Questions tagged [flamenco]

Andalusian style of dancing, and the style of music that accompanies the dance.

Flamenco originated in Andalusia (in southern Spain), and comprises a very recognisable style of dancing and a style of music. Flamenco dancing is often associated with ladies wearing high-heeled shoes and long, red dresses; men often carry red roses between their teeth.

Early flamenco dancing in the 18th century was accompanied by a capella singing, but guitars were added as the form developed. Castanets are often used. Dancers too participate in the music by clapping their hands percussively at key points.

Use this tag for questions that are specific to performing flamenco, or musical concerns found in the flamenco style.

35 questions
15
votes
4 answers

What time signatures are used in flamenco and related styles?

Recently I've been trying to get some flamenco spirit into my playing. I've already experimented with some 'gypsy' scales and it feels good, but I've also realized that part of the secret is in using less common time-signatures. What time-signatures…
Michal Mau
  • 367
  • 1
  • 2
  • 9
12
votes
3 answers

How to overcome the frustration while you are developing demanding techniques?

I'm practicing Flamenco guitar and I'm concentrating a LOT on the technique. Flamenco is so demanding on the right hand, techniques like tremolo, rasgueados, alzapua ... It is hard to play flamenco without having decent techniques, this could lead…
Chiron
  • 2,022
  • 1
  • 15
  • 23
10
votes
8 answers

Is it possible to learn Flamenco guitar on a steel-string guitar? Will it sound right?

I have been learning guitar (using a pick) for 4 years, I play only a few chords and a minor scale. I have a metal string guitar, but I'd like to play Flamenco style. Is it possible for me learn Flamenco on a metal string guitar? Will playing…
Prabhanjan Naib
  • 319
  • 2
  • 3
  • 9
9
votes
9 answers

How do I maintain flamenco guitar fingernails?

Any flamenco guitarists out there? How do you keep the fingernails in such great shape? Is the difference that much better with the strumming hand's fingernails being longer?
Thomas Stringer
  • 245
  • 1
  • 2
  • 5
8
votes
2 answers

What happens if I leave the guitar for two months?

I've been playing flamenco for three years. I have to leave playing for two months and I'm kinda worried about what might happen after. Military service is mandatory in Iran and this has become an issue for me. I cannot do anything about it though.…
M.O.
  • 183
  • 4
7
votes
4 answers

What types of guitars are used for spanish music?

I am fascinated by Spanish guitar music, and I have started exploring it. I have heard classical music like Gypsy Kings, Taranta, Romance, etc. Does anyone here know what types of guitars are used in Spanish music? Please also give a bit of your…
GamDroid
  • 229
  • 3
  • 7
7
votes
4 answers

From Classical to Flamenco Guitar

I'm Still learning Classical Guitar, and i plan to learn flamenco as well. My question is from classical experience, can i play flamenco music but just learning the right hand techniques (Rumba,Tremolo...)? My question is most likely: Is flamenco…
Marwen Trabelsi
  • 659
  • 6
  • 20
6
votes
1 answer

How to file nails for flamenco guitar?

I have been growing out my nails and they are long enough now to where I can file them to the correct shape, but I am not sure how to file them? How would I do this?
Brad
  • 69
  • 1
6
votes
2 answers

What is the best way to learn Alzapua?

Sometimes, when I do Alzapua, I can not produce clean sound, there're still I heard my thumb's nail picking. Usually, I use it while I'm playing (or learning with) some regular chord, like E major. Well, I do have long thumb nail because I want to…
seseorang
  • 4,119
  • 12
  • 39
  • 77
5
votes
2 answers

Which guitar to pick for playing flamenco?

Where I live there are several music shops. Although they sell a great variety of guitars, none has the category "flamenco guitar." I'd like to buy a guitar to play flamenco. What features shall I look for to get that hard flamenco sound instead of…
padawan
  • 165
  • 7
5
votes
3 answers

Flamenco Guitar: Soleares, 12-beat accent question

I'm just starting to get into flamenco guitar, and I have a question about the proper placement of accents. I have a teacher and we have started with Soleares, and he says the accent goes on 3, 6, 8, and 10 beats. I have also read in a few places…
kylex
  • 773
  • 2
  • 10
  • 18
4
votes
1 answer

Flamenco guitar strings

Before the invention of nylon, from what material were strings made for use by flamenco players? I have tried different search engines and forae but found no answer or similar question.
4
votes
2 answers

What's this (flamenco?) rhythm called? (Tres Lagrimas)

This song by Guitarra Azul has a very distinctive rhythm that I have also heard in other songs. How is it called? Is it one of the classical flamenco rhythms?
4
votes
3 answers

Is there a good source of flamenco backing tracks for practice?

After years away from the guitar I wanted to pick it up again, but learning flamenco (for something completely different). I live half a world away from Andalucia, so getting to play with others is a bit difficult. Getting the unique tempos/compas…
tardate
  • 151
  • 4
4
votes
4 answers

Strength / speed exercises for rasgueado

I'm trying to learn the rasgueado strumming technique, but I just can't get my fingers to "snap" out with enough power to get an effective sound; is this just something that comes with practice or are there strength exercises I can do away from the…
Whelkaholism
  • 557
  • 3
  • 11
1
2 3