Tabs
This is a retabbing of a tab file done by Edwin Tan. Kudos to Edwin for doing the ground work on this lovely and classic piece. However, I have retabbed it to take into account the timing (Classical Japanese music for the koto is in 2/4 time). Also I have made several corrections: 1) The "tremolo" with the index finger piece was tabbed incorrectly. This has been tabbed in the correct time and number of strokes. 2)A augmentedA minor correction at the end of the main theme (first part) has been done. 3) The 1st variation, I feel was incorrect. The theme notes sound as sustained notes, not hammer-offs as was originally tabbed. The new tabbing allows for the notes to be sustained. However, the hammering version is "easier" to play so I include the first 4 measures of it at the end as an alternate version. I have also corrected for several missing notes or incorrect note choices. 4) The last two measures of the 2nd variation (harmonic octaves) were incorrect and have been corrected. 5) The 3rd variation (tremolo study) also had several errors which have been corrected.
The point is to get the "koto" sound out of the guitar which can be done by playing very close to the bridge of the guitar for that sharp sound, and close to the neck or even over it for the real soft sound. It helps to hear the version played by John Williams, but I am hoping with the timing here, those who do not have access to the recording can enjoy this piece. Original file "sakura.crd" tabbed by Edwin Tan ([email protected]). Notes at bottom. Paul R. Estrada [email protected] Sakura, theme and varitions Arranged by Yuquijiro Yocoh. Performed by John Williams. Time: 2/4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Opening Play slow and deliberate, with plucking hand closer to the bridge except for first two measures over the hole (guitar opening). 1 & 2 & 1 & 2 & 1 e & a 2 & 1 e & a 2 &E MajorE|-5---5---7-------|-5---5---7-------|-0-------0-------|-1-------0-------|
BB|-5---5--10-------|-5---5--10-------|-0-------0-------|-0-------0-------|
G+G|-7---7---9-------|-7---7---9-------|-2-------2-------|-2-------2-------|
D MajorD|-7---7---7-------|-7---7---7-------|-----------------|-------0-2-------|
Theme Play slow and soft, but deliberate closer to neck (e.g. center of hole). 1 & 2 & 1 & 2 & 1 & 2 & 1 & a 2 & a
