Siempre digo y seguiré diciendo que la guitarra flamenca es la madre de todas las guitarras. No hay modalidad de guitarra mas difícil de dominar que la guitarra flamenca.
Good question! The triangle of space allows your thumb and index fingers to clear each othe when moving. It also put your fingers in a more ideal angle for good tone production. I hope this helps!
Wow, that sounds so awesome. Thank you very much for taking the time to explain. Now I see what ol’ Paco De Lucia, Carlos Montoya and Javier Conde are doing…I couldn’t figure it out just by watching. I thought, “how are they making so much sound with just their thumb? It’s amazing!”
Hi Simon. Most of the time I don’t put anything on my nails but if I have to play a lot (3-4 hrs a day, 6 days/wk) then I put 2 layers of nail hardener on every night. If I have to accompany dancers I add a layer of superglue as well.
Tremendous technique in evidence and a great teaching style my friend. Only just discovered you...do you have any plans for any 'Bulerias' instructional videos; the most complex of all the toques? 👍
You are an EXCELLENT player! I really love seeing someone with such clean technique! I studied classical guitar in college and unfortunately drifted away from it in the years since. I mostly play Alternative Rock, but also some Jazz and instrumental Bluegrass. I decided to look up Rasgueado technique, since I’ve always wanted to learn (and eventually master) the technique. In the process of looking this up, I just so happened to run across your channel. So, thanks for these lessons and your marvelous right hand technique! Good luck with your channel!!!
Thanks so much for such a supportive comment! I’m very happy to hear that you find these videos helpful (and maybe even enjoyable!). There will be more to come! Best of luck to you as well! Feel free to reach out if you ever would like to try a private lesson.
Hi Ricky. You're very welcome! So glad to hear that this was helpful. I'm starting to post more videos regularly so please consider subscribing to see more. Thanks again!
Fantástica aula. Eu aprendi a essência da técnica com 7 minutos de video , ao passo que horas de estudo com video aulas de outros canais do yotube não foram capazes! Congratulações maestro ! Feliz natal desde Brasil!
Do you think it’s more beneficial or maybe equally as beneficial let’s say to practice technique in song structures? For example, learning a song with a Picado or alzapua run instead of just clawing away at a singular exercise? Sorry if this is an unprofessional juvenile sort of question haha was just wondering what your thoughts were on this.
Hi Ryan! Great question. I think they’re equally beneficial so long as they are both motivating and only slightly outside of your comfort zone. It’s generally not beneficial - with a few exceptions - to work on exercises or excerpts that are too hard or not musically motivating. That said, if you’re going to work on a piece to develop technique, I’d recommend working only on sections (excerpts) of that piece as if each one were its own exercise. In my own technique practice, I work on both exercises and excerpts.
Hi Diego, is it common for the thumb to get stuck in the first string due to it having more tension than other strings ? My thumb only gets stuck in the first string when doing alzapua on the treble side, no problem when doing on the bass side because since alzapua is a circular motion, the thumb avoids the first string
Hi again! It’s not so much the string tension as much as it is the angle of the thumb. Make sure that the thumb is not pointing downward. Otherwise it will get stuck on the string. You may have to adjust your arm position a little bit and let your hand be a little lower for treble string alzapúas.
@@DiegoAlonsoMusic I tried a lot of angles, nothing is working :( how much is the tension on your first string? Is it more than the other strings, is it that low that you're easily able to glide past it or is it harder to pass through than the other strings? I'm on normal tension right now
@amartyabanerjee217 I use medium tension for all of my strings. My first two strings are nylon and my third string is a composite. So the first two actually have a slightly lower tension in than third string. This one is hard to diagnose here. You may have to experiment with your arm and hand position a b but if you can, set up a lesson with me or another qualified teacher to help you solve this challenge. www.diegoalonsomusic.com/booklessons
Excelente …en RUclips hay muchos y buenos músicos tocando alzapua pero no muy buenos profesores/educadores …tu creo q combinas muy bien los dos …felicidades
Great video. Any advice on not shredding your thumbnail down to nothing? I take biotin and soak it in olive oil, but this seems little match for alzapua...
