Hikoutei (Tsugaru Syamisen Deuxo) - King Gnu

The arrangement is in the original key of F# minor. This applies to the performance and karaoke versions available separately from various distributors as well. The length of the song is also the same as the original.

Part 1 mainly covers the melody, but the riff sections are played an octave apart. You can feel free to unify them into one octave if that’s easier for you.

Adding backing phrases in the gaps between the melody will make the performance tighter, so give it a try!

In the chorus, the same phrase pattern shifts up a half step to G minor at the end. Try to memorize the fingerings and focus on moving them parallelly.

Part 2 focuses mainly on the backing (accompaniment). Make sure to keep a steady rhythm. It alternates between basic chord progressions and more complex jazz-style ones, so enjoy exploring the contrast.

Be mindful of accents, and aim for a performance with good groove and feel.

Please refer to the available audio recordings and instructional videos on YouTube as you practice.

Karaoke and solo backing tracks can be found here:

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n8dvae9dYa0qeSh7rbNBn9i-tQibvO42k