Shamisen Tab

[kknupp]

I just purchased a Shamisen in Amami, Japan and bought a book with Tab. I am trying to learn a song and just wanted to clarify something. The numbers on the tab ex: 0,3,1 mean open, 3rd "fret" and 1st "fret correct? I play guitar and am trying to relate my knowledge of that to the Shamisen. The person I bought it from was kind enough to put dots on the first 3 frets so I have an idea of where to place my fingers.

Also if a song is in the key of F would I then need to tune my Shamisen to F Bb F ?


Many thanks
Kristi

[kyokuhon]

Hi, Kristi,
Good to hear another shamisen player here! You're right about the numbers corresponding to fret positions like on a guitar, but looking at the "cheat" decal on the neck of my shamisen, I see that unlike the guitar the spacing isn't equal and some of the numbers are skipped, with a "#" sign between 3 and 4 (making 4 equal fret 5 on a guitar), and a "b" (flat sign) between 9 and 10. This makes the 10 position the octave, instead of the 12th fret. Complicated, but it makes playing tunes in the upper register easier, since 13 is 3 an octave higher.
As for the unequal spacing, the space between 4 and 5 is relatively small; between 5 and 6 larger, and between 6 and 7 smaller again. I think it's because the Japanese seem to like their minor seconds REALLY tight; it's what gives it a Japanese sound.
You might be able to get a decal for your neck at www.chordscanada.com, and even if not, they're a great resource for Japanese music in North America. And bear in mind that they're just approximations, since it depends on where you position your koma (bridge).
As for tuning to the song, it sort of depends on your singer, and if you're playing with other instruments. If only a singer, you could tune down, or just give her/him the starting pitch and take it from there. Also, F Bb F seems high for a shamisen; I believe D is usually the highest nominal pitch for the 3rd (1st) string. Depending on what kind of strings you've got, you could tune down to Bb F Bb which would put you in sansagari instead of honchoshi.
But I feel like I've swamped you with details. Feel free to ask more, or contact me directly. I'm no shamisen expert, but I've picked up some here and there.
And best of luck!
And anyway, what style are you trying learn?
K.

[kyokuhon]

Hi again, Kristi,
I just re-read your post, and see that you got your shamisen in Amami, so it's probably more like an Okinawan style sanshin, with a snakeskin head, etc.
If it is, you should disregard most of what I said! It's a very different instrument from the Honshu style shamisen, and closer to Chinese san xian.
Sorry if I've caused any confusion.
I'd love to see a photo of the shamisen, and maybe a bit of the music, if you've got a scanner!
Best again,
K.

[kuduchi]

Kristi, do you still play Amami shamisen? If you are interested, I can try and scan some basics for your type of Shamisen. I play Amami style shamisen and music (Well, Im a student of Amami shamisen). It is very pretty music.