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I ordered the Flamenco Method by Graf-Martinez today. I wanted to get back to the basic and ordered the Koster Keys to Flamenco Guitar a while back. I completed it but felt like something was still missing. The material was good but a little dry.
After listening to the samples of the Graf-Martinez method on his website I got a smile on my face because I loved what I heard. This could be what I've been looking for.
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to Guest)
Hey Andy, no I only ordered Vol. I because I didn't know what to expect. I should have and will now order Vol II.
This book is excellent. Although I have most of the techniques down it was a great refresher. The material is more "flamenco" compared to Kosters books. His are good too but I am much more pleased with the way Graf-Martinez explains things.
Posts: 134
Joined: Jul. 12 2003
From: Livermore, CA USA
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to TANúñez)
El Z,
Good choice! The materials in there are very practical for developing the rhythmic feel for the 8 and 12 count compas. Listen as closely as possible to the recorded examples, there are nuances that are sometimes impossible to put in notation. Graf does a good job of making sure these come through. Volume 2 is a little more advanced and interesting, but I suggest to make sure you have the materials in Volume 1 well under your fingers before you jump to that one. It will be worth the time spent.
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to eslastra)
Hi Eddie. Your right. I'm not planning on starting two until I can do Vol. I in my sleep.
After I finish the Koster books I would play what I learned but something was missing. I don't know what it was. It sounded like I learned the material from a book which I did LOL!
Grafs are different. More authentic, more flavor. Good stuff.
I was talking to Ted on the phone the other day. He told me you were his teacher. Say hi to him for me the next time you guy's meet.
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to Guest)
Hey Andy, the soundhole view is awesome. I love the fact that he really goes into Bulerias compas. This is probably the best method I've tried. What are you and Eddie going over this stuff? I thought you guys were pros. The both of you know enough to come out with your own teaching methods.
Posts: 134
Joined: Jul. 12 2003
From: Livermore, CA USA
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to TANúñez)
quote:
ORIGINAL: El Zurdo
Hey Andy, the soundhole view is awesome. I love the fact that he really goes into Bulerias compas. This is probably the best method I've tried. What are you and Eddie going over this stuff? I thought you guys were pros. The both of you know enough to come out with your own teaching methods.
El Z,
I love teaching guitar so I'm always on the lookout for materials that are practical and effective. With so many books and videos out on the market, it is easy these days for a student to end up spending a lot of money and still not have the right materials. I have just about everything that's ever been published in the last 50 years. Some are excellent and some are not so good. Most flamenco guitar books have been geared towards solo guitar playing. Graf's books seem to be geared more towards developing accompaniment skills, though it never mentions that anywhere in the books. But it's evident as soon as you listen to the recorded examples. I think the bulerias explanations in Vol 1 are about the most comprehensive I've seen in print. Vol 2 has an excellent section on describing the palos, even some of the obscure ones. There's a lot of information packed in these 2 volumes. Graf really did his homework before he wrote these books so there's no need for me to develop yet another method. Why reinvent the wheel?
Me a pro? Not in the least Guitar is simply a passion and hobby that I sometimes can make a few bucs with . I have tremendous respect for those who make a living through their art. Those are the real pros.
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to eslastra)
Eddie,
I was also surprised to see that Graf touched a little bit about palmas. I think this is often overlooked on other guitar methods and I feel to be a complete flamenco guitarist you should also try and learn some of the different palmas patterns used. Many times their on a different rhythmic structure and it could get easy to get lost in the compas
Actually I get lost from time to time in the compas when I'm playing solo. I can image how it would be like to have palmas going at the same time.
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to Bob Arbuckle)
quote:
ORIGINAL: Bob Arbuckle
Hi Eddie,
I'm still waiting for Vol.2. I have Vol 1 and agree with everyone, that Graf-Martinez does a good job. His examples capture the Flamenco Aire.
You mentioned that he covers Bulerias in Vol 1, but I cannot find it? The CD has an extensive section on Bulerias, but I think it's covered in Vol 2.
Looking forward to Vol 2. Bob
Bob,
Mucho apologies, you're right. That's the problem with posting from work, I don't have ready access to my library Since the CD for both books comes with Vol 1, you do get a sneak peak at volume 2, a good teaser.
BTW, I may be coming out to Chicago again in the next year, hope we could hook up this time.
