about 7 minutes and 40 seconds into this awesome duet of Chikuzan and a lady shamisenista, Chikuzan begins playing a staccato series of notes with the handle end of his bachi. I guess when you get to his level, you can use anything as a pick.
I guess that turned things around for the audience! I know that some of the instructors for the camps have learned this technique like Kevin and Reigen. Myself, whenever I’ve tried it it just feels like I’m gonna chip away some wood or destroy the skin.
Hey Dave! You don’t have to be at Chikuzan’s level to have fun with Shami-tricks! There’s a whole Schoolhouse lesson dedicated to that particular trick! - http://bachido.com/school/reverse-bachi
Shami-tricks!