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Recently been playing around trying to get a little more OOMPH into my Alegrias rasgueados, and found that using the thumb (both up and downstrokes ) plus all the fingers - similar to abanico - gave a lot of punch to the rythm.
Sorry to sound so naiive, but is this an accepted technique?
Dont recall seeing regular Alegrias rasguedos played using the thumb and the fingers, but I cant believe that others have not also tried using this technique, for greater emphasis.
RE: Using thumb in Alegrias rasgueados (in reply to britguy)
Hi britguy,
The technique you described was used by Nino Ricardo over 80 years ago. In fact, Juan Martin demonstrates that very technique in his video instruction method: La Guitarra Flamenca. Another guitarist that uses the the technique is Mariano Cordoba. Keep in mind, there is no right way or wrong way; if it sounds good and is played in compas than it's the "right way". Best of luck to you.
RE: Using thumb in Alegrias rasgueados (in reply to dformell)
quote:
used by Nino Ricardo over 80 years ago
Thanks!
My teacher in Madrid (Manolo Bonet) back in the '50's was a contemporary of Nino Ricardo. Maybe I picked it up from him? Too far back to rememeber. But it does sound good (when I can get it just right!)
RE: Using thumb in Alegrias rasgueados (in reply to estebanana)
quote:
Wow you're so lucky to have been there. I would love to have seen Spain in those years.
Actually, it wasn't all wine and roses. Being the so-called 'dark days' of the Franco era. Policia and Guardias Civiles all over the place. (And being a young Limey with a ginger beard made for a sitting target for random searches, even my rucksack and guitar case. . .) Still plenty of visible Civil War damage in Madrid. And poverty very much evident.
But it was still a fantastic place to be at that time. Such a beautifull country, but so much poverty, and fear. . .
RE: Using thumb in Alegrias rasgueados (in reply to britguy)
Yes I have heard about the down sides of those days and researched the era through my readings. I'm sure a great many Spaniards are glad those days are behind them. My first trip to Spain was in 1989, so I missed a great deal of old flamenco. Or really all of it....Then when I returned for the trip after that it was mid 1990's it was really different even compared to 1989. I can only imagine how it was in the 50's.
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