Notes on the fretboard: Shamisen
C-F-C · Standard
This instrument has no frets: the lines mark semitone positions along the string. Tap any position to hear it.
Where to find C: Shamisen
- String 1 (C): open, 12
- String 2 (F): 7
- String 3 (C): open, 12
All notes on the fretboard: Shamisen
| String | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C |
| 2 | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E | F |
| 3 | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C |
In the tuning Honchoshi (C-F-C) its 3 strings cover a range from C3 to D♯5 within the first 15 positions. Pick a note to mark every place it sounds, choose an octave to single out one exact pitch, and use the chart above to learn the neck string by string.
Find notes in another tuning: Shamisen
More note finders
How do I learn the notes on this fretboard?
Start with the open strings of Honchoshi (C-F-C), then learn one natural note at a time across all strings. The 12th fret repeats the open strings an octave higher, so the chart only needs frets 0 to 12.
Why does the same note appear on several strings?
Neighbouring strings overlap in range, so most pitches can be played in more than one place. Choose an octave in the note finder to see exactly which positions give the same pitch.
What is the range of this tuning?
From C3, the lowest open string, up to D♯5 at the 15th position of the highest string.