Learning to play the flamenco guitar is a rewarding and captivating journey that requires dedication, patience and passion. And duende, that you have. Pick up your guitar, we’re starting.
If you have arrived here, it is because your love for flamenco wants to be expressed through the instrument par excellence of this Andalusian art: the guitar So now you can join us to learn about the requirements to start playing this instrument.
Modelo de guitarra flamenca
The flamenco guitar
You need, logically, to choose a guitar designed for flamenco sounds. Its structure is slightly different from that of the classical Spanish guitar. Its construction offers tonal qualities that provide the rhythmic and harmonic basis for passionate flamenco performances.
These guitars are usually made of cypress wood, their neck is narrower than that of the classical guitar and they often come with a plate or “golpeador”, a piece attached to the top of the body of the flamenco guitar to protect the wood from percussive blows. And it doesn’t come cheap. A good flamenco guitar can cost thousands of euros. But to start with, you can find models for less than 600 until you feel more comfortable.
The posture for playing flamenco guitar (and non-flamenco guitar)
A correct posture is important when playing flamenco on the guitar. And while it is not a must-have feature, some players say that longer fingers can make it easier to reach around the neck and perform certain complex chord shapes or stretches. Don’t be discouraged if this is not your case, the great Manolo Sanlúcar triumphed with small fingers.
However, an upright posture and good positioning of the right hand, which should hover slightly above the strings, using the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers to strike the strings with precision, is relevant.
Predominant notes in flamenco
To start playing flamenco guitar it is important that you master basic chords and strumming patterns. Common flamenco chord progressions include the E, A and B major chords. The most commonly used techniques are “picado” (using the index and middle fingers), “alzapúa” (thumb and index) and “rasgueado” (fast strumming with the fingers), perhaps the most basic of all. It involves the use of the back of the fingernails or fingertips to create a percussive effect on the strings, often incorporating rhythmic variations to add complexity and style.
Scores to start playing your flamenco guitar
A malagueña is a good piece for beginners because it introduces basic flamenco techniques, such as rasgueados and tremolos, without being too complex. Flamenco tremolos, by the way, which are somewhat more advanced, begin with the thumb playing a low note, followed by the same higher note played in rapid succession by the index, ring, middle and index fingers.
Sevillanas are super famous all over the world. They follow a set structure and rhythm, and there are many versions for beginners that can help new musicians to get used to flamenco techniques.
Known for its catchy rhythm and danceable beat, the flamenco rumba is one of the easiest ways to get started in learning to play flamenco guitar. A popular example is Paco de Lucía’s “Entre Dos Aguas”, but don’t get carried away and start with a simplified version.
Listening to the best guitarists: the ultimate tip
Remember that it is not only about learning the notes, but also about understanding the rhythm and experiencing the sensations of flamenco. Listening to a lot of music in this style will help you, while enjoying it, to internalise the magic of this art. Flamenco music is full of intense emotions, from deep sadness to exhilarating joy. As a flamenco guitarist, you must be able to transmit these emotions through your playing.
The essential techniques
To master the art of playing the flamenco guitar, you need to become familiar with several essential techniques. These techniques include rasgueados, picado and alzapúa. Learning these techniques will allow you to create the authentic flamenco sound and express the deep emotions associated with the genre.
Rasgueado: this is a strumming technique unique to the flamenco guitar, where the fingers of the strumming hand fan out and then rapidly brush the strings. There are several strumming patterns, and it is essential to create the percussive sound characteristic of flamenco music.
Picado: this consists of playing fast, alternating single-note passages using the index and middle fingers of the picking hand. It requires precision and speed and is used to perform scales and melodic lines.
Alzapúa: this is a combination of thumb movements and strumming. It is used to play powerful and rhythmically intricate patterns. It often combines downward strokes of the thumb, upward strokes and also on the body of the guitar.
In the ALL FLAMENCO APP, you will find the most exquisite interpretations to take note of the best guitarists. You can subscribe for a year or rent only those videos that you like the most, such as the spectacular guitar concert by Juan Requena and, of course, the great Paco de Lucía, whose documentary we recommend.