How to become familiar with Flamenco?

Question

I've always thought this genre of music was really beautiful but the problem is, I've listened to recordings but I'm not knowledgeable of the artists. I became really interested when a friend lent me a copy of "Fingerstyle" magazine and there was an article and a recording. I tried some of the exercises but holy c**p, it is so hard! It's an entirely different genre than classical... I know that the rasgueado, and the golpe are some of the main techniques used.

I would like to know if there is a web page that teaches the bsics? About the artists, and some of the techniques?

Why is it so hard? How long would you have to practice, to learn?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hey

I also got really into flamenco a few years ago. Before that I played mainly classic stuff.

I really love it. Flamenco isn't hard to learn. I mean well if you like it, its full of energy and emotion and beauty that all the hardness becomes joy!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I started with a book of Oscar herrero. I suggest you buy that book and the video. It really helps alot for those who are familiar with playing classical guitar but want to enter to the world of flamenco. Guitarra Flamenca Paso a Paso.  http://www.esflamenco.com/product/en9637...

There's also a popular book of Juan Martin which is a standard method for learning flamenco. This is also a very good book to learn different "palos". http://www.amazon.ca/Play-Solo-Flamenco-...

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I think the hardest thing about learning flamenco is to learn flamenco rhythm or Compas. It's really hard to understand some of the complex rhythms. The best way to learn flamenco compas is to listen to flamenco! over and over again.

Watching videos of masters also helps enormously to feel the energy and the way guitar is played.

=================

>Why is it so hard? < If it was easy then it wouldn't be precious and rich!

However if you start with toque of Solea then it won't be that hard. Gradually you learn new techniques: How to play with pulgar. Then simple Rasgueados then more complex ones, golpe, abanico, alzapua, apagado, tremolo etc

>How long would you have to practice, to learn? <

A lifetime!? I mean there's no end to learning! If you enjoy playing and learning you wouldn't want it to end either:)

For learning Flamenco you need love and patience :)

Good Luck!

Answer 2

There are many tunes and melodies played by Flamenco guitarists, but one standard song coming to mind as an excellent way to get your feet wet into Flamenco is "Malaguena."

Try it; you'll like it.

Answer 3

I have studied flamenco guitar for ten years.  It is very difficult to learn, which only means that you have to practice a lot.  It is also very rewarding to learn.

If you're really serious about learning flamenco, then you have to study with a flamenco teacher.  If you want to be good at it, it's not the kind of thing that you can learn as a beginner from an instructional video or web site.  There simply is no substitute for a weekly critique from a professional teacher watching you play.  After you are reasonably technically proficient then yes, instructional videos are very helpful.

In my observation someone who has a lot of natural talent can become a very good amateur player in about three years.  Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of natural talent, and I would say that I studied seven years before I was reasonably Ok.  

For some good flamenco guitarists check out

Vicente Amigo

Paco de Lucia

Pepe Habichuela

Tomatito

Moraito

Manolo Sanlucar

Rafael Riqueni

Gerardo Nunez

Chicuelo

Juan Carmona

There are many others, but if you like modern flamenco those should get you started in the right direction.  You can see many of them on YouTube.

The best source for things flamenco is at the Flamenco Connection.  I have posted a link to their web site below.  Best wishes.

Answer 4

Hello Miss professor ...

On this page you can find what you are looking for:

http://www.esflamenco.com/subhomes/esgui...

Greetings and kisses lady teacher ...