I am brand new to the shamisen. Does anyone have any advice on what order to take the online courses for someone looking to build basic competence/technique?
I highly recommend starting with the Crash Course. Great introduction to the instrument and playing techniques.
http://bachido.com/school/crash-course-1/chapter-1
http://bachido.com/school/crash-course-2/chapter-1
Here’s an index of songs arranged in difficulty when you’re ready for you next piece. The recordings and sheet music from “Shamisen of Japan” aren’t one to one, but it gives you enough of a feel for the songs.
http://bachido.com/overview/index-of-songs
Kyle Abbott’s YouTube streams have been great for all levels. I really need to get caught up on them.
https://www.youtube.com/user/fiddlefella
Of the online courses I think Ringo Bushi and Yasaburo Bushi are good beginner songs. Tsugaru Jonkara Bushi has a wide variety of techniques, but can feel overwhelming if you’re just getting started. Advanced Kamashi is also super helpful in breaking down some of the most common patterns/techniques. I haven’t tried “The Nitta Ryu Intensive Technique Pack” but it looks super comprehensive.
For general practice I pulled a lot from Jamie Low’s YouTube video on warm ups and practice regimen. I’d really like to see more expanded on this sort of thing.
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Thank You so much for taking the time to share this info with me, I really appreciate it. This should definitely keep me busy for a while.
Thanks again!
Welcome to Bachido, Phil!! 
Thanks for sharing your recommendations, Joel!!
Also, I’d recommend trying the Sakura course or Ringo Bushi. Even when the goal is to build technique-based skills, starting with basic songs is a great way to build a foundation. I might recommend that over the Live lessons in the beginning, those tend to get slightly advanced. (But it’s free, so don’t hesitate to tune in!)
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Thanks Kyle. Will do. It’s nice to have a community to check in with as I start this new adventure. The information age rules.
Good luck Phil. And thank you for this thread. I, too, would like to embark on this journey. I’m in Japan right now and was inspired by a couple of very good enka singers at a public bath house performance. Thanks again!
Good luck Phil. And thank you for this thread. I, too, would like to embark on this journey. I’m in Japan right now and was inspired by a couple of very good enka singers at a public bath house performance. Thanks again!
Good luck to you too!
Hello! Maybe I only can invade this thread… but I have a question. In what file formats are the sheet music
Hi Sakura! The format is PDF.