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Guía del idiota
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Escribano
Posts: 6417
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy
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 Guía del idiota
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I'm gathering some FAQs for a Flamenco Guitar - Starting Out article for newbies coming across our forum (it will also get indexed by search engines)
I would like to distill your experience down into a set of myths, statements, questions and answers. Here are some samples. You can have a go at answering some of them, or post new questions for inclusion.
It's something to do with Spanish gypsy's, right?
What does the word flamenco mean?
It's all guitarists and dancers with fancy head-dress, fans and castanets?
What's the difference between playing a flamenco guitar and a classical guitar?
The Gypsy Kings are flamenco
Paco De Lucia is flamenco
Why the clapping?
... and the shouting?
What's that banging noise all about?
I've played acoustic guitar for years, so how long will it take to learn flamenco?
I've played nylon Spanish guitar for years, so how long will it take to learn flamenco?
I've played electric guitar for years, so how long will it take to learn flamenco?
I've never played the guitar, so how long will it take to learn flamenco?
I've never played an instrument, so how long will it take to learn flamenco?
What's the difference between the flamenco guitar and the Spanish classical guitar?
OK, I want to learn the flamenco guitar, where do I start?
What do I need to buy?
Do I need long finger nails?
I can't read music
What's the correct playing position?
How long should I practise?
What's the best way to practise?
Can I teach myself?
What is Compas?
Which style should I begin with?
Any standard exercises?
Where do I get music notation or tabs from?
What's the best guitar to start with?
What's the difference between a negra and a blanca guitar?
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Foro Flamenco founder and Admin
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |
Date Sep. 30 2003 15:29:08
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Miguel de Maria
Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ
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RE: Guía del idiota (in reply to Escribano)
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It's something to do with Spanish gypsy's, right?
flamenco is a synthesis of gypsy, arabic, jewish, and andalucian influences (among others). It represents the music of the marginalized classes. gypsies are only one element in this complex music.
What does the word flamenco mean?
In the dictionary, it means several things, among the music we are speaking of, flamingo, and someone from Flanders. I'll leave what the word has to do with the music to someone else!
What's the difference between playing a flamenco guitar and a classical guitar?
A specifical guitar made for flamenco is a recent phenomenon. The characteristics of this guitar are principally derived from the fact that flamencos could only afford guitars of cheap materials. That, and the need for a bright, penetrating, and loud sound.
The Gypsy Kings are flamenco
Yes, of course, they represent a tiny part, and a very commercialized part, of flamenco. They play rumbas, a palo that was created with additional influence from Cuba. Yet rumbas are not a particularly recent form or any less flamenco than any other.
Paco De Lucia is flamenco
He is the reigning king of flamenco guitar, revolutionary in his technique, compositional abilites and output.
Why the clapping?
As flamenco is dance-oriented the beat, called the "compas" must be maintained.
... and the shouting?
"Jaleo" is the term for encouraging shouts and calls to the performers. "Ole!" is often shouted, which many believe is descended from the word "Allah." So the divine has been glimpsed in the performance.
I've played acoustic guitar for years, so how long will it take to learn flamenco?
Depends how much you practice, how much you listen, how many flamencos you have the opportunity too learn from, how much time you spend in Spain. This goes for all the questions below, too! But here are some guidelines I have heard...
--the ability to confidently understand and feel compas 2 years
--the ability to play fluent rasgeuados (strmming) 2 years
--the ability to play fast picado (alternating finger scales) at least 2 years
--the ability to play solo flamenco guitar 20 years (first you have to accompany dance for 10 years, then accompany cante for 10 years--I think this is how the Sabicas joke goes)
OK, I want to learn the flamenco guitar, where do I start?
Buy some CDs, preferably of older, simpler flamenco which is easier to understand, and get a teacher.
Do I need long finger nails?
Eventually, but it's not recommended to start that way.
How long should I practise?
At least two hours a day.
What's the best way to practise?
Divide your time practicing technique, playing compas (strumming patterns), working on falsetas (melodic interludes), and listening to flamenco.
Which style should I begin with?
Soleares! It's slow, yet contains many of the rhythmic formations of other flamenco.
Where do I get music notation or tabs from?
Juan Martin has a DVD/book combo out that's GREAT for beginners. It starts at the very beginning, with the simplest excercses. The way most guitarists get off track is by trying to grab for too much too, soon.
What's the best guitar to start with?
The best? A $15000 Conde Hermanos. But you should settle for a nylon-string guitar with a comfortable action.
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |
Date Sep. 30 2003 18:40:51
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