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I was talking about the thin sound I was getting with the capo, but I have to say that that was really my first attempt at it. I really love the percussive effects I am now learning and although I'm only a couple of weeks into it, I do see a marked difference in my playing. I find that my picking is far stronger and more accurate in the flamenco position as opposed to the classical position, a position I never ever got comfortable with, no matter how much I tried. I've always been cursed with bad timing, but I can see this will improve greatly by playing flamenco. Speaking of the guitar sounding different at that pitch, one of my favourite guitarists that I have listened to and watched through video is a guy called Jeff Lynsky. Now I know he's a jazz/bossa player, but the sound he gets from his guitar is amazing. He plays a Requinto three/quarter lenth classical guitar, which I believe is tuned a third higher than a normal classical. So, in effect it kinda relates to the capo sound of the flamenco instrument I'd imagine. Jason, as to the Juan Martin books. The reason I picked that one was, I was looking through the few flamenco books in the store, and as I'd already seen this guy and been to one of his workshops, decided on him. However, I will look out for a Graf Martinez tutor and maybe concider purchasing that. I'm going to practice the whole week with capo on, and get my ear trained to the sound and see how it goes. The other thing I found was a noticable lack of volume at this pitch, but I'd imagine that you compensate for that by stronger playing as the muscles improve on the right hand. Once again thanks, and I wish I'd happened upon a site like this when I started classical, it is most helpful to know that others have the same problems as yourself.
Welcome to foro! The capo was weird for me too when I first came to flamenco from classical but now not using a capo is weird! It's all about the sound but you may not notice this on a classical. It's a bit like a flute player or violin soloist that might intentionally play a tiny bit sharp to cut through an orchestra and stand out. The upper partical harmonics really cut through. I think is very much a part of the instrument especially since most flamenco guitars are 660 mm or more. This leads me to believe that this is because the intention (of the larger scale length) is that you would be using a capo. Similarly, where classical benefits from rich overtones and resonance, flamenco is primarily percussive which is something else a capo lends a hand with.
Thanks seanm. I've been playing all day with the capo on the second fret, and I can see the difference already. I seems to be making me look for more volume and work at it harder to get a sound. My ear is getting used to it now. I imagine by the end of the week I'll be fine with it. So much different from classical right enough.
You should practice without capo. You can play the compositions later with capo for the audience if you want. If you allways play with capo, it could be very hard for you to play al aire. Its like beeing in space for a year. When you come back, you cant walk alone. So be careful.
Don´t practice with capo! I did it for 2 years while starting out but when i tock my first private lesson he said -Lose the cejilla. The result was that i couldn´t play as good.
Practice everything without capo and put it on when your just haveing fun or playing the pieces in your book.
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This is hard stuff! Don't give up... And don't make it a race. Enjoy the ray of sunshine that comes with every new step in knowledge.
Thanks for the advice guys. I was'nt planning on practicing with the capo all the time. It was just to get my ear used to the different pitch and playabiliy of the guitar. Just for a few days perhaps.
Okay, here's another perspective: play with the capo as much as you can stand.
Why? Well, the reason many bad habits occur is because you try to do _too much_. If you notice, there is a huge mass of intermediate players--they aren't beginners, but they aren't good and they never will be. Why? Because they never actually master any particular skill on the instrument.
If you capo up on 2-3-4, your fingers won't have to stretch very much. You will be able to master each move without the added complication of battling the flexibility of your hands.
I kind of agree with you Miguel. I had a lesson with teacher who wouldn't let me use a capo when I was starting out. I thought that was B.S for just the reason you mentioned. I'm glad I found a better teacher.
The only reason for practiceing with capo (for me) is that the strings feel diffrent. Everything becomes easyer and i don´t have to use as much force as i do without capo. If i put capo on 3rd my rasgueados sound bad because i use to much force, so i have to adjust to it.
_____________________________
This is hard stuff! Don't give up... And don't make it a race. Enjoy the ray of sunshine that comes with every new step in knowledge.
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