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Before I took up Flamenco I played the Blues for many years. No other music touched my soul like the Blues. Then I discovered Flamenco and it deeply touched me as well.
Maybe because there are some similarities between the two. The musicians who developed these styles (slaves and gipsies) were often persecuted and considered "Outcasts".
When I took up Flamenco I did away with playing acoustic Blues. Mainly to try and kill some bad habits. It took me a long time to learn to play with my thumb in the middle of the neck instead of up high and often over the neck.
Every once in a while, I get an itch to take out the steel string and play a little Blues but I'm scared that I'll bring back the thumb problem.
I love both styles. Particularly Flamenco. Should I stay away from the steel strings and focus on Flamenco? Do any of you guys play both nylon and steel string guitars? Must I serve only ONE master?
Posts: 134
Joined: Jul. 12 2003
From: Livermore, CA USA
RE: Can two masters be served? (in reply to TANúñez)
Tom,
I think if the music makes you feel good don't deny yourself the enjoyment and fulfillment.
Years before I caught the flamenco bug, I was heavily into R&B and Jazz. I still play this music even today whenever the old boys want to get together and jam. I still love this music and it will always be as much a part of me as flamenco. Both forms have their unique challenges and are equally as fun for me.
When I play flamenco, I "think" flamenco" and when I play jazz, I "think" jazz. I don't encounter any conflicts with either music, technically or musically. However, it does take a couple of days for my left hand to adjust to the different feel of the guitar necks, but my right hand has no trouble adjusting between pick and finger playing. There are some days when I just don't feel like playing flamenco, so it's nice to have an alternative.
RE: Can two masters be served? (in reply to eslastra)
quote:
When I play flamenco, I "think" flamenco" and when I play jazz, I "think" jazz.
You know Eddie, this is it! The answer to my problem. I'm not in the right mindset. I sometimes look of it as "playing guitar" instead of playing with the flamenco or blues mindset.
I'm looking forward to meeting you in person and I enjoyed our phone conversation last night. It's always good to talk to someone who shares the same interested as you.
I don't have many flamenco friends that live here. Guitar friends yes, flamenco guitar friends no.
Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Can two masters be served? (in reply to TANúñez)
I think that the thing is, it's hard enough to get really good at one thing, let alone two. Think about this...how does one get good at guitar? Well, you have to practice technique... scales, strums, positions shifts, slurs, etc. etc. You have to learn general musicianship... theory, rhythm and timing, structure. You have to learn songs... Some of these things must be practiced every day, some not. Some transfers to other genres of music, some not. There is a whole lot of work that must be done every day on guitar, to get really good at it. That's why it's hard to be good at several things.
RE: Can two masters be served? (in reply to Miguel de Maria)
quote:
Well, you have to practice technique... scales, strums, positions shifts, slurs, etc. etc. You have to learn general musicianship... theory, rhythm and timing, structure.
Yes, for Flamenco guitar. For Blues you can do all this too or simply sell your soul at midnight at the crossroads.
Seriously though, I understand any style of guitar takes much practice and determination if you want to get good at it. I was asking if it would be a hindrance if you studied two styles at once? Actually for me not even that. I study flamenco. I would just like to play a little blues every now and then if it's not going to set me back having to play a totally different way.
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