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James Ashley Mayer -> RE: burning all non-flamenco guitar bridges (Aug. 31 2010 23:02:57)
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I was totally obsessed and dedicated to flamenco and flamenco only. That was '99 - '03. Then, the wrist problems started and I was forced to take an indefinite break. I didn't want to give up music so I took up the steel guitar because I've always wanted to play a bowed instrument. Steel guitar isn't bowed, of course, but it can achieve long flowing microtonal melodies. Another big point here is that the technique of sliding a bar around is far far far less challenging, physically. I'd argue that it's more difficult than playing guitar as far as the importance placed on your musical ear, but there's just no comparison to flamenco guitar as far as the technical challenge.
Well, now I'm giving flamenco guitar another try and my musical outlook has completely changed. I see flamenco as something that I could never be considered first rate at. Even if I could play like PDL, I'd still be considered lesser. That's something every non-spanish flamenco must face. Also, adhering to tradition is a serious headache and really not much fun after a while. I'm now hoping to carve out a different niche. I think steel guitar could sound great when added to a flamenco foundation. If flute and fretless bass, why not just about anything?
My point is, you can't possibly know what your outlook will be in 10 years. It'll be nice to reach over and have other elements to experiment with.
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