The Shamisen Songs in Ghost of Yotei are more than beautiful melodies — they’re powerful tools that help Atsu uncover hidden secrets scattered across Ezo. Each tune carries a story, a location, and a gameplay purpose, from leading the Guiding Wind to Hot Springs and Shrines, to uncovering ancient Ainu relics and Bamboo Strikes.
If you’re aiming for the “Like Mother, Like Daughter” trophy, this guide will walk you through how to learn all eight Shamisen Songs and what each one does.
The Shamisen is Atsu’s traditional three-string instrument, inherited from her mother. You can play it by swiping left on the DualSense touchpad. Each song you learn adds a new melody that changes how the Guiding Wind behaves — pointing toward specific collectibles and hidden locations.
You’ll know you’ve found a place to learn a new song when you spot square kites with bird prints fluttering above the landscape. Sit down at these marked spots, or complete certain quests and side activities, to unlock a new melody.
All Shamisen Songs and How to Learn Them
1. Atsu’s Song
Location: Atsu’s Home, Yōtei Grasslands
How to Unlock: Automatically learned during the prologue.
Effect: None — serves as a tutorial.
This is the first melody Atsu learns as a child, taught by her mother in a touching memory sequence. It introduces players to the Shamisen’s mechanics and the emotional connection it carries throughout the game.
2. Song of Spirit
Location: Master Heijiro’s Garden, Yōtei River – Yōtei Grasslands
How to Unlock: Complete the “Master of the Shamisen” side tale.
Effect: Guides you to Bamboo Strikes to increase maximum Spirit.
During this heartfelt quest, Atsu revisits her childhood memories in her mentor’s garden. After trimming bamboo and reliving her past with her mother, Master Heijiro helps her complete the unfinished lesson — composing the Song of Spirit. Playing it makes the Guiding Wind blow toward every unvisited Bamboo Strike in the region.
3. Song of Well-Being
Location: Shamisen Practice Site, Stone Jaw Coast – Ishikari Plain
How to Unlock: Sit and play at the Shamisen Practice location marked by an orange kite.
Effect: Guides you to Hot Springs that boost maximum Health.
Head west of the Rumoi River in Ishikari Plain until you reach the coast. There, you’ll find a lone cliffside Shamisen Practice spot. Once you perform the tune, Atsu learns the Song of Well-Being — a serene melody symbolizing inner peace and renewal.
4. Song of Vanity
Location: North of Crimson Forest – Teshio Ridge
How to Unlock: Play at the Shamisen Practice site atop the mountain overlooking Teshio River.
Effect: Guides you to Vanity Gear (cosmetic items and dyes).
The Song of Vanity is discovered deep in the snowy peaks of Teshio Ridge. Climb the steep path marked by a flying kite and interact with the straw mat to perform. This song lets the wind carry you toward every piece of Vanity Gear across the map — perfect for customization hunters.
5. Song of Revenge
Location: Musician’s Camp – Tokachi Range (north of Shizunai Woods)
How to Unlock: Complete the Tale “Those Who Leave.”
Effect: Guides you to Yōtei Six Camps, where Altars of Reflection can be found.
At the Musician’s Camp, you’ll meet a ronin by a lake. Donate coins to him and play your Shamisen to start the tale. After sharing music and firelight, he teaches Atsu this vengeful tune. The melody reflects themes of loss and redemption, helping you locate Yōtei Six Camps vital for reflection and upgrades.
6. Song of the Wolf
Location: Earned after completing any 4 Wolf Dens
How to Unlock: Automatically learned after the fourth den completion.
Effect: Guides you to other Wolf Dens; enhances bond with the wolf companion.
Once you clear four Wolf Dens across Ezo, Atsu will sit beside her wolf companion to compose this mournful yet empowering melody. Later upgrades allow her to summon the wolf in battle using this very song — a beautiful blend of gameplay and storytelling.
7. Song of the Ainu
Location: Ainu Musician’s Camp, Yubari Lake – Tokachi Range
How to Unlock: Complete the quests “The Soul of an Instrument” and “A Melody of Thoughts” (found later in Nayoro Wilds).
Effect: Guides you to Ainu Items.
These two linked side tales explore Atsu’s respect for the Ainu culture and its lost traditions. Once both tales are finished, the musician teaches her the Song of the Ainu — a tune honoring the indigenous heritage of Ezo and leading you to rare artifacts used for upgrades.
8. Song of Shrines
Location: Random encounter when camping (commonly in Ishikari Plain or Tokachi Range)
How to Unlock: Make camp repeatedly until a Settler approaches and comments on your Shamisen.
Effect: Guides you to Shrines and Fox Dens, revealing Charms and accessories.
The Song of Shrines is the most elusive of all. You’ll need to camp in the wilderness several times — it’s entirely RNG-based. When the right traveler appears, sit with him by the fire to learn this sacred melody. Once learned, the wind will whisper toward the hidden Shrines of Reflection.
Optional: Bonus Song of Soma
Location: Cave near Lake Jozan – Yōtei Grasslands
How to Unlock: Complete all Old Inn bounties to unlock Soma the Condemned’s bounty.
Effect: Unlocks the sealed cave door and grants access to the Bounty Master Armor.
While not required for the trophy, the Song of Soma is a secret melody tied to one of the game’s darker bounty hunts. Playing it during the fight with Soma triggers a duet between Atsu and the outlaw — a memorable moment for completionists.
Why You Should Learn All Songs Early
Collecting all Shamisen Songs drastically improves exploration efficiency. Each tune helps the Guiding Wind uncover different collectible types — from health and spirit upgrades to charm shrines and rare relics. Learning them early ensures you can clean up the map faster and enjoy every hidden detail Ezo offers without backtracking later.
Trophy Reward: Like Mother, Like Daughter
Once all eight songs are learned, you’ll unlock the “Like Mother, Like Daughter” bronze trophy. More than just a collectible milestone, it symbolizes Atsu’s emotional growth — completing the musical legacy her mother began.
Quick Tips for Shamisen Songs in Ghost of Yotei
- Watch for Kites: Every legitimate Shamisen Practice site has a kite waving overhead.
- Use the Robes for Sitturaynu Armor: This armor’s golden bird will guide you toward nearby Shamisen spots.
- Don’t Rush RNG Songs: For the Song of Shrines, space out your camping attempts between other side tales.
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Quick Reference: All Shamisen Songs in Ghost of Yotei
| Song Name | Region / Location | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Atsu’s Song | Yōtei Grasslands (Home) | None |
| Song of Spirit | Yōtei Grasslands – Master Heijiro’s Garden | Find Bamboo Strikes |
| Song of Well-Being | Ishikari Plain – Stone Jaw Coast | Find Hot Springs |
| Song of Vanity | Teshio Ridge – North Crimson Forest | Find Vanity Gear |
| Song of Revenge | Tokachi Range – Musician’s Camp | Find Yōtei Six Camps |
| Song of the Wolf | Complete 4 Wolf Dens | Find Wolf Dens |
| Song of the Ainu | Tokachi Range / Nayoro Wilds | Find Ainu Items |
| Song of Shrines | Random Camping Encounter | Find Shrines & Fox Dens |
With every Shamisen Song mastered, Atsu’s journey through Ezo becomes not only one of vengeance and honor but also of harmony and remembrance — a melody between mother and daughter carried on the wind. Play Now!
