The short answer: start with honchoshi, and use a tuner
Learn the basic honchoshi tuning first, and use a tuner so even a beginner can tune accurately. The shamisen has three main tunings — honchoshi, niagari, and sansagari — which change the pitch relationships between the three strings for different pieces. In essence: set the first string to a reference pitch, then set the second and third relative to it.
The basics: three strings and the pegs
The shamisen carries three strings — ichi-no-ito, ni-no-ito, san-no-ito, thickest to thinnest. Tuning means turning the pegs (itomaki) to change string tension and pitch. Unlike a piano, the shamisen has no fixed absolute pitch: you can raise or lower the overall reference to suit a voice or fellow players.
The three tunings
| Tuning | Character |
|---|---|
| Honchoshi | The basic tuning; learn it first. The foundation of most pieces. |
| Niagari | The second string raised from honchoshi — a bright, lively sound. |
| Sansagari | The third string lowered from honchoshi — a calm, mellow sound. |
Remember it as: from honchoshi, “raise the second = niagari,” “lower the third = sansagari.”
Tuning with a tuner
- Set the first string to the reference pitch, turning the peg while watching the tuner.
- Set the second string to the pitch for your tuning.
- Set the third string the same way.
- Play and check all three, adjusting as needed.
Turn the pegs a little at a time — over-turning can damage or break a string. A freshly restrung string stretches and drops in pitch, so retune it a few times after restringing.
Handling the pegs (itomaki)
The pegs hold by friction in a hole in the neck, not by a screw thread, so there’s a knack. Turn while pushing the peg inward; pulling it toward you makes it slip and refuse to hold. If a peg keeps loosening, it usually isn’t pushed in enough. If it still won’t hold, wear or humidity may be the cause — don’t force it, as that can damage the neck; consult a shop or craftsman.
Tips for quick, stable tuning
First, tune up to pitch from slightly below rather than down from above, which tends to drift. Second, after setting all three, recheck the first string — changing one string’s tension shifts the others slightly. Third, tune to the same reference each time so your ear develops; note your tuner’s numbers to make it repeatable.
FAQ
Can a beginner tune a shamisen?
Yes. Start with honchoshi and use a clip-on tuner or app; setting the first string to a reference pitch and the others relative to it makes accurate tuning straightforward.