the first three notes of Chinese melody that was widely known during its development. Its creator is believed to be Mongaku Terukina or his student in the early to mid-1700s. A set of kanji are used to represent specific finger positions. Unlike European musical notation, kunkunshi can only be interpreted specifically through the sanshin. See also Gottan Kankara Ryukyuan music Shamisen Sanxian References External links Simple Sanshin Source - An English-written guide to the sanshin. iSanshin - Sanshin Application on iPhone/iPodtouch Tuning - Sanshin Tuning Guide Ryukyuan music Ryukyuan culture Spike lutes Drumhead lutes