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Richard Jernigan -> RE: Is using a guitar-support "un-flamenco"? (Jan. 12 2012 14:31:01)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Ricardo
In trad position the left hand is involved somewhat. It is like juggling. With leg crossed it is balanced more so left hand is more free.
...ummm, it depends. In fact, in the 'traditional' position the left hand can be totally free, and the higher frets can be quite accessible--despite what Paco says.
Ed Freeman, the Englishman who went to Spain in the '50s to become a flamenco, who taught in Dallas, Texas for many years, and who accurately transcribed many pieces by Ramon Montoya, Niño Ricardo, Sabicas, etc. taught the 'traditional' position. This was pre-Paco, and it was the position essentially everyone used.
Ed would have the student hold the guitar and leave the left hand at his side. Ed would grab the guitar neck and try to wrest the guitar away from the student. If the student couldn't hold onto the guitar, Ed would analyze the situation and recommend changes in the student's hold.
I experienced the same with a Triana gypsy who passed though San Antonio.
The traditional position is counter-intuitive to most beginners. There are lots of ways to do it wrong. But it can be done in a way that doesn't produce excess tension, doesn't press on the ulnar nerve, and leaves the left hand free.
I've seen Sabicas support the neck with the left hand in one particular situation. He liked to do a continuous rasgueado moving the right hand up and down the strings toward the soundhole, back toward the bridge, toward the soundhole, etc. In this case his right upper arm would lose contact with the guitar and his left hand would support the neck.
RNJ
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