Hi Aaron. If you’re playing a lot of alzapúa (or accompanying dance a lot) you can put a couple of layers of nail harder on and then 1-2 layers of superglue.
Hi, thanks for commenting! If you haven’t played flamenco guitar before, I don’t really recommend starting with any concrete songs or piece. Instead I recommend starting with strumming rhythmic patterns (compás), riffs, falsetas and closing phrases (remates) for several different traditional flamenco styles (palos). I usually start my students with flamenco rumbas, sevillanas, tangos and fandangos (de Huelva and Abandolao). I also recommend listening to a lot of flamenco, with and without singing, before and during your learning process. There are several beginner flamenco method books that could help you get started (e.g., Andrés Batista, Oscar Herrero, Manuel Granados, David Leiva, Denis Koster, etc.). But I very highly recommend having a teacher guide you through those methods to make sure your technique is correct and that you are understanding how flamenco guitar is traditionally arranged. It’s easy to develop long-lasting bad habitats by learning w/o a teacher’s correction. Hope this helps!
All techniques are a bit challenging and awkward at first but they should never feel very difficult. If you feel like you have to try really hard to execute any technique correctly -- that does NOT mean fast -- then your approach is incorrect and you should find a good teacher that can help you correct mistakes and make the techniques feel easier. Best of luck!
Diego Alonso Guitar I’ve been doing concentrated practice anywhere from 1-7 hours a day. Usually at least 3 hours. However, I’m a very, very tall person with a very long arm span. I’m getting much better at my techniques. However, my positioning (due to size) I cannot find reflected with any other flamenco player so I’m worried about developing bad habits. I’ve spent hours and hours researching position and posture but I’m a freak and can’t find anyone to tell me I’m doing it wrong (or right.) I’m looking for someone to help me develop proper right arm position. If you know any tall players or a place where I could seek advice - please notify me. Thanks for the reply.
@@cameronmcpherson6364One of my teachers and friends, Tino Van Der Sman, is probably about 6'3' and he's an incredible flamenco guitarist who has had much success. He'd be a good person to reach out to to get some advice (flamenco-tino.com). Let him know that I referred you to him. He's got a few videos on his page that you can also use as a reference. At the end of the day, there really is no "perfect" posture; it's very subjective. The best for you may be to put your guitar on the left leg (i.e., classical), or maybe switch between right leg and left leg (which is what I do). You may try investing in a guitar support too if you have't already. I've found that the key is to change it up often.
Hi Ruben! You should practice with both binary (e.g., 2/4 & 4/4) and ternary (e.g., 3/4 & 6/4) meters with or without accents. Practicing the same technique in different ways is a great way to engrain it into long term memory.
I would strongly suggest playing a left-handed guitar instead of trying to retrain your right hand. You can certainly retrain your right hand but that's a lot of work. I don't think there's a need for that since, nowadays it's easier than before to buy a left-handed guitar (or have one made).
Haha! Yes it’s very much like using a pick. In fact, the word “alzapúa” comes from “alzar” (to lift) and “púa” (guitar pick). Tell your friends that capos are the best! :)
Ha! Hang in there! :) Make sure to start off VERY slowly and to emphasize precision, minimal physical effort, good tone, and relaxation. If you make a mistake, slow down to correct it a few times before increasing your tempo again.
So amazing to listen to a native Spanish teacher who speaks like a native American, authentic and clear tips, Gracias Diego
Thanks for commenting Zipper! Glad you found the video helpful!
Siempre digo y seguiré diciendo que la guitarra flamenca es la madre de todas las guitarras. No hay modalidad de guitarra mas difícil de dominar que la guitarra flamenca.
Merci beaucoup vous êtes celui qui l explique le mieux
Merci Roberto!
