Advice sought for martillo technique

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constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

Advice sought for martillo technique

Can anyone give me advice on the martillo technique on the guitar? I can do it, but it feels very violent on my nail and I don't like to risk breaking my nail. In the official Paco de Lucia transcription books, it says that it is done with m. I do it with i because it feels easier. What am I missing? A short video tutorial would be greatly appreciated.

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Ethan Deutsch
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 21 2022 0:07:17

Piwin

Posts: 3559
Joined: Feb. 9 2016

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Pardon my ignorance, but what is the martillo technique?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 21 2022 10:15:08

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to Piwin)

Ignorance is no problem. The martillo (literally "hammer") is the strongest golpe technique, whereby you hit the golpeador above the low E string with the back of the nail and continue moving the finger down across the strings, all in one motion, so you get a golpe and a strum all in one. Some people here have used another name for it which I forget.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 21 2022 15:20:59

kitarist

Posts: 1715
Joined: Dec. 4 2012

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to Piwin)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Piwin

Pardon my ignorance, but what is the martillo technique?

I didn't know either, but found a definition by Ethan himself:

http://www.foroflamenco.com/tm.asp?m=244605&appid=&p=&mpage=1&key=martillo&tmode=&smode=&s=#244833

"..."martillo" golpes, where you hit the golpeador above the strings with the back of the fingernail on the way to hitting the bass strings with that same back of fingernail. "

EDIT: Oops, he replied while I was fumbling with the link and quote

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 21 2022 15:29:21

orsonw

Posts: 1934
Joined: Jul. 4 2009
From: London

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

quote:

Some people here have used another name for it which I forget.

'capirote'.

I use the 'm' finger flicked out from the thumb, only needs a light flick as the wrist is main driver. But rather than hitting the top with my nail, it is more the back of the last joint that makes contact first and then the nail follows on to the strings.

I made a quick air guitar photo that may help illustrate.

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Attachment (1)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 21 2022 15:48:55

Ricardo

Posts: 14797
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

I learned this on a classical guitar with tap plate and developed a big long callous on the index from catch the bass string way above the nail bed. Dance class develops this thing of course. It is called “capirote” like the pointed clan hat Sevillano Penitents wear at Semana Santa to remember the medieval times. I guess both names refer to the sharp or high pitch tone that is produced. Middle finger would get a sound a little less bright being a bit closer to the bridge than soundhole. I also get the same type of golpe with the back of the thumb nail on many up stroke attacks, which gets more of a “pop” sound than that bright version the index gets.

In both cases, unfortunately you have to hit the nails hard. But it is not really worse than the normal golpe under the treble strings (meant to be supported by flesh and push into the nail bed, however in practice the ring nail often chips from this action), nor is it as bad as the gradual precise filing down of the back of the nails by basic rasgueados. Use glue and have no fear. Folks that use fake nails get much much louder golpes with little effort.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 21 2022 16:23:11

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to orsonw)

Thanks, Orson and Ricardo. I'll try these suggestions.

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Ethan Deutsch
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 21 2022 16:51:51

gerundino63

Posts: 1743
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

I use the flesh of the mouse part of my thumb to lance of the ring finger. The thumb is free to use again instant than if you want.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 21 2022 20:42:58

dartemo1

Posts: 76
Joined: Apr. 21 2010

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Sometimes when playing "capirote" I also hit the upper part of tap plate with my thumb's nail. It results in a loud and somewhat prolonged golpe. Is it acceptable?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 22 2022 4:24:42

Argaith

Posts: 481
Joined: May 6 2009
From: Iran (living in London)

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

quote:

capirote

I've been using this technique for many years now without knowing the name!

A

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 22 2022 10:16:49

edguerin

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

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Just to make things a little more confusing

:

I've come across "martillo" as equivalent to "hammer on" (i.e. "ligado") as well as for a technique where you hit all 6 strings with the right thumb very close to the bridge (Sabicas used this).
And my teacher in Sevilla said he wasn't aware of the name "capirote" which is the term I learned for the golpe described by Ethan.

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El aficionado solitario
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 22 2022 18:04:01

orsonw

Posts: 1934
Joined: Jul. 4 2009
From: London

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Hi Ethan

I made a short video in case it helps you.
You can see how I get the golpe more with the back of the finger rather than hitting directly with the nail. I don't need to hit very hard to get a loud sound with the bony part of the finger. I realise I actually lightly flick off the thenar eminence rather than the end of thumb as I showed in previous 'air guitar' photo.

http://www.foroflamenco.com/tm.asp?m=341728&p=1&tmode=1&smode=1

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 22 2022 20:35:46

JasonM

Posts: 2051
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to orsonw)

I actually flick my index off of my thumb, like flicking a boogie, but not as much pressure and still combined with wrist motion.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 22 2022 22:00:42

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to edguerin)

Ed--
"Hammer on" is a totally different thing, referring to an ascending slur, not a golpe of any sort.

