How the shamisen makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the shamisen belongs to the lutes: strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck – the family of the guitar, violin, sitar and oud.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Its timbre – the colour that lets you tell it apart from other instruments playing the same note – comes from the mix of overtones its body and resonator emphasise.
From Wikipedia
The shamisen or samisen (三味線), also known as sangen (三絃)
(all meaning 'three strings'), is a three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument derived from the Chinese instrument sanxian. It is played with a plectrum called a bachi.
Other lutes
More instruments from Japan
Frequently asked questions
What does a shamisen sound like?
As one of the lutes, its sound comes from the way strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck.
What type of instrument is the shamisen?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.312-6).
Where does the shamisen come from?
The shamisen originates from Japan.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q241337 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Shamisen – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by DO'Neil at English Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 3.0