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Hi all, I am new here, and just learning Flamenco.
I am studying a Solo por Bulerias in Keys to Flamenco Guitar by Dennis Koster (p.102)
In the beginning, he starts off with a difficult chord. I was shown the fingering by one of my guitar teachers, but it is very stressful and seemingly anatomically damaging.
Here is the chord:
E - B 3 G 3 D 0 A 4 E -
fingering:
- 4 3 - 2 - ( little finger, anular, medio)
When I attempt to reach over my medio to the C# on the A string, my anular/little finger pretty much collapse like dominos onto the fretboard, or are forced to slide past the 3rd fret. Neither which action assists the medio finger from reaching far enough toward the 4th fret to make a clear sound (my maximum reach seems to be on the 3rd fret, or a little after, which makes a not-so-good-sounding buzz sound).
I am a person who enjoys thinking technically and what is the 'most' anatomically correct way to do something.
So, if you are very familiar with this chord and had/has as much difficulty as I, I would appreciate any tips so my fingers don't look like Z's : )
RE: Very difficult chord... (A#(#5)?) (in reply to vigrond)
good to know sounds like you may need to isolate the little finger on the fretting hand and build up some strength and control... scott tennants book 'pumping nylon' has some cool left hand independence exercises.... sure it will come... i used to try all sorts of bizarre things like playing major or minor scales using the little finger alone... maybe tilt the finger toward the sound hole while trying this chord...more to the side of the tip... classical etudes can also help... other than this i guess just go for it...the buzzing will go
btw a better description for this chord is Bb #11 [sometimes may be called a b5 ...OR Gm6/Bb]...the C# on the fifth string is a passing tone... A# is'nt really correct as the chord functions in the Relative Key of Dminor/A phrygian or Phygian Dominant [C or C# depending]... so Bulerias/Tangos chords are A7 {b9] Bb #11 [b5] and C9...etc
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Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A
RE: Very difficult chord... (A#(#5)?) (in reply to vigrond)
flamenco has a lot of weird fingerings like this.
the only advice i can offer is the keep the hand relaxed and loose. no hard gripping. i dont think my thumb even touches the neck when i play this chord. and try using a capo, and practice it higher up the neck, it might be easier.
RE: Very difficult chord... (A#(#5)?) (in reply to vigrond)
dear friend this is a common chord in flamenco! but don't worry cause i for one was also alienated by this weird three finger assembly.
trick is to try to make the thumb go to an EXTREMELY acute angle. Try to practice not making the m and chico fingers collapse. It's awfully hard at first but looks cool and acrobatic. lol.
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