Tsugaru shamisen

The shamisen is a Japanese traditional instrument with three strings.
The shape of Shamisen is like a banjo.
It came from China and it is used as backgroud music of Kabuki,
It also is used as accompaniment for folk songs.

"Tsugaru" is an old name of Aomori Prefecture.whichi is
on the northern tip of Japanese mainland,Honsyu.

Tsugaru Shamisen originated as the accompaniment for folk song,
but now it has become independent from these songs.
Now it is used as a solo instrument.

The biggest feature of Tsugaru Shamisen music is improvisation ,
It's based on folk songs and then players make sounds in the same
rythm and scale.

Now Tsugaru Shamisen has become popular among young people.
because many players jam with other western insturments
such as guitar and compose modern music by Shamisen.