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Hi - I am new here and to Flamenco. I started playing metal when I was in my teens, never got hooked. Picked up a classical (takamine hirade 83 concert arte) a couple years ago and started playing flamenco. I am hooked! Just as I started thinking I was getting good - I found this forum. I was reminded I have a LOT to learn.
I came here to ask for advice on my next step. I have gotten through the Juan Martin Books and have actually made it through the Paco Pena book (needs a lot of polishing). I am not sure what to work on next, and would like to be able to actually play, not just learn others songs. I am also considering getting a flamenco guitar soon - though the Hirade has been pretty great.
In response to your request for advice, here are a few suggestions:
1) To make sure you're on the right track and not cultivating bad habits, find a good flamenco guitar teacher. If none is available locally, you might want to consider skype lessons with Ricardo Marlow.
2) Playing in compas is as important as all of the cool right-hand techniques (assuming you're right-handed). So, in addition to learning the main palos (e.g. tangos, solea, solea por bulerias, bulerias, and alegrias), make sure you work on your sense of timing and rhythm.
RE: I am new here (no troll) (in reply to machopicasso)
quote:
ORIGINAL: machopicasso
cultivating bad habits
What a wonderful phrase :-).
I know all about ...... after cultivating bad habits for years (wile playing all records of Paco Peña) i basically had to start all over again when i consulted my first teacher, both technically and music wise. It took me 3 years to accommodate again. To become a good player you must develop a good and trustable technique and you have to understand the underlaying musical structures (like the inner compas and how to shape a piece around it). A good teacher can indeed mean a world of difference. Unfortunately there are also lesser good teachers that cultivate and spread there own bad habits.
Welcome to the foro and good luck with your quest.... you'll find many like you here, and many good teachers.
Yeah - I need to find a teacher. I am in the South Bay area of Los Angeles - if you know of anyone.
Look through the archives. If you don't see anything there, then post a comment. Given your location, I'd be surprised if you weren't able to find a teacher locally.