Complex sentence: It is a three stringed lute very similar to the sanxian and is a precursor to the shamisen it is taught in snake skin, and it is plucked with a plectrum worn on the index finger.
Split into simpler sentences: It is a three-stringed lute, very similar to the sanxian and a precursor to the shamisen. The body is covered in snake skin and it is plucked with a plectrum worn on the index finger.