Excellent explanation. And let alone the technique. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Fantastic! Thanks so much. Really didn't get this technique until now.
That’s great Andrew! I’m so glad to know that this video helped. Please stay tuned. I’m currently recording new material to post. Thanks again!
Great lesson and easy to follow.
Hola, desde España, huelva Andalucía,good job teacher
Thanks a lot for the explanations. Just started to learn this technique. I was wondering: why does the triangle of space matter?
Good question! The triangle of space allows your thumb and index fingers to clear each othe when moving. It also put your fingers in a more ideal angle for good tone production. I hope this helps!
It does, thanks for replying!
Best explanation I’ve watched. Excellent tutorial. Alzapua is very difficult to get right.
Thank you! Glad you found the video helpful. I’m currently recording new videos to upload so please subscribe so you know when they come out.
Wow, that sounds so awesome. Thank you very much for taking the time to explain.
Now I see what ol’ Paco De Lucia, Carlos Montoya and Javier Conde are doing…I couldn’t figure it out just by watching. I thought, “how are they making so much sound with just their thumb? It’s amazing!”
Glad you liked it!
Bien explicado perfect explanación
Muchas gracias!
Awesome lesson!
Fantastic !!!
Excellent!!! What's the name of the music you play as "Demo"?
Thanks for your comment! That’s a falseta in the style of alegrías or cantiñas in flamenco.
Hi...nice explanation, clear lesson
Keep doin
Really tnx
Love it.
Have tried incorporating this technique into your jaws playing? Great lesson by the way!
Thank you Jan!! ❤️❤️
@@DiegoAlonsoMusic i meant jazz
Yes, definitely! It’s a nice way to add a different texture while soloing.
May I ask what do you use on your nails to withstand pressure of rasqueado and golpe?
Hi Simon. Most of the time I don’t put anything on my nails but if I have to play a lot (3-4 hrs a day, 6 days/wk) then I put 2 layers of nail hardener on every night. If I have to accompany dancers I add a layer of superglue as well.
Also, make sure to play lightly.
Tremendous technique in evidence and a great teaching style my friend. Only just discovered you...do you have any plans for any 'Bulerias' instructional videos; the most complex of all the toques? 👍
Thank you Paul! Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, I definitely have plans to do some instructional videos on every Flamenco style. Please stay tuned!
You are an EXCELLENT player! I really love seeing someone with such clean technique! I studied classical guitar in college and unfortunately drifted away from it in the years since. I mostly play Alternative Rock, but also some Jazz and instrumental Bluegrass. I decided to look up Rasgueado technique, since I’ve always wanted to learn (and eventually master) the technique. In the process of looking this up, I just so happened to run across your channel. So, thanks for these lessons and your marvelous right hand technique! Good luck with your channel!!!
Thanks so much for such a supportive comment! I’m very happy to hear that you find these videos helpful (and maybe even enjoyable!). There will be more to come! Best of luck to you as well! Feel free to reach out if you ever would like to try a private lesson.
Grazie per la valida lezione.
Greatings from Brazil!
Well that really simplifies things, I've struggled with this technique for a while. Thanks for posting this helpful video!!
Hi Ricky. You're very welcome! So glad to hear that this was helpful. I'm starting to post more videos regularly so please consider subscribing to see more. Thanks again!
Fantástica aula. Eu aprendi a essência da técnica com 7 minutos de video , ao passo que horas de estudo com video aulas de outros canais do yotube não foram capazes!
Congratulações maestro ! Feliz natal desde Brasil!
Muchas gracias!! Igualmente!
Do you think it’s more beneficial or maybe equally as beneficial let’s say to practice technique in song structures? For example, learning a song with a Picado or alzapua run instead of just clawing away at a singular exercise? Sorry if this is an unprofessional juvenile sort of question haha was just wondering what your thoughts were on this.
