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I’m currently working through José Manuel Montoya’s Guitarra Flamenca en 48 Clases series and he teaches using the ami (a –down m – down i –down) rasqueado for the Tangos compás. He also applies the same rasqueado in his Sevillana’s video.
However, both Jason Mcquire and José Tanaka teach these compases using the aii (a – down i – down i – up) rasqueado on Tangos and Sevillana’s. I’ve learned and use both techniques and they both sound good to me (very little difference in sound), but I a little confused.
Can anyone share their opinions on these two rasqueados: I’d like to avoid learning anything incorrectly
Is there truly a difference between the two methods?
Is one more modern than the other?
Is one better than the other or is it just a matter of preference?
Thanks again for your feedback. You’ve all been great
RE: Is There a Difference Between (a... (in reply to Lucerom)
Using ami I feel gives more power. Some people have really strong iai, but I guess ami will usually be naturally stronger (all down strokes versus down and up strokes).
Is one more modern? Can't answer that...
I would say it's a matter of preference.
Some comments: Jason in the video you attached is playing a tresillo (p up, a down, i down). For tangos, he does something most people don't do: a up, i up, a down, i down (instead of the usual i up, a down, i down).
Not sure what Tanaka does.
What I do is this: golpe with m and a, then i up, a down, i down. I start with the i finger because after the golpe with m and a, it is free to do the upstroke.
When I use this rasgueado (with i and a fingers) other than in tangos, I do it like this: i down, i up (with a moving up without touching the strings), then a down. The i finger is being flicked from the pulgar, but the a finger comes out from mid-air.
RE: Is There a Difference Between (a... (in reply to rombsix)
Great explanation rombsix. I feel way more comfortable with Montoya's ami method and agree that it's more powerful. I just wasn't sure if there was a specific reason McGuire and Tanaka were using aii.
I didn't want to go too far down one road and then have to back track and focus on the method I should have learned in the first place. As it is, there's way too much to learn and not enough time.
RE: Is There a Difference Between (a... (in reply to Lucerom)
I feel a lot better with the flow of the iai Rasgueado, which is what everyone in Andalucía told me is the nicer way (at least to play Tangos). Of course it is a matter of preference, but maybe you should consider the following thought:
You know Bonanza? The western TV series with that famous theme song? ami sounds like Bonanza - I don't want my Tangos to sound like Bonanza!
RE: Is There a Difference Between (a... (in reply to bursche)
Oh no... you guys just killed it for me lol. Now I'm going to think of Bonanza every time I practice Tangos (trying to not make it sound like Bonanza).
I'll be focused on that for the next couple weeks at least
RE: Is There a Difference Between (a... (in reply to Lucerom)
quote:
Oh no... you guys just killed it for me lol. Now I'm going to think of Bonanza every time I practice Tangos (trying to not make it sound like Bonanza).
I'll be focused on that for the next couple weeks at least
Just embrace Bonanza. Tango-ize the theme. Think Outside the Cajón.
RE: Is There a Difference Between (a... (in reply to Lucerom)
Jason's website teaches you to use more than one type of rasgueado. I think a lot of people will stick to one type of rasgueado more than others, and it's good to have the versatility to switch when needed (when accompanying an aggressive dancer, for example).
I primarily use amii for most rasgueado stuff, but throwing in iai or even aiai can really give the compas a much added groovy flavor (especially if you do aiai loops really fast).
I think there really isn't a 'wrong' method, and it's just like the whole paip vs. p(am)pp deal, where one is more louder, yet the other has a traditional sound, etc.
Vary it up!
Oh, and I like iai or aiai for tangos more than amii (if anybody cares), since it has a lighter feel before hitting a heavy downstroke, so the sounds seem to transition well and give good dynamics.
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RE: Is There a Difference Between (a... (in reply to Lucerom)
quote:
Is there truly a difference between the two methods? Is one more modern than the other? Is one better than the other or is it just a matter of preference?
Is there a difference? When you do it right yes. Is one more modern? No, but the oldest version I think is i up ami down, a slight difference from i up a i down, but still the point being you need to start with i up to make the right sound and feel. Is one better? yes. Start with i up for this compas and fandangos too. There are other applications for starting with ami down.
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Joined: Nov. 6 2008
From: Sydney, Australia
RE: Is There a Difference Between (a... (in reply to Ricardo)
quote:
ORIGINAL: Ricardo
No, but the oldest version I think is i up ami down, a slight difference from i up a i down, but still the point being you need to start with i up to make the right sound and feel. Is one better? yes. Start with i up for this compas and fandangos too. There are other applications for starting with ami down.
Ricardo
Is this because it's been done traditionally with iai or iami? I'm curious because my teacher teaches me ami while another friends teacher taught him iai.
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