FlamencoEgipcio -> RE: beginner practice routine (Jan. 17 2012 18:18:14)
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Ya basha! Ahlan we Sahlan! Where are you from in Egypt? Are you currently there? I was born in Los Angeles, but my parents are both from El Minya, and moved to the US in 1981. In any case, I'm glad to see Egyptians taking over the ForoFlamenco! I've only been playing for exactly one year, since January 2011, but I do empathize with your struggles, and believe that I have some helpful advice to share. First, don't underestimate the power of osmosis. Listen to professional flamenco recordings, and preferably watch videos on YouTube of greats like Sabicas, Paco Pena and Paco de Lucia. Do this CONSTANTLY. These videos often have very nice close up shots of right hand technique. Don't listen or watch for the purpose of study, but watch and listen to enjoy. If you do this frequently, you'll be surprised by how certain techniques and compas rub off on you without even making a conscious effort to learn. It's all about exposure. Speaking of exposure, in the same vein as the first point, don't keep your passion for flamenco private. Share it with others, and attend whatever live flamenco events you can in your area. You've already done well on this point by joining the Foro! Secondly, never, never, never practice beyond the point of fatigue. Tired hands make mistakes, and there's no point in practicing mistakes. On that same note, practice slowly, about 80 beats per minute with a metronome, or even slower than that. Master a piece or exercise at that pace before you move on. For me at least, I've had no problem thoroughly enjoying what I was doing even at 60 beats per minute. When you eat, breath and sleep flamenco, the melodies and rhythms resonate with you no matter what the pace. Lastly, get two books, a book of full solo pieces and a method book, and work with them concurrently. I highly recommend Juan Martin's Solos Flamencos for full solo pieces, and either Graf-Martinez's Flamenco Guitar Method Volume One or Dennis Koster's The Keys to Flamenco Guitar Volume One. On Juan Martin, you will find heated debate on the Foro about the merits of his book, but honestly, I can't find a single valid reason why learning his solos won't make you a better player. That's a pretty strong statement for a beginner guitarist like myself, but I'm willing to take heat for it :) When working with these books, play and master EVERYTHING within them, even if the solo piece or exercise is obviously too easy for you. Eating "humble pie" and playing something that seems below your skill level is a great way to improve technique. Just think of all the professional basketball players who are considered superstars, but average only 50-60% on free throws. That's sad and absurd, if you ask me. One last thing, what kind of guitar are you using? It might be time for an upgrade. The guitar does NOT make the player, but I think too many people underestimate the effect a quality guitar can have on both self motivation and proper technique. Best, Kenney
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