Exercises before having the shamisen?

Playing/Techniques
#1

Since playing the guitar is pretty common these days I assume that some of you that bought a shamisen started playing the guitar before that. It crossed my mind that I should start practicing my finger strength as I have kind of put the guitar aside to start learn playing the piano.

From what I can tell in the videos it seems that tsugaru shamisen is to a large extent about using the index finger and thrilling with the ring finger, and it seems pretty awkward in some cases. So basically that’s a start there to practice crazy ring finger movements.

Do any of you have any thoughts on what I can do to prepare?

#2

Hey Karl,

Guitar with steel strings does require finger strength, as it’s hard to push down. However, shamisen strings are nylon/silk and the action is low, so very little finger strength is needed for shamisen.

Much more important than strength is flexibility and relaxation. Being relaxed and flexible, your fingers can move faster. When playing shamisen, very little strength should ever be used.

#3

It just crossed my mind that it was a very long time ago that I actually played on the nylon strings of a classical guitar. I also didn’t think about the fact that yes you lose a bit of time when actually just pushing the string down to the fretboard to make the sound come out fully, and not just when bending the string. Obviously this will be totally different from what I am playing now then.

Still I know that the flexibility and precision I have right now won’t be enough. I will keep your words in mind and try to come up with some exercises.

#4

stretching the fingers a little is probably all the preparatory excercise you would need for Shamisen playing. I understand your intention to prepare through excercise but the Shamisen is one of those instruments that you get good at just by doing it a lot. There are some instruments like upright bass that can do a number on the tendons and muscles in your finger/hand etc. but in my opinion the muscles to strengthen for Shamisen are more like your arm and shoulder muscles. As kyle mentioned already very little finger strength is needed (at least much less than what it looks like when you watch someone play.

#5

Ah Kevin i was wondering when you’d show up :slight_smile: Good to have you here!

#6

Well stupid me, I just realized I can start learning the songs with a detuned guitar. At least I will get a feeling for how the songs are played and how to get into the mood of each rhythm.

#7

From what i’ve read its kinda like playing a guitar with a “metal” set up more about finess finger wise. Since the action is so low there’s no need to press or pick all that hard.

© 2020 Kyle Abbott