Hi Ryan! Great question. I think they’re equally beneficial so long as they are both motivating and only slightly outside of your comfort zone. It’s generally not beneficial - with a few exceptions - to work on exercises or excerpts that are too hard or not musically motivating. That said, if you’re going to work on a piece to develop technique, I’d recommend working only on sections (excerpts) of that piece as if each one were its own exercise. In my own technique practice, I work on both exercises and excerpts.
Tocas genial
Muchas gracias! Allí voy de camino. Poquito a poco!
Thank you for your beatiful lesson of Alzapua,,ස්තූතියි.
🌸🌺🌼❤️🇱🇰❤️🌸🌺🌼
Greatt . Thanks aload 🙏
Hi Diego, is it common for the thumb to get stuck in the first string due to it having more tension than other strings ? My thumb only gets stuck in the first string when doing alzapua on the treble side, no problem when doing on the bass side because since alzapua is a circular motion, the thumb avoids the first string
Hi again! It’s not so much the string tension as much as it is the angle of the thumb. Make sure that the thumb is not pointing downward. Otherwise it will get stuck on the string. You may have to adjust your arm position a little bit and let your hand be a little lower for treble string alzapúas.
@@DiegoAlonsoMusic I tried a lot of angles, nothing is working :( how much is the tension on your first string? Is it more than the other strings, is it that low that you're easily able to glide past it or is it harder to pass through than the other strings? I'm on normal tension right now
@amartyabanerjee217 I use medium tension for all of my strings. My first two strings are nylon and my third string is a composite. So the first two actually have a slightly lower tension in than third string. This one is hard to diagnose here. You may have to experiment with your arm and hand position a b but if you can, set up a lesson with me or another qualified teacher to help you solve this challenge.
www.diegoalonsomusic.com/booklessons
Excelente …en RUclips hay muchos y buenos músicos tocando alzapua pero no muy buenos profesores/educadores …tu creo q combinas muy bien los dos …felicidades
Muchas gracias Aliesky! Me alegro mucho que le haya servido el video. Pronto voy a subir muchos más. Abrazo!
Very informative, thanks posting. Regards, Jimp
Gooooooood thanks
Super
That's amazing man keep it up!
Wonderful ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Gian 09!
Hi Diego Alonso..
Hope all is well 👍
Thanks for the Alzapua* technique with a good demo..👍Warm cheers..😊 God bless 🙏🎸🎶😊
You are an amazing instructor. Do you give on line lessons or have a website?
Thanks for the comment. I do give lessons online or in person. Here’s my website link for more info: www.DiegoAlonsoMusic.com
Great video. Any advice on not shredding your thumbnail down to nothing? I take biotin and soak it in olive oil, but this seems little match for alzapua...
Hi Aaron. If you’re playing a lot of alzapúa (or accompanying dance a lot) you can put a couple of layers of nail harder on and then 1-2 layers of superglue.
Diego Alonso Music thanks!
Bravo excellent good !!!
Do you have Rex2 loops
Hi Elijah. Sorry, I don’t have that - don’t know what Rex2 loops is. Thanks for watching!
Where do i start with flamenco? Like what are some good beginner songs? Ive been playing guitar for 20 years, just not flamenco
Hi, thanks for commenting! If you haven’t played flamenco guitar before, I don’t really recommend starting with any concrete songs or piece. Instead I recommend starting with strumming rhythmic patterns (compás), riffs, falsetas and closing phrases (remates) for several different traditional flamenco styles (palos). I usually start my students with flamenco rumbas, sevillanas, tangos and fandangos (de Huelva and Abandolao). I also recommend listening to a lot of flamenco, with and without singing, before and during your learning process. There are several beginner flamenco method books that could help you get started (e.g., Andrés Batista, Oscar Herrero, Manuel Granados, David Leiva, Denis Koster, etc.). But I very highly recommend having a teacher guide you through those methods to make sure your technique is correct and that you are understanding how flamenco guitar is traditionally arranged. It’s easