke ...
2025-06-27 12:00:08 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey everyone!
Let’s take a moment to revisit how we care for our Shamisen after practice.
When you open your Shamisen case, is everything neatly stored?
Are Itomaki (tuning peg) poking out of the Nagabukuro (fabric bag), or are there marks from sweaty hands after practice?
Aft...
2025-06-13 12:00:03 +0000 UTC View Post
This time, we feature familiar children's songs and folk tunes from around the world!
Familiar melodies are easier to pick up by ear, so even if you have never challenged this copying by ear quiz before, give it a shot!
The quiz only covers short segments of each song, but since the s...
2025-06-06 12:00:03 +0000 UTC View Post
This video introduces Haretoke, an original piece by Ki&Ki, which we will be learning in upcoming lessons. The song can be played by simply learning two basic melodies.
It is easier to have it memorized if you first get a feel for the song by listening to it, so start by giving it a lis...
2025-05-30 12:00:02 +0000 UTC View Post
We are excited to announce that, for the first time in two years, our Online Competition is coming back!
This time, we would love to have as many of you join as possible — so in addition to the assigned piece, we’re also planning to add a free-choice section.
Start p...
Before officially starting lessons on Gentenkaiki, let’s begin by studying these 2 lessons. They will help you learn to play part of the piece in advance.
You might also find some helpful tips for playing the key phrases smoothly, so be sure to watch them ahead of time.
The Sukui le...
2025-05-16 12:00:06 +0000 UTC View Post
This time, we're introducing a practice video set especially for beginners!
We understand that you might want to jump right into playing songs, but until you're fully comfortable with the Shamisen, it's essential to focus on your right hand.
Let’s start by mastering the basics of right...
"Hanagasa Ondo" is the song used for the parade dance at the Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri, held annually on August 5th, 6th, and 7th in Yamagata Prefecture. It has become famous nationwide as one of the representative festivals of the Tohoku region. With its colorful costumes and cute flower hats, l...
2025-04-25 12:00:04 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey Everyone! To practice "Sukiyaki (Ue Wo Muite Arukou)", we would like to introduce videos that will help improve your skills when practiced together!
Practicing songs that use the same scale is recommended because it helps you stay on pitch more easily!
"Sukiyaki (Ue Wo Muite Aruko...
2025-04-11 12:00:08 +0000 UTC View Post
In this video, we’ll be practicing the globally renowned Japanese song, "Ue Wo Muite Arukou" (“Sukiyaki”). This catchy tune is easy to play, even for beginners.
We’d be thrilled if many of you give it a try and enjoy performing it!
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Hey everyone! How is your Shamisen practice progressing?
Previously, Learn Shamisen shared recommended videos for reaching the intermediate level. Now, it’s time to take the next step!
If you can master these three videos, you’ll officially be an advanced Tsugaru Sh...
In this video, we have compiled an overview of fundamental Tsugaru Shamisen techniques introduced in Learn Shamisen, along with practice songs!
This lesson focuses on techniques for creating various tones with Tsugaru Shamisen: Uchi, Nezumi, and Bachizuke
2025-03-14 12:00:01 +0000 UTC
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Through Learn Shamisen, we introduce Minyo (Japanese folk songs), but there are many folk songs from all over the world. Folk songs are deeply rooted in their respective lands and are often connected to people’s memories.
Since members from all over the world are learning Shamise...
2025-03-07 12:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
This video is a demonstration of Gentenkaiki, a piece we plan to start practicing soon.
While it is a somewhat challenging ensemble piece, begin by listening to the full performance and identifying the structure on your own.
Spotting the techniques used will also help enhance your ...
Hey everyone! How is your Shamisen practice coming along?
Previously, we shared a post with recommended songs for beginners.
This time, we’re introducing three videos perfect for those who have mastered the beginner pieces and are ready to take the next step!
If you can master th...
2025-02-21 12:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
In this video, let’s practice Minyo (folk song) from Akita prefecture, Donpan Bushi.
This Minyo is highly recommended for beginners. The lyrics are bright and cheerful, making it a fun piece to learn. If you are able, try playing while singing along with the lively refrain, “Do...
2025-02-14 12:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post