The sound of the shamisen is unmistakable, and certainly characteristic of Japanese music. This 3 string instrument is typically played by sliding up and down the fretless neck while hitting the strings, as well as thumping the skin-covered body, with a large plectrum called a bachi.
Not many string instruments can be considered percussion as well, and that’s just another thing that makes the shamisen so special and unique. Enjoy the video below, then Click Here to check out another Eastern string instrument.