Posts: 134
Joined: Jul. 12 2003
From: Livermore, CA USA
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to TANúñez)
quote:
ORIGINAL: El Zurdo
Eddie,
I was also surprised to see that Graf touched a little bit about palmas. I think this is often overlooked on other guitar methods and I feel to be a complete flamenco guitarist you should also try and learn some of the different palmas patterns used. Many times their on a different rhythmic structure and it could get easy to get lost in the compas
Actually I get lost from time to time in the compas when I'm playing solo. I can image how it would be like to have palmas going at the same time.
El Z
Practicing palmas is also the best way to get the compas 'into the bones'. Another good thing to develop is foot tapping the accents along with the palmas. This will help you maintain compas while playing guitar. You'll notice many guitarists will mark the compas with their foot taps, especially accompanists.
It's always a challenge for me to play against live palmas. It keeps you 'honest' And yes, I do drift out every now and then, as I'm sure Andy can attest
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to TANúñez)
i have leard a lot from his books I have them in german.....witch means that i don´t understad anything but you can always hear and learn the music. Henrik
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to sbarnard)
Yes - G-Martinez will publishing 2 DVDs in spring. A small preview (movie) I saw on his site. It looks great - multi-angle, scoreplayer etc. - go Graf-Martinez
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to Guest)
I am a flamenco guitarist and I would definitely recommend Juan Martin's book that comes with a DVD, Juan Martin is a great teacher. By any chance has anyone heard of a technique called the machine gun alzapua and how it is developed. I have a decent alzapua but I have seen clips of Vicente Amigo and Paco de Lucia and when they do alzapua their thumb comes really close to the saddle and the hand looks like it is spasaming, and the speed is really fast, it likes some wrist action but I was wondering if anyone knew about this technique.
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to Guest)
quote:
ORIGINAL: Guest I have a decent alzapua but I have seen clips of Vicente Amigo and Paco de Lucia and when they do alzapua their thumb comes really close to the saddle and the hand looks like it is spasaming, and the speed is really fast, it likes some wrist action but I was wondering if anyone knew about this technique.
Intertesting you mention those two, as their approach to Alzapua is different. Paco's is the regular wrist action one, where the movement comes from a rotation of the forearm similar to a triplet rasgueado, and Vicente plays his with a stationery forearm and the movement coming from the thumbs base joint where it attaches to the wrist.
I use the later technique too, I found I could get it faster and go for longer without fatigue. Try both and use whichever works for you, really. Jon
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to TANúñez)
quote:
Hello, knows anybody - where can I buy Vol 2 of Graf-Martinez method here in the states???
Chris,
Flamenco connection has it. You may want to hold off a bit. I got an Email from Gerhard a couple of weeks ago. He said his new DVD will be available in US format in a few weeks.
Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to Guest)
The way I was taught alzapua in Sevilla (by Tino van der Smaan, Eduardo Rebollar, and Miguel Angel Cortes) was as follows:
The thumb is completely limp and without any muscular tension. The movement comes completely from the wrist. First do the golpe, THEN move the wrist. Once you get this down, you can move to doing them at the same time.
This being a solid and efficient foundation, you will find that at very fast speeds the thumb will stiffen and eventually pretty much take over the whole movement, as the movement becomes smaller and smaller. But this is something that should happen at high levels of proficiency.
It works!
By the way, Pedro Cortes, an American flamenco of some prominence, doesn't seem to like the golpe to use too much nail. More of a thump than a tap. His alzapua is monstrously fast and loud. Although I think that anyone can achieve a good alzapua, without a quarter of the work of picado. It's a very impressive technique!
Posts: 75
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: Marengo, IL, EE UU
RE: Graf-Martinez Flamenco Method (in reply to Patrick)
quote:
Flamenco connection has it. You may want to hold off a bit. I got an Email from Gerhard a couple of weeks ago. He said his new DVD will be available in US format in a few weeks.
Anyone in Europe buy the DVDs yet? It's been out in PAL for quite a while. I was hoping for NTSC format before x-mas (so I could put it on my wish list), but I guess I'll have to buy it myself.
[edit] Wow, nevermind. I found Jon Boyes comments on G-M's website!
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Guitar is simply a passion and hobby that I sometimes can make a few bucs with 
. I have tremendous respect for those who make a living through their art. Those are the real pros. 
Since the CD for both books comes with Vol 1, you do get a sneak peak at volume 2, a good teaser. 
And yes, I do drift out every now and then, as I'm sure Andy can attest 
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