Guitar Noise

If you’re like me (which I wouldn’t recommend) and have had a hard time tracking down a flamenco teacher, then maybe you’re in luck- thanks to technology. Next to flesh and blood, I suppose a DVD is the best thing. And, after scouring the net for all flamenco DVD’s, I settled upon one that turned out to be quite comprehensive. While the internet has almost too many lessons on guitar styles, there doesn’t seem to be that many that can thoroughly explain the ins and outs of this Spanish style. I thought I’d jot down a little review here just to let you know what you’re getting into if you decide to purchase said DVD.

First off, most of the flamenco DVD (or book) instruction you’ll find out there is by a fellow named Oscar Herrero. The reason I didn’t hop on the bandwagon (as bad as this sounds) is that the tapes/books appeared to be from the 80’s, whereas the one I purchased is a brand-new collection. Yes, I know, beauty is only skin deep. However, this DVD, by Gerhard Graf-Martinez, has everything the beginning flamenco guitarist could ask for. Also, it comes in a complete 2 DVD set, whereas Herrero’s method has, I think, 12 tapes. Anyway, along with the DVD’s, you can purchase his two books at a discount. Here’s an order site.

On with the good stuff. Graf-Martinez, rightly so, makes a huge deal out of the rhythms that are specific to flamenco. Much of the DVD is devoted to this, and there is also a special metronome provided that helps. He states that without this background in accompaniment (which is how everyone starts out), the performer is sure to fall prey to Fuera de compas, or loss of rhythm. This is apparently very bad; not up there with the apocalypse, but quite close. Anyway, each DVD is divided into sections. In the first one, he covers the ‘rasgueado’ and many of its variations. The second one covers the ‘pulgar’ and variations on it. In the third he talks about the golpe. I have found all of these covered on the internet beforehand but not in such length and not with such clear pictures. The second DVD is concerned with arpeggios, compas (time), and examples of songs. The sections on compas are invaluable, especially to someone like me, who has no concept of rhythm in rock, much less flamenco.

Apparently this method has been available in Europe for a couple of years (and has been popular) but it has just now hit the states. On his website supposedly the author will answer any questions you have concerning the method. But, all in all, this DVD is self-explanatory and easy to use. Once you have mastered it (I’m still working through it myself) I’m confident you will have no problem tackling any flamenco method/song. Hope this helps everyone searching for flamenco news.

Good luck!