Palos - harmonic, rhythmic and melodic structure

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SteveGower

Posts: 2
Joined: Dec. 31 2012

Palos - harmonic, rhythmic and melo...

A question…

Does anyone know of a resource which lays out the basic harmonic, rhythmic and melodic structure of any Flamenco Palos, for the purpose of improvising a performance?

By this I mean something which corresponds to the layout of a 12 bar blues or jazz standard (e.g. "I Got Rhythm" changes, or "Blue Bossa")

The number of bars, the harmonic changes, the accents (compas) - and ideally the melody from the cante section?

All the information (books, websites, online videos) I have ever seen provides detail about the stylistic techniques used (chord voicing, right hand techniques and so on) but does not lay out the underlying musical principles clearly.

I can obviously transcribe performances - but I need some information concerning the musical structure which players are using as a basis for improvising.

Any pointers would be most gratefully received!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 8 2013 10:24:53

KMMI77

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 26 2009
From: The land down under

RE: Palos - harmonic, rhythmic and ... (in reply to SteveGower)

quote:

Does anyone know of a resource which lays out the basic harmonic, rhythmic and melodic structure of any Flamenco Palos, for the purpose of improvising a performance?

Hi SteveGower, Welcome to the foro,

Unfortunately I don't believe that you are going to find an easy way to instantly understand flamenco forms. Nor find a single resource that will enable an improvised performance.

There are however many great resources available. Try the enquentro books and videos.

You will first need to study each palo individually. Then learn and practice the techniques used to sound like a flamenco guitarist.

You will also need to listen to, and learn the way the guitar follows the cante. And then learn examples of rhythm and falsetas for each style until you can recognize each palo.

Sounding authentic will require you to be able to replicate the fundamental, and often repeated, sections, rhythms and passages that make each palo recognizable to other flamencos. With this familiarity you will be able to answer your questions. Without understanding this, picking up a chart and following chords and a time signature will have little to do with flamenco.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 8 2013 13:47:43

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Palos - harmonic, rhythmic and ... (in reply to SteveGower)

Here's the closest thing you will find.
http://www.amazon.com/Flamencos-Guitar-Guide-Guitarra-Flamenca/dp/8493767379
But as KMM said, without a firm base understanding of each palo individually this book is useless.

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\m/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 8 2013 14:13:08

El Kiko

Posts: 2697
Joined: Jun. 7 2010
From: The South Ireland

RE: Palos - harmonic, rhythmic and ... (in reply to SteveGower)

I think just to get you started listening to the main palos you could have a look around this site it has very good info /....

http://www.studioflamenco.com/index.html

just click on flamenco forms then choose one ....

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Don't trust Atoms.....they make up everything.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 8 2013 16:57:06