Do you already know how to play any instrument? Can you play by ear? Do you already know some music theory? This will make it easier.
Shamisen is fretless so like a violin it takes some getting used to. If you know guitar or something else with frets, your hands will already be comfortable gripping and playing.
Notation is not western notation. It's in kanji. No indication of how long to hold notes or tempo. Get used to it.
]
Linear Mode
