Current leading shamisen players include Eika UTSUMI, Shiyo KATSURA (the wife of Shijaku II), Kazume HAYASHIYA (the wife of Kosome HAYASHIYA (V) and the elder sister of Ayame KATSURA (III)).
現代の代表的な三味線奏者としては内海英華、かつら枝代（2代目枝雀の妻）、林家和女（林家小染(5代目)の妻、桂あやめ(3代目)の姉）らがいる。