Mapping Randy Rhoads to the Shamisen
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert) · Solo episode
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Topics discussed
Host note
Guitar is a stringed instrument, like a lyre, a lute, or a shamisen. I took a shamisen lesson in Japan after reading Randy Rhoads taking guitar lessons on the road — never stop learning, even if you can shred. The bachi attack, the three-string layout, the koto sitting next to it in a geisha-trio picture: all of that can come back onto the guitar.
Some players dabble with no primary instrument. I think that can be dangerous. Grow a dominant hand, then steal colors from the unfamiliar one.
Selected moments
- The essence of musical growth 1:31 I emphasize the act of creating music and the importance of returning to one's primary instrument.
- Randy Rhoads as an inspiration 2:17 I discuss Randy Rhoads' approach to guitar and his commitment to continual learning.
- Exploring the shamisen 3:45 Describing my experience in Japan and how the shamisen differs yet relates to the guitar.
- Impact of playing different instruments 5:19 Explaining how skills from the shamisen can transform my guitar playing.
- Musical insights from a shamisen lesson 6:47 Sharing a conversation with my teacher about the differences between the shamisen and the koto.
- Composing through different lenses 9:01 I reflect on how merging familiar and new techniques can inspire creativity.
Selected excerpts
What is your primary or what is your dominant instrument? Just like a right hand, left hand kind of situation.
There are some musicians that don't have a primary instrument. They kind of dabble. And I actually think that can be very dangerous.
One of the things that stuck with me most about his guitar world... was that he loved to go on the road and take guitar lessons.
The shamisen, literally three strings is very different than the guitar but fundamentally is kind of laid out in a similar way.
That is what you picture kind of like a geisha trio, they're playing shamisen, they're playing koto, they're playing together.
When I was doing that shamisen lesson, the woman that was teaching me also played koto, which is a large horizontal stringed instrument.
How can you attack the sense of emotion that you're trying to bring through both the thing that you're most familiar with and something that you're unfamiliar with?
FAQ
What is the connection between Randy Rhoads and shamisen?
My discussion highlights how Randy Rhoads' dedication to mastering his instrument compels me to explore the shamisen, enhancing my musicality.
How can learning new instruments improve my music?
Learning different instruments helps to apply new techniques and perspectives, enriching your primary instrument's expression.
What insights did I gain from my shamisen lessons?
The lessons taught me about the unique qualities of stringed instruments and how to apply those insights to my guitar playing.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.