Hello Bachido,
I’ve recently picked up a Nagauta Shamisen and have been learning with that but I’m worried that I shouldn’t be using a Nagauta because I find it impossible to press down on specific strings without touching at least one other string.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Teague,
Welcome to the Bachido Forum! 
Ah yes. I think most all shamisen players (including myself) have had this problem too. I assure you it’s not because of it being a nagauta style (assuming you have a correct bridge in place). Wielding the giant plectrum to strike one specific string takes time to build coordination.
At first, I would advise taking a minute (or a few minutes, as long as you don’t get frustrated) to slowly and intently try pressing down on one string. You can look directly at your bachi to make sure it’s touching the right one.
Basically, take it slowly. If you can confidently strike the desired string at a slow speed, bring the speed up a bit.
Also, I encourage posting a video of your problem. It can help myself or others diagnose your question more accurately.
Again, great to have you here!
All the best,
Kyle Abbott
And if you’re talking about the left hand and the notes’ positions, then the the answer is that you just need more practice.
Nagauta - I’m guessing when you say this you mean the hosozao kind which is smaller than a tsugaru or a chuzao so it is (IMHO) more difficult because you do have a smaller space. I find it more difficult for me to play on mine, but when I play on my mom’s chuzao I fly through pieces very easily without making mistakes. Sometimes I think about getting a chuzao too because it is easier with the extra 1cm or so of space, but I also find it satisfying to know that I am playing a more difficult instrument.
Yep It happens to all of us, first time it is difficult to hit or press only one string. This happens also with violin and a lot of stringed instruments. What Kyle sais is the good way to learn to play a stringed instrument: at first play it slowly, and concentrate only in the string you want to hit. with time you will stricke only the string you want! gambatte!
Arigatoo gozaimasu everyone. I’ll keep going with my Nagauta. I can get a video up as soon as I’m not unbearably awful.
I can get a video up as soon as I’m not unbearably awful.
Don’t wait too long, Teague. If we all waited on making videos until we felt we were good, probably none of us would upload anything yet. (myself included)
We’re all here to support!