Shamisen Easy Beginner Song | Sōran Bushi – Level 1 Slow

Start your shamisen journey with Sōran Bushi, one of Japan’s most iconic fishermen’s songs. Originating from the herring fisheries of Hokkaidō, it was sung to coordinate hauling heavy nets. The song features a driving shamisen rhythm, powerful melody, and iconic shouts like “Dokkoisho!” and “Sōran!”, capturing the intensity of life at sea. Over time, it spread across Japan and evolved into regional and stage versions while retaining its raw, work-song character. Kyle and I filmed this video as supplemental material for a fun shamisen beginner workshop we held in Phoenix, AZ, in 2025. This Level 1 Slow video guides you through the core melody and rhythm at a comfortable pace, perfect for beginners. ✨✨✨ Level: Beginner Tuning: Niagari (C-G-C) Techniques: “strum” across all strings (don’t press, just gently brush across the strings with the bachi) Positions/Range: skinny string: 0 - 3 - 4 - 6, middle string: 0 - 3, big string: 0 Notation: see below! ✨✨✨ Also available: Level 1 Fast – play at performance tempo:    • Shamisen Easy Beginner Song | Sōran Bushi ...   Level 2 Slow and Fast – complete arrangements with ornamentation and nuance slow:    • Shamisen Advanced Beginner Song | Sōran Bu...   fast:    • Shamisen Advanced Beginner Song | Sōran Bu...   Level 1 + Rhythm – adds an easy rhythm part for group play:    • Shamisen Easy Beginner Duet | Sōran Bushi ...   🎵 Scores and play-along mp3s are available in a full bundle in the *Shami-Shop*, covering all levels and three practice speeds—everything you need to progress from beginner to intermediate: https://www.shami-shop.com/product/so... ✨✨✨ Also check out Patreon for scores, play alongs, tutorials, live sessions, and more!   / shamisenzentrale