Practicing rhythm (Full Version)

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rusdvl -> Practicing rhythm (Aug. 4 2014 3:31:35)

Hi all,

I've recently started learning flamenco guitar. A couple of days ago I played my first "gig" (I use the word gig extremely loosely) in front of people... I played with my teacher but was quite out of sync with her.

Question is, what is the best way to practice rhythm flamenco? Should I be playing alongside youtube clips or something? I found that all I was doing is trying not to mess up the chord changes etc... and wasn't paying attention to the solo guitarist or temp or anything... What's the best way to improve in that area?

Thanks!



faridtoghi -> RE: Practicing rhythm (Aug. 4 2014 4:42:39)

Hi,

I know exactly what you're talking about. I am new to Flamenco too but I've been playing another instrument for a long time so I can give some advice.

- If you're playing without anything to keep in tempo with then when it comes to difficult parts (technically challenging for you) you may slightly reduce the temp to be able to do those chord changes, scales and so on correctly. Sometimes you may not even notice you lost the rhythm. If you record your playing and then listen to it and count/clap with the tempo you will notice the parts that you lose the rhythm. If you attempt something a bit above your level it will help you to improve. But if you take something way beyond your level it will damage your technique and make it sloppy. So I suggest record and play back and listen which parts you get out of sync with Compas.

- If while playing you notice that you lost the compas then it's good because it means you have internalized the beats and the compas. But you need to improve your technique or reduce the tempo.

- If while playing and you don't notice that you lost the rhythm then still it's not the end of the World. It's possible that you haven't fully understood the rhythm structure of that part.

Here is a couple things that I think can help:

- I never used a metronome before. After 20 years or so when I used a metronome I realized even on some basic scale playing I was out of sync from time to time. But you will be amazed how fast you will improve. So start to use a metronome (if you're not using already). Always start with a very slow tempo that technically you have no difficulties to handle all parts. Once you can play it in tempo without mistakes back to back (4-5 times) then you can increase the tempo toward the speed that it should be played.

- First make sure you understood the compas and the rhythm without involving guitar. Try clapping, tapping or counting with the recording. Or you can mute the strings and just use simple i finger to keep up with the beats.

- I don't the right term for this but I think they call it "getting into the groove". You can play the part of the music that you have no problem with. Keep repeating it back to back, once you feel it's so automatic and natural, you don't feel any tension and it's as if the part is just playing itself then you're in the groove :-) Then add more parts of the music. You may see some musicians use some sort of body movement (head shake or something subtle movement) to get into the groove. But the best is to internalize this getting into the groove.

- I know foot tapping has helped many musicians.

They say there is rarely a real tone deaf person. I am sure there is no real rhythm deaf person. Right practice will your playing in perfect Compas. Good luck

Regards

Farid



machopicasso -> RE: Practicing rhythm (Aug. 4 2014 9:39:11)

quote:

Question is, what is the best way to practice rhythm flamenco? Should I be playing alongside youtube clips or something? I found that all I was doing is trying not to mess up the chord changes etc... and wasn't paying attention to the solo guitarist or temp or anything... What's the best way to improve in that area?


In general, it's really important to practice with a metronome.

Here's one exercise you might want to try. To simplify things, let's suppose you're working with the palo of bulerias. (These points generalize to the other main palos. Also, I'm assuming that you can clap-out a basic bulerias pattern with nice, even tempo).

Choose a pattern, or chord progression, for playing por bulerias. (Here are four such patterns: http://www.flamenco-teacher.com/lps?lpv=1016)

As you learn the pattern, you want to emphasize the place of each chord within the compas. Try playing, say, the chord progression for beats 12, 1, 2, and 3 and then just count silently the rest (or tap them on your guitar). Do that over and over until it becomes second nature. Then, slowly add in other chords, preferably emphasizing the accented beats (e.g. you might try just adding chords on 6, 8, and 10).

Ultimately, whatever pattern of chords you choose is secondary. The real goal is to get a feel for the compas; to be able to accent different parts without losing your place.

As another resource, check-out the video of Victor Wooten at the top of this thread: http://www.foroflamenco.com/tm.asp?m=136277&appid=&p=&mpage=1&key=victor%2Cwooten&tmode=&smode=&s=#136380



Sr. Martins -> RE: Practicing rhythm (Aug. 4 2014 12:28:17)

quote:

I am sure there is no real rhythm deaf person.


You will be amazed when you meet them. [:D]



bernd -> RE: Practicing rhythm (Aug. 4 2014 12:47:30)

Another problem in keeping the compás (as a non Spaniard) is the fact, that clapping the counted rhythm is totally different from the clapped rhythm (palmas). So once the counted version is internalized you will have to work on the palmas version. That means you will have to learn palmas as well. In this stage there a CDs available like "Solo Compás" or different flamenco metronomes providing the correct compás. Here you should be able to clap in 2 voices using your teacher or a video tutor like "Aprende y practica las palmas" by Jerónimo Utrilla. Especially the bulerías is a master piece of its own. Good luck!

Saludos
Bernd



rusdvl -> RE: Practicing rhythm (Aug. 4 2014 22:30:46)

Thanks guys... will try all the suggested things out and will keep you posted. Cheers!



ric -> RE: Practicing rhythm (Aug. 17 2014 15:26:06)

One more thing is getting an app if you have a smart/I phone. I ended up getting a bluetooth speaker so that it is loud enough, and the metronome has different settings like bulerias, solea, etc.



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