Biwa

Sound and Character

The sound of the biwa is sharp, percussion-like, dry, and dramatic. It is played with a massive wooden plectrum (bachi), which is often struck not only against the strings but also against the wooden soundboard, creating powerful noise and rhythmic accents.

Design and Features

A pear-shaped body made of solid wood with a strongly back-curved pegbox. High frets (usually 4 or 5) are located on the short neck, allowing for both fixed notes and microtonal bends under strong string tension.

Genres Used In

• Traditional Japanese epic (Heikyoku)
• Buddhist rituals
• Contemporary experimental and ambient music