Ricardo -> RE: Ye olde picado debate (Feb. 1 2005 3:26:01)
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quote:
A good analogy would be this - it would be like tapping your fingers on a table top. In order for the finger to move through the string and come to rest on the next string, you would need a movement like this - scratching your fingers on a table top. To my mind, the middle joint IS the main driver in this particular style of picado, with the finger joints held like that I can't see it working any other way. I used to think this too (mid joint power ala Aaron Shear), and I admit spent some time developing this which was not really wasted time. But that is not where the power is coming from w/ the players in those vids. If you are scratching the table w/ bent fingers and the nails are always in contact w/ the table, that is NOT the feeling. Your nails should be lifting off the table slightly, tapping away. I know from the front or top angle of your hand, it LOOKS like that, but there is a difference from the side angle. There is a big difference in power, feeling, and speed control between driving from the big joint vs the middle joint, regardless if your fingers are bent or straight. Of course ALL the joints are moving a little bit when playing, it is natural. I am not saying the fingers are stiff hooks that swing from the top joint only, but the shape should hold somewhat. Crossing from bass to treble w/ m->i, the index must extend a bit. But the power is not coming from the middle joint to push into the string, just because it moves. Watch the vids from the side angle of PdL in Rito y Geographia, the Solea especially. Always big knuckle power. Try this, hold the fingers straight and play on the table again (tapping), alternating fast i-m. It is ok if your index does not touch. Big knuckle movement right? Keep alternating and slowly bend your fingers until they are at right angles (both tips touching table now) and your finger bones between the big and middle joint are parallel to the table. You should not be scratching the table, you should still be tapping. The power should not have shifted, it's still in the big joint. I know it seems weird, but that is the feeling. Some guys play by only bending the middle joint enough to make it the same lenghth as the index. Check some other guys in Rito like Cepero, and Enrique de Melchor. Middle joint power IS a legit technique, just not what those guys in the vids are doing w/ their picados. Ricardo
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