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Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 23 2022 16:59:27

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to orsonw)

Thanks so much for the clip, Orson. That looks really good and comfortable.

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Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 23 2022 17:00:52

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to JasonM)

Thanks, Jason. Of course, I wouldn't know anything about flicking boogies

but that sounds good.

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Ethan Deutsch
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www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 23 2022 17:02:24

norumba

Posts: 30
Joined: May 20 2015

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

orson, thanks for that vid as well, thats very clear to see whats happening, and clarifies some wrist angle for me.

i ve always done this technique like that , but with the index finger...never occured to use the middle finger!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 23 2022 17:39:37

edguerin

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

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Ethan,
of course!
I'm aware of that.
I just wanted to point out that the term "martillo" isn't as straightforward as it might seem

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 23 2022 18:07:50

devilhand

Posts: 1598
Joined: Oct. 15 2019

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to norumba)

quote:

never occured to use the middle finger!

At 1:33 middle finger capirote sounds more aggressive. So it's worth using it.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 23 2022 18:14:52

ernandez R

Posts: 737
Joined: Mar. 25 2019
From: Alaska USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Incuriouse lot here on the foro ;)

First thought that came to my mind was, wonder what piece Ethan is working on now?

HR

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 26 2022 0:13:15

mark indigo

Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to edguerin)

quote:

my teacher in Sevilla said he wasn't aware of the name "capirote" which is the term I learned for the golpe described by Ethan.

I was told it was a slang for a "tap on the head"

the main difficulty for me in learning it was to keep the other fingers out of the way. for this reason I found it easier to do it with index. I used to do it with the distal knuckle joint contacting the soundboard, and probably with WAY too much force, which caused me some problems.

Over time I have refined it so just the nail contacts the soundboard, and with less force, so it is much quicker and easier to co-ordinate.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 29 2022 21:24:52

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to ernandez R)

Thanks for your curiosity, HR. I'm working on Rio Ancho. I have the CD version memorized, just, and I know a flute player and a rhythm guitarist, two women I am trying to convince to work on it with me. According to the official PDL Partitura, there is just one martillo (I think) in the piece. I don't feel obligated to do it rather than a regular golpe, but it would be a nice option.

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Ethan Deutsch
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www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 29 2022 23:56:32

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to mark indigo)

Yeah, Mark, I am still finding it much easier to do with the index, so at this point I see no reason to go to m.

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Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
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I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 29 2022 23:58:14

Stu

Posts: 2521
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Antonio Rey does a nice one of these right at the end of the intro to aromas de la caleta.
exciting technique!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 30 2022 9:03:16

orsonw

Posts: 1934
Joined: Jul. 4 2009
From: London

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to Stu)

quote:

Antonio Rey does a nice one of these right at the end of the intro to aromas de la caleta.

In this video he does one with his index during the seco intro, right at the start around 0.01.
And seven more at the end starting 1.39.

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 30 2022 10:19:48

Piwin

Posts: 3559
Joined: Feb. 9 2016

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Got it. I knew it as "capirote". Never knew it had another name. The more you know!

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"Anything you do can be fixed. What you cannot fix is the perfection of a blank page. What you cannot fix is that pristine, unsullied whiteness of a screen or a page with nothing on it—because there’s nothing there to fix."

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 30 2022 14:28:22

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to orsonw)

¡Ole!

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Ethan Deutsch
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www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 30 2022 16:06:20

devilhand

Posts: 1598
Joined: Oct. 15 2019

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to orsonw)

I think index finger capirote is more common because of PdL. Never seen him using the middle finger.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 31 2022 15:56:05

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to devilhand)

Wow, interesting.

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Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 3 2022 5:32:38

Richard Jernigan

Posts: 3430
Joined: Jan. 20 2004
From: Austin, Texas USA

RE: Advice sought for martillo technique (in reply to Piwin)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Piwin

Got it. I knew it as "capirote". Never knew it had another name. The more you know!

I learned the word in a different context, definition 2. here

https://dle.rae.es/capirote?m=form

Later I heard the word applied to the flamenco technique.

RNJ

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 3 2022 22:40:59

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