Thumb callous

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Thumb callous

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MarkMc

Posts: 121
Joined: Oct. 1 2005
From: Wilsonville, Oregon

Thumb callous

Hello,

Does anyone else's thumb callous get in the way sometimes?
I've been playing flamenco for about 1 year now, and I'm trying to use a combination of flesh and nail while practicing pulgar techniques and azapua etc. However, it seems that I can only play for about 15 min. straight, before my thumb caluse starts to swell and gets in the way. Sometimes this can be a little painful too.…I’ve tried buffing down the callous some using a rough emery board. Is this what flamenco player’s have to do and deal with on a regular basis? Maybe with a few more years of experience it won’t be such a big deal?

Thanks

_____________________________

-MarkMc

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 1 2006 16:34:06

koella

Posts: 2194
Joined: Sep. 10 2005
From: holland

RE: Thumb callous (in reply to MarkMc)

It's that callous that provides the flamenco tone in combination with the nail( if I'm right ? )

So, be proud of your callous

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 1 2006 17:23:09

MarkMc

Posts: 121
Joined: Oct. 1 2005
From: Wilsonville, Oregon

RE: Thumb callous (in reply to koella)

I have no problem being proud of it....

I was just wondering what everyone else does when it grows to big and gets in the way...

Thanks

_____________________________

-MarkMc

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 1 2006 20:21:09

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: Thumb callous (in reply to MarkMc)

Mark,
Interesting subject...
I've always played callous/nail type strokes.
Recently the callous got so thick and bruised (due to over-practising) that it started to come away.
So I am left with "Virgin Flesh" so to speak.
I've kinda got round the problem by angling the thumb, at a steeper angle, so it is basically nail only.
Sounds OK actually, in fact I think I like it!

When I was watching Paco play that Bulerias for family and friends on Rito y Geografia, I was quite intrigued how he moved his thumb practically at right angles to the strings, when doing alzapua.
He does it at a much sharper angle than I ever did.
So that tells you something.

I'm beginning to get into this "nail" only stuff...
It provides a "twangier" sound than callous/nail IMO.

But, like anything...it's not as simple as that.

You've got to experience the callous/nail stuff first, and you still use it to a certain extent....you never forget how to do that...and that is the main point.

I think to get that "bright" sound on the basses, you've got to use "dampened nail" kinda technique.

In the past, I've been using too much callous and not enough nail.

But of course, you can't use the nail in the Classical way.

You've gotta take a "swipe" at the string, not just placing your thumb on it and plucking it...(not true in all cirumcstances).

But generally, I think the Flamenco sound comes from playing stuff decisevely and very quickly...no hesitation or dithering..
Same with Picado.
Play the note quickly.
Let it stop quickly.
People don't seem to apply that to the thumb though...
They maybe see the thumb as providing a basic harmony to the picado..
And just play "spongy" thumb stuff.
Watch how all the greats down to folk like Niño Jero play..
Never "spongy"....always really sharp...
Playing callos/nail definitely gives you a lot more control over the string...
But I think in the long run, it teaches you how to use the thumb better IMO.

Ah..This thing is a life long quest..
Not just a hobby..

cheers

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 1 2006 20:34:51