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I am slowly learning to recognize the different styles of Flamenco. I can identify Bulerías, Soleas, Tangos, and, of course, Rumbas. There are a few that I am not sure what makes them what they are. For example, what is a Rondeña? I have listened to plenty of them but I am not sure what identifies them as such. Others that I am unsure about are: Sevillanas Tarantas Zapateados Alegrias and, although I can generally identify Soleas and Bulerías, I am unsure what makes a song a Solea Por Bulería. There are more that I don't know, but this is a good start.
I need to get a guitar and start learning. I think I can only go so far by just listening. I need to try playing Flamenco so that I can fully understand it. I have been obsessed with Flamenco for about a year and a half now and I listen to it every spare moment I get. I told my wife that, to me Flamenco is almost like a drug addiction. When I'm listening to it, it is euphoric, and when I'm not listening to it I am thinking about it, wishing I were.
Anyhow, any help would be appreciated. There is no Flamenco where I live and this is the only place I know to turn. Thanks Dave A.
RE: Song style questions... (in reply to dpalfstad)
well Flamenco is an amazing style it's really like a drug for me as well . there is a small book by Thomas Whiteley he's talking about different palos it's about 30 page give it a try: Flamenco Palos
listen as much as possible to flamenco and different palos also get some tabs and record your playing find the chord of the palo and practice it and get used to it to understand it and understand the tuning of it I think you'll be better after a short while. good luck ................................................................................................................................................................................. Elie
RE: Song style questions... (in reply to dpalfstad)
Thanks fot the link to the book! See, I have already learned that I should have titled this post "Question about recognizing palos. I thought that "song styles" didn't quite fit. I have a LOT to learn.
RE: Song style questions... (in reply to dpalfstad)
Its a step by step process. (it's much easier with puro rather than nuevo)
1. How fast is the music? 2. How is the compas counted? 3? 4? 6? 12? 3. Is the key in major, minor, or phrygian? (generally speaking) 4. Is there repetition of certain chords or melodies?
Here's a few: Speed- slow, steady marching feel. Compas: 4 or 8 (depends on how you count), Key-Minor key, Repetition- E7 plays 4 beats then Am 4 beats, phrase repeats. *Palo is Farruca. Here's a good example of the basic material:
Speed- upbeat, moderately fast Compas- counts in 3 Key- uses any of Major, Minor, or Phrygian Repetition- Intro material alternates quickly between 2 chords. A melodic theme is introduced and played multiple times. music closes. Music starts again (can be same music, or different) and follows the same pattern. In total you hear 4 distinct sections with silence typically between each one. *Palo is Sevillanas. Basic example:
To answer your question about recognizing Solea por Buleria- just think of it like this: "Palo" por "the speed of a different palo".
So- The material (notes, structure, etc) will be noticeably Solea, but the speed will be comparable to Buleria.
RE: Song style questions... (in reply to dpalfstad)
Excellent information. ¡Muchas gracias!
Can you give me the same info for Solea and for Bulería, please? I have noticed that Soleas are typically slower and seem to usually be in E Phrygian and typically have more minor sounding chord patterns. Bulerías, on the other hand, tend to be in A Phrygian and are faster. The categorized info and the videos that you presented for Sevillanas and Farruca were great! I really appreciate the help. I want to learn as much about this wonderful art form as I can!
Posts: 907
Joined: Mar. 13 2006
From: Vancouver, Canada
RE: Song style questions... (in reply to dpalfstad)
I remember when I first became interested, I had downloaded Juan Martin's Solos Flamencos (book with audio CD) and listened to the audio tracks many times just to recognise the difference.
You can also just search solea or soleares or whichever palo on youtube for the same idea.
These guys have been unusually helpful (they're always helpful), but usually there's an expectation that you make an effort on your own too.
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