shamisen

The word shamisen actually means "three strings" and is also called sangen. It is a musical instrument with, yes you guessed it, three strings. It's makeup is quite similar to a banjo or guitar. The instrument is plucked when it is played and it was based off the Chinese instrument sanxain, which was introduced to the Japan in the 16th centrury. Unlike instruments in other cultures, both men and women traditionally play the Shamisen. This instrument can be played alone, with other Shamisen, or with other instruments in a symphony. Today, in a non-traditional style and to give their music a more exotic appeal, all kinds of musicians use a Shamisen, from heavy metal to bluegrass country.