Flamenco and Classical Guitar

Flamenco and Classical Guitar

Let me start by being honest with you. I am neither an expert nor an authority on flamenco or classical techniques, both of which are on the next few web pages. I will try to do the best I can given the little direct instruction I've been given though. I recommend, if you're serious about learning either style in depth you should find a qualified instructor. The techniques involved in these two styles of playing, while not necessary to be a good musician or guitarist, can certainly add invaluably to your style. The sound of an even rasgueado or a speedy tremolo is wonderful to hear. And if you can incorporate them into your playing, you'll open up a world of opportunity for yourself... not only for the sound of your music but also for your learning.

Rasgueado

It is difficult to talk about specific techniques of flamenco without having to tie them into the art itself, where rhythmic structure, compass, different flamenco families of playing and such creep into the mix. It would take days and days to cover all of aspects of this style of playing. So we'll strictly look at the technique itself, the action of performing the techniques and not the context in which to play them.

Later in the rhythm section we'll get into the more complex issues and the structure of flamenco. But for now we'll focus simply on exercises that will lend themselves to developing skills needed to perform flamenco techniques. We'll try to train the attributes of our right hand and fingers to get used to moving them in a way that will help us later on apply them. So when we train the fingers, realize they may not adhere to some of the purist views and execution of rasgueados, for example.

Flamenco techniques are possibly some of the most difficult techniques to master. We have already looked at the tremolo technique, and we did so from more of a classical vantage point. The rasgueado is the main technique we'll look at here. Now I am not a Flamenco instructor so don't treat this article and these exercises as pure and authentic training. That is not my intention. You should look at these exercises as a stepping stone to developing a stronger foundation to be able to further your studies in flamenco. That being said lets get into the details of the techniques?

What is a rasgueado?

A rasgueado is a method of strumming the strings of the guitar but it is much more complicated than the typical western style strumming. Because you use all five of your fingers, you are able to add an innumerable amount of rhythmic variations and patterns.

Are there different types of rasgueados?

Yes there are. There can be rasgueados that are simply embellishments or can serve as an integral part of the
rhythmic structure of your song. And there are many different finger combinations you can use to execute a
rasgueado.

What is the most important part of playing a rasgueado?

That really depends on the purpose of its use. For example, if you are trying to build tension you want to focus
on evenness in the finger movement (much like the importance of a tremolo) with increasing volume. If you'd
rather use it as a quick explosive technique that livens your song you'll need to practice the attack and the
power with which you attack.

How do I play a rasgueado?

Well let's start with the movement of the fingers. You want to maintain looseness in your hand so you don't
restrict your movement and so that it is easier to stay in a continuous, fluid motion. If you want a noncontinuous
rasgueado, rest your thumb on the low E string. Starting with your pinky, release it explosively
across as many strings as you can. Follow it with the ring finger immediately and then the middle finger and
then the index. Don't worry about hitting all strings, no one is counting. What you're looking for is the rattatattat
of the strings. It should sound explosive. We'll look below for technical notes of the continuous rasgueado.
There are many, many combinations of finger movements.

Remember that the exercises here are to condition your fingers to be able to more easily perform rasgueados,
they are not necessarily found in traditional Flamenco guitar. They are simply an exploration of incorporating
flamenco styling into your playing.

Technical Notes for Ornamental Rasgueado

• fingers, while relaxed, should shoot like a ballistic across the strings to create and explosive sound.
• the thumb can rest on the 6th string but it is not absolutely necessary
• movement should occur from the knuckle of the hand, not the finger... in other words the fingers should end almost, if not completely, straight after extension
•energy should come from the fingers and the hand, not necessarily the wrist (if your thumb is resting on the 6th string, you won't be able to generate movement from the wrist anyway)

Technical Notes for Continuous Rasgueado

• With the single and the 2 finger exercises, you'll note that the rasgueado exercises that include the pinky and the ring finger are more awkward. This is normal. It may feel a bit more comfortable if you make sure that you're bending your pinky and your ring finger at the hand and not breaking it mid-finger at the middle joint.
• And try not to lock the pinky but keep it relaxed.
• Also if you do make a fist, you should almost really flick your fingers out as if you were flicking someone.
• This certainly will create more volume if that's the effect you're going for.
• With the continuous rasgueado you should rely more on the rhythm of the wrist than the hand as in the ornamental rasgueado.
• In the 5 finger rasgueado, especially when the thumb follows the index down and then back up, at the bottom point the hand should pivot so it faces towards the back of the guitar. Then it should sweep back up. Think of moving it in a figure 8.
• A lot of the movement of the rasgueado is similar to the tremolo technique. Practice both and try to find those similarities.
• In the 4 finger rasgueado with the t x i t pattern. I have it written that the last t motion can come up. You can also rake the strings with the thumb on the way down as well... anyway try it you'll see the difference. If the exercises seem odd or awkward, give them some time and try to keep up with them. Remember these are to help build your attributes and coordination.
• Start slow and build up speed. Your goal is to have your rasgueado sound like one continuous stroke.

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Tremolo Technique

The tremolo technique is one that people say you can judge the skill of a guitarist by. I don't know if I would go so far as to say that's the ONLY thing to use. But certainly once one has acquired a certain level of mastery of this guitar technique, it is a wonder to experience.

What is a tremolo technique?

Basically it's the rapid succession of the same note, played (in a row) by either three or four of your fingers on the right hand. Normally the thumb plays a bass note followed by the three notes. Sometimes the tremolo note changes as well as the bass notes.

Technical notes:

• Try to strike the strings in a deliberate and controlled way. Don't just flail your fingers hoping to hit the string.
• Use a metronome slowly and make each note clear and of equal volume to begin with.
• After you feel good about your control begin to try to put emphasis on a particular note. Start with the first note, then the second, then the third.
• Remember to try to have the majority of the movement come from your knuckles at the hand and not at the middle of the finger.
• Try to keep your hand in line from the knuckle of your index finger down through the wrist and forearm.
• Don't angle your wrist down, making your fingers perpendicular to the strings.
• Use a light touch. It takes very little to get a clear tone.
• The point of contact on the string should be in a horizontal or a slightly upward direction. For instance, the rest rest stroke requires that, when you strike it, your finger travel in a horizontal or slightly downward motion in order to rest the finger on the next string. You also dig into the string. Not so with the tremolo. You glaze over it lifting your fingers towards the palm.
• Set the metronome to 150 or 125 depending on the lesson. And work your speed up. The important thing is to keep even and clear, speed will come.