Publisher : Alfred Music
National Guitar Workshop
Your passport to a new world of music
Series: Guitar Atlas

To most of us, Japan is an exotic and faraway land. When we see images of Shinto shrines, pagodas, geisha, and Kabuki actors in strange face paint, our imaginations are immediately captured. Now, experience this rich and mysterious culture through its music. In addition to arrangements of classic folk tunes like “Sakura” and “Edo Komori-uta,”

Guitar Atlas: Japan teaches about Japanese scales, modes, and tunings, and traditional instruments such as the shamisen, koto, shakuhachi, and more. Learn guitar techniques to emulate the sounds of these exotic instruments. Discover the fascinating world of Kabuki music, including a style of shamisen playing called ozatsuma. Learn about the Bon odori, or bon dances, held during the summer festival of Bon.

This exciting introduction to the music of Japan offers new and interesting music to add to your repertoire, and teaches techniques, theory, and traditions that will enhance your playing and enrich your spirit. The CD demonstrates all the examples and compositions featured in the book.