single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Full Version)

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hamia -> single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 26 2004 8:26:06)

How do flamenco guitarists play single note runs with the thumb? I read somewhere that most play with the flesh (and keep the nail on that side of the thumb filed down to avoid catching on the string). This requires the thumb to lie roughly parallel to the strings.
The other obvious way is to raise the wrist somewhat so that the thumb is more in the classical position - and this would mean that the thumbnail would contact the strings.

Angus



Ron.M -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 26 2004 10:14:46)

Hi Angus,
That's correct. Flamenco guitarists use the side of the thumb so that the hard skin makes contact first then the edge of the nail just clips the string.
A mixture of flesh and nail according to the sound you want.

cheers

Ron



hamia -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 26 2004 11:32:26)

Ron

Thanks for the clarification. The skin on my thumb is still pretty soft as I've only recently taken up the guitar again. But I've just got my Sinusido travel guitar which means I can practice hard without disturbing the neighbours - so hopefully my thumb and fingers should harden up quickly!

Angus



Ron.M -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 26 2004 13:01:35)

Angus,
Remember to stop if your thumb begins to feel a bit irritated or you'll get a blister, which will set you back a couple of weeks until it heals properly.
Then you'll have to start from scratch again. [:@]
Build it up slowly!

cheers

Ron

PS. A folded duster or piece of foam rubber under the strings near the bridge makes an excellent "mute" for practising (especially rasgueados etc) and has the advantage that you are still gaining familiarity and "feel" with your own guitar.



Jon Boyes -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 27 2004 11:44:51)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ron.M
PS. A folded duster or piece of foam rubber under the strings near the bridge makes an excellent "mute" for practising (especially rasgueados etc) and has the advantage that you are still gaining familiarity and "feel" with your own guitar.


and has the added advantage of your wife not interrupting your practice and saying:

"WILL YOU STOP PLAYING SO BLOODY LOUD, YOU'LL WAKE THE BABY!"

[:)]

Jon



Ron.M -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 27 2004 15:04:00)

LOL Jon,
Bin there, as must be many others!
Interesting point though.
The guitarist Rafael just kept practising (with the baby in another room) from when his little girl was born and the baby just got used to the sound and would fall asleep without any trouble.
In fact his little girl started crying when I shut the door of his practise room.
He told me to leave it a little ajar as she liked to hear it as she lay in her cot.

I think the wife is always the trouble on this issue, not the baby. [:D]

cheers

Ron



hamia -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 28 2004 14:38:53)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jon Boyes

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ron.M
PS. A folded duster or piece of foam rubber under the strings near the bridge makes an excellent "mute" for practising (especially rasgueados etc) and has the advantage that you are still gaining familiarity and "feel" with your own guitar.


and has the added advantage of your wife not interrupting your practice and saying:

"WILL YOU STOP PLAYING SO BLOODY LOUD, YOU'LL WAKE THE BABY!"

[:)]

Jon



Ha ha - I don't have that problem at the moment but another advantage of using a muffler (in my case an old sock!) is that you can watch TV and practice at the same time.

Angus



Miguel de Maria -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 28 2004 17:37:36)

Ron,
I wonder if Rafael's baby got perfect pitch from listening to all the music....Welll...he was a flamenco guitarist, so he was probably out of tune.



Patrick -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 28 2004 21:52:20)

quote:

How do flamenco guitarists play single note runs with the thumb?


Angus,

Yes, as Ron said, most thumb work is done on the side with flesh and nail. What I did want to point out is the use of a technique used by many players to add emphases to thumb strokes. If we play with a low wrist position, the thumb will (and should) extend out toward the sound hole. But by arching (raising) the wrist, the thumb now swings back more to a straight on attack to the strings. By doing this, the string is driven more into the soundboard creating more volume and a bolder tone.

This stroke still uses the flesh of the thumb, and the nail, but more toward the tip. Check out the videos of Tomitito, Rafael Riquni and Pepe Habichuela on this website:

http://www.duendeflamenco.com/DFVideos.htm

You will notice when they want to add emphasis, the wrist goes up and the thumb attacks at a straighter angle.

Pat



Escribano -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 29 2004 11:45:33)

I can play pulgar pretty fast and never had any real issues. I came from an electric bass and guitar background so I just pretend my thumb is a pick or plectrum. I do not consider the nail versus the flesh but the whole left and top as a plectrum. It works for me.



hamia -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 29 2004 13:02:21)

Thanks for the pointers and the link. Nothing like seeing the pros do it. One day I'll buy the encuentra vids - but can 't really face buying VHS at the moment - surely in this day and age you'd think they'd put them out on DVD.

Angus



Ron.M -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 29 2004 14:55:25)

quote:

I came from an electric bass and guitar background

Ah..but can you play with the guitar behind your head?
And with your teeth?

Ron [;)]



Escribano -> RE: single note runs for thumb - flesh or nail? (Jul. 29 2004 15:19:23)

quote:

Ah..but can you play with the guitar behind your head?
And with your teeth?


Of course, that's just level 1 Hendrix - pretty basic. The advanced stuff involves lighter fluid[;)]



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