Additionally, this stringed instrument can also be played in solo performances or even as a part of an ensemble. This helps produce a percussive effect that results in giving a more cultural Japanese sound when playing a shamisen. In playing a shamisen, a triangular bachi is used to pluck the strings. The length of the shamisen neck is similar to that of a guitar or a banjo but without any fretboard and frets. Meanwhile, the neck part of shamisen is composed of 3 to 4 wood pieces securely attached together and holds three strings made up of nylon or silk. Nowadays, plastic has been popularly used instead of animal skins. Snake, dog, or cat skin is being pasted and covered to this frame to form a drum-shaped body. The body piece of the shamisen is made up of 4 hardwood pieces attached together to construct a square frame. Moreover, shamisen is also used as an accompaniment in vocal performances. This stringed instrument was introduced in Japan during the period of Edo (1603-1868) and become popular in Japanese traditional theater like the kabuki and bunraku. Shamisen is a Japanese translation of the English phrase “three strings”. Shamisen Japanese woman playing Shamisen. The sound produced by this stringed instrument is characterized as light, subtle, joyful, and warm which makes it perfect in performing festive and Japanese folk songs.Ĥ. Gottan is usually made up of Japanese cedar and has three tuning pegs and three strings. Additionally, Gottan is also popular in street performances across Japan. Kadozuke is a type of Japanese entertainment where the performers visit houses and play music in return for money or food. Gottan also known as hako or ita is a Japanese stringed instrument commonly used in Kadozuke. Biwa now comes with a wide variety of choices with different sizes, numbers of strings, shapes, sounds, and purposes. Over time, more and more versions of Biwa have been developed and introduced to the Japanese culture. Biwa, Japanese stringed instrument.īiwa originated in China and was first introduced in Japan during the Nara period (710-794AD). Biwa is commonly used as stories and musical accompaniment and in solo performances. Biwa is played using a big plectron known as Bachi. It is usually around 23 to 42 inches in length and has 4 or 5 strings with varying thickness to produce different distinct sounds. It is characterized by having a pear-shaped lower body and a short neck. Though Koto has become more associated with romantic music, many musicians are already using this stringed instrument in jazz and pop music.īiwa is a Japanese stringed instrument that is similar to a lute. This new version has an increased number of 20 or more Koto strings.īack in the day, Koto has been widely used by the aristocrats for entertainment purposes and in classical music performances. Another version of the Japanese Koto was later introduced by Keiko Nosaka. He came up with an innovative form of Koto music known as Kumi ata. Yatsuhashi Kengyo has become a great influence in the innovation of Koto and was later known as the Father of Modern Koto. Typically, Koto is used and played while sitting down with the musical instrument placed either at the side or in front of the musician.Īs time goes by, and as music styles continue to evolve, Japanese Koto has undergone different modifications and development. These strings are plucked using either fingers or a pick. Meanwhile, the strings are usually plastic or silk having the same size and tension force. However, plastic and various types of woods are now being used for the bridge. Traditionally, the bridges of a Koto are made up of ivory. Koto consists of 13 bridges and 13 strings. Paulownia wood is being used in constructing the Koto main piece. Koto has an elongated body measuring 71 inches long and 7.9 inches wide. This stringed instrument resembles numerous stringed instruments from other countries such as the Gayageum of Korea, Dan Tranh of Vietnam, and Mongolia’s Yatga. Koto is Japan’s national musical instrument. If you want to learn more about them, keep reading until the end. In this article, we have enumerated 7 well-known Japanese Stringed Instruments. Moreover, string instruments were used in their folk music pieces.Īs stringed instruments continue to flourish and develop the richness of Japanese music, it is interesting to learn some of them. Many know that these stringed instruments produce a unique and enchanting sound that best resembles Japanese culture. Japanese stringed instrument, in particular, contributes to reshaping and reestablishing Japanese traditional music. Japanese instrument has also played an important part in the success of Japanese culture. Additionally, traditional Japanese music has also become an effective way of entertainment and self-expression. Music also offers an amazing influence on many Japanese subcultures including their media, fashion, economy, and lifestyles.
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