Miguel de Maria -> RE: Guía del idiota (Sep. 30 2003 18:40:51)
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It's something to do with Spanish gypsy's, right? flamenco is a synthesis of gypsy, arabic, jewish, and andalucian influences (among others). It represents the music of the marginalized classes. gypsies are only one element in this complex music. What does the word flamenco mean? In the dictionary, it means several things, among the music we are speaking of, flamingo, and someone from Flanders. I'll leave what the word has to do with the music to someone else! What's the difference between playing a flamenco guitar and a classical guitar? A specifical guitar made for flamenco is a recent phenomenon. The characteristics of this guitar are principally derived from the fact that flamencos could only afford guitars of cheap materials. That, and the need for a bright, penetrating, and loud sound. The Gypsy Kings are flamenco Yes, of course, they represent a tiny part, and a very commercialized part, of flamenco. They play rumbas, a palo that was created with additional influence from Cuba. Yet rumbas are not a particularly recent form or any less flamenco than any other. Paco De Lucia is flamenco He is the reigning king of flamenco guitar, revolutionary in his technique, compositional abilites and output. Why the clapping? As flamenco is dance-oriented the beat, called the "compas" must be maintained. ... and the shouting? "Jaleo" is the term for encouraging shouts and calls to the performers. "Ole!" is often shouted, which many believe is descended from the word "Allah." So the divine has been glimpsed in the performance. I've played acoustic guitar for years, so how long will it take to learn flamenco? Depends how much you practice, how much you listen, how many flamencos you have the opportunity too learn from, how much time you spend in Spain. This goes for all the questions below, too! But here are some guidelines I have heard... --the ability to confidently understand and feel compas 2 years --the ability to play fluent rasgeuados (strmming) 2 years --the ability to play fast picado (alternating finger scales) at least 2 years --the ability to play solo flamenco guitar 20 years (first you have to accompany dance for 10 years, then accompany cante for 10 years--I think this is how the Sabicas joke goes) OK, I want to learn the flamenco guitar, where do I start? Buy some CDs, preferably of older, simpler flamenco which is easier to understand, and get a teacher. Do I need long finger nails? Eventually, but it's not recommended to start that way. How long should I practise? At least two hours a day. What's the best way to practise? Divide your time practicing technique, playing compas (strumming patterns), working on falsetas (melodic interludes), and listening to flamenco. Which style should I begin with? Soleares! It's slow, yet contains many of the rhythmic formations of other flamenco. Where do I get music notation or tabs from? Juan Martin has a DVD/book combo out that's GREAT for beginners. It starts at the very beginning, with the simplest excercses. The way most guitarists get off track is by trying to grab for too much too, soon. What's the best guitar to start with? The best? A $15000 Conde Hermanos. But you should settle for a nylon-string guitar with a comfortable action.
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