So would I use the bachi with right or left hand ? When I order do I choose ? Or is it right hand hand uses the plectrum and left hand handles the neck of the shamisen ? Thanks
If you are right-handed the bachi goes into the right hand. Some expert will have to answer this but I think you can just string it the other way around, rotate the koma 180 degrees and start rockin’. The tuning pegs (itomaki) might have different sized holes but it should be possible. Another thing is that the shamisens have this rubber pad glued to the bottom of it, which is for keeping it on your leg. If you were to just buy a shamisen I guess that rubber pad would be on top instead, so you would have to make some kind of special order if you are left-handed. Ask Kyle!
Thank you ! And it’s alright I can force myself to play right handed, it’s not the big of a deal, left handed just feels SLIGHTLY more comfortable for some reason. Thanks !
On my shamisen there’s also that deepening for the first string and the azuma sawari. I’d say it’s definitely right handed 
Yes, I had the impression Brandon was going for a starter model in which you don’t have those, but of course that would be a problem if he bought a higher end shamisen. Hmm, Kyle will be able to ask Masahiro how much extra it is to make a left handed.
The beloved Greek player, Dimitris Rapakousios, had his Tsugaru Shamisen modified to fit his left-handed playing style.
As you can see from KH’s photo, some adjustments do need to be made from the standard style if you are wanting to have a nicer instrument commissioned. But they are minor. And if you’re purchasing a lower-end student model without Sawari, you could even adjust the “nut” (the metal piece with the ichi-no-ito notch in it) yourself.
Thanks guys, much appreciated ^^
Hi Brandon!
Ah, certainly, if left handed feels more comfortable, you should do what you can to play it that way.
May I ask, does your shamisen currently have an azuma sawari?
Getting it changed may not be cheap, but I think it would definitely be worth inquiring about. Life’s too short to play an instrument uncomfortably.
I am left handed and I played violin like right handed. In classical music, you can’t play left handed because you will be in the opposite side of all the other violinists, so you “can´t” play this way.
But anyway, when I start playing I think: "umm, this will surely difficult muy learning and surely I can´t play well violin. But later I think one thing more constructive: " left-handed or right handed, we all have both hands (yeah, a bit obvious XD), and surely we will have some good things to be left handed. We have a ver good phrasing, we are quick with our left hand, so I think there is no problem to play shamisen as usual.
the thing is, right handed or left handed, you plays an instrument with both hands, I hope you can see my point
I am left handed but I use the shamisen right handed. Just for the sake of tradition.