The usual problem - where do I start

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Alan Green

Posts: 19
Joined: Apr. 1 2005

The usual problem - where do I start

Right. I found my way to this site last summer. I post if I think I know what I'm talking about, and I say if I enjoy the uploads; but...

There was an ad the other month in my classical guitar magazine for what was described as the essential must-have for anyone interested in flamenco, and there are any number of websites/ books that say they are the definitive resource yada yada yada. I have a book I downloaded from the internet (and seem to have buried now I'm looking for the title) which seems ok but when you're at the bottom of the mountain it's a very long way to the top.

This must have been asked a thousand times but I just can't find it - what is my best starting point? I can read music, I understand that there are a number of "basic" flamenco dances and have a fairly solid sense of rhythm. I've played for singers any number of times, but don't have a lot of experience playing for dancers. And I'd like to get a handle on flamenco, naturally from a guitarists point of view.

I'm comfortable with theory, so don't worry about having to dumb down any replies. Just give it to me straight - good books, exercises, videos. I have my grade 5 classical exam next week, and I'm going to take a break before going for my grade 6 at the end of the year, so time is not an issue (work and students permitting)

A :-)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2006 22:42:56

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2006 2:56:29

Francisco

Posts: 879
Joined: Jun. 13 2005
From: SW USA

RE: The usual problem - where do I start (in reply to Alan Green)

I have asked this question before, but usually get a pretty limited reply. Don't know if the questions are painfully obvious, or if it's just the way I ask, but needless to say I'm still asking the same questions. I'm having similar issues at other flamenco guitar websites.

What I have decided to do since I don't have access to a dancer, is to join a few dance forums, and ask for their input. What I found is a couple of flamenco groups in my state. The problem is that it's a big state and both groups are about a 9hr drive one way. I was humbled by invitations from both groups to sit in on dance classes if I were ever in the area. I hope this leads to a little more dialog on the subject of dance accompaniment from a guitarist perspective.

I have also considered Oscar Herrero's instructional DVD that focuses on Alegrias, you can find it here
I'm a little hestitant in ordering that DVD since the first 3 DVDs of Oscar's that I bought were, well, kinda boring. Anyway, good luck.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2006 4:48:12

mentrida

Posts: 55
Joined: Jun. 19 2004

RE: The usual problem - where do I start (in reply to Alan Green)

Alan,

Many have asked the same. The usual replies are the Graf-Martinez, Juan Martin & Oscar Herrero if you're starting out. The Encuentro series seems to be better if you already have some experience.

I've spent time with some material from each category, and although I "learned" the material and had a good time by myself, it was not until I found a teacher that I actually started to see improvements in my playing.

Good Luck!
SB

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2006 0:23:24

Gecko

Posts: 218
Joined: Jan. 2 2006
From: New Mexico

RE: The usual problem - where do I start (in reply to Alan Green)

Alan:

Similar situation here. About grade 5-6 CG and started flamenco guitar about 6 months ago. Here is what I am doing.

First get a methods book(s). Any of the ones Mentrida suggested are probably OK. I use Graf-Martinez.

Follow it up with a Solo flamenco book that will teach you some simple palos of each type. I have found Juan Martin's Solo Flamencos to be good. It follows a graded system similar to what we did in CG.

What to do about compas? Well that's a question I can't answer as I'm still struggling with it myself, but getting better. If you have flamenco dancers (Bailaors) or singers (Cantaor) close at hand then try to couple up with them after you have learned the methods and some basic chording compas' and falsetas. If not then listen to as much puro-flamenco as you can. If neither of the above are possible then play solo flamenco for your own enjoyment. That appears to be where I'm headed at this time.

This may also be helpful:

Flamenco FAQ For Classical Guitarists

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2006 10:56:52

edgar884

Posts: 1975
Joined: Nov. 16 2005

RE: The usual problem - where do I start (in reply to Alan Green)

I think the key is to worry about the techniques before you worry about compas thats what I gather. Then when you try a palos you have the facilities to get through it.

Ras ALzapua Apoyanda PIcado Arpeggios ect; I agree with Gecko hey (are you thinking about going to the workshop in sante fe. Your right next door,anyway, I think classes help more than anything so you can see how its done. They have private classes if you cant stay all week.

_____________________________

May we find God through Flamenco instead of Angels and Demons

www.gabrieledgar.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 20 2006 14:03:57

Gecko

Posts: 218
Joined: Jan. 2 2006
From: New Mexico

RE: The usual problem - where do I start (in reply to edgar884)

quote:

ORIGINAL: edgar884
I agree with Gecko hey (are you thinking about going to the workshop in sante fe. They have private classes if you cant stay all week.

They do? That would be great if I could stay only a few days! How do you find out more about these? I don't see anything on Maria's site about them.

Thanks, Edgar

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 20 2006 19:47:13