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HOOKshoTT

Posts: 1
Joined: Jul. 24 2015

New to Flamenco

Hello everyone! Just got my first flamenco guitar today and I'm super excited to start learning. Problem is i have no idea where to begin.. Coming from southwest Minnesota i don't think anyone around here even knows what flamenco is, it was tough enough to find a good classical teacher (I have been taking classical lessons for 2 months and teaching myself more traditional acoustic fingerstyle for around 4 months). I guess my question is; what is the best way to approach learning flamenco? I figured learning rasgueado would be a good first step so ive been working on a 3-finger method, index, middle, ring down, then index up, and repeat. What other things should i begin with? Better/other ways of rasgueado? Are there any really good method book/DVD series i could buy online?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 24 2015 17:17:42

MikeC

Posts: 79
Joined: Mar. 19 2015
From: Panama (living in South Florida)

RE: New to Flamenco (in reply to HOOKshoTT)

Welcome to the foro HOOKshoTT,

I truly recommend taking flamenco guitar lessons before buying any books or videos. If there are no teachers in your area, try Skype lessons. I've been taking online lessons with a foro member, Ricardo. The only thing I regret is not starting earlier.

Mike

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 24 2015 22:57:05

NenadK

Posts: 137
Joined: Jun. 6 2010

RE: New to Flamenco (in reply to HOOKshoTT)

I'll second what MikeC said. I started with books first and it's done nothing but get in my way. Lessons are the best way to go for flamenco. The only thing I would consider is maybe learning basic chords before starting lessons in case you haven't played guitar at all before.

Cheers,

N

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 25 2015 3:21:01

gbramer

Posts: 15
Joined: Jun. 5 2014

RE: New to Flamenco (in reply to HOOKshoTT)

Hello All,

So we are all sort of beginners!

I think a good way to learn (outside of lessons etc) is from people who are learning too - maybe we should set up a Skype group (/support group!) or something where we can share notes as beginners. I was tempted to setup a youtube channel, but not sure how interesting me practicing badly for an hour would be.

HookShott, Outside of a teacher which is clearly a great idea , I've got a variety of books - and i'd really recommend Juan Martin's stuff (which have video)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Play-Solo-Flamenco-Guitar-Martin/dp/0786664584
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Juan-Martin-Patrick-Campbell-Essential/dp/0786685727/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438003864&sr=1-6

Go well together and are both quite new. I'd forgo Juan Martin's other books for now - although they are good for more material, they are complex and quickly drop you in at the deep end.

One important thing I wish someone had told me is to learn compases and falsetas. Don't learn pieces. Or atleast don't learn everything as 30/40/50+ bar pieces but break them down. Mix and match those components. If you see a piece in a book that's long, pick out a nice compas section in it and work on that only. This is probably obvious to some but I wish i'd twigged this early.

Grab a good metronome - I use http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001EWN72Q?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 which is nice and loud

One other thing, if you have skype lessons, record them (if the teacher doesn't)! It's invaluable especially with complex rhythm to see it played on repeat.

Hopefully some of that is useful, good luck and have fun!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 27 2015 13:40:28

Brendan

Posts: 355
Joined: Oct. 30 2010

RE: New to Flamenco (in reply to gbramer)

That point about learning compáses and falsetas rather than long pieces sounds like a Top Tip

Do you mind if I add it to the list?

_____________________________

https://sites.google.com/site/obscureflamencology/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 27 2015 18:36:47

edguerin

Posts: 1589
Joined: Dec. 24 2007
From: Siegburg, Alemania

RE: New to Flamenco (in reply to HOOKshoTT)

quote:

I figured learning rasgueado would be a good first step so ive been working on a 3-finger method, index, middle, ring down, then index up,

I've never come across that one; only "the other way round": ring, middle, index down, then index up.

_____________________________

Ed

El aficionado solitario
Alemania

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 28 2015 7:46:45

Joana

Posts: 43
Joined: Jan. 14 2015

RE: New to Flamenco (in reply to HOOKshoTT)

Best wishes with your new guitar and flamenco guitar lessons..

I am using Oliver's awesome A Compas app ( from the Google Play store)

Here is the link for you...

http://www.foroflamenco.com/tm.asp?m=277022&p=1&tmode=1&smode=1

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 28 2015 12:41:51