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First off I want to know if anyone uses the capirote technique( a golpe done with a flick before the 6th string). I am just asking because I have been working on this for a while but I still cant get a solid golpe without a really loud strum. Is there a way to do this technique without the strum being deafening? Maybe I am missing something anyone want to clue me in. JoshH
No, I don't but it reminds me, I have seen no discussion on a thumb golpe, does it exist? I assume it does because of the upper golpeador, or is that just extra protection?
Simon: your ahead of me. I wanted to talk about the thumb golpe I am working on but I wanted to make sure I heard it somewhere else so that I didnt get arrested by the "Flamenco Police." I have been doing the thumb golpe by hitting the tip of my thumbnail down above the 6th string and strumming with I,M or I,M,A all at one time. So the new question is am I breaking rules? I am just trying to find a way to to get a quick golpe in right before doing a four stroke rasgeaudo. Any ideas or am I talking nonsense? JoshH
Yep, right above the low e. I have tried a couple angles but to get the true golpe sound I have to hit the tap plate with the very tip of the thumb like I was giving someone a thumbs down sign.
Hi Josh, It's really important to have a good set-up on your guitar with low bridge saddle string height. My Ramirez measures 8mm and she's great for all techniques. I always think of this golpe as being just one stroke, down onto the soundboard with DRAG across all strings, done quickly down and out. I have no problem with this but as I say, my guitar helps a lot. On the thumb golpe, Paco plays this by flicking back up over the bass strings and stricking down onto the golpeador off the 6th. There is also a Rumba slap where the hand falls to dampen the strings and the side of the thumb stricks the soundboard. Both tecniques require an upper golpeador. Cheers Jim.
I dont know the exact measurement but my shelton farretta has a very nice low action. I will have to try out that thumb back and down technique though. I wonder if would be easier to do with the side of thumb even though the golpe wouldnt have as much depth to it. Either way thanks to all for the suggestions I guess Ill just keep trying. JoshH
First off I want to know if anyone uses the capirote technique( a golpe done with a flick before the 6th string).
Hey Josh-
I use this technique in an Alegrías that I played for my recital a couple of months ago. I play a triplet rasgueado and strike the top tap plate with my index finger before striking the strings. It takes a little practice, but you get a real nice "crack" when you hit the plate.
I'll send you an audio sample if you are interested in hearing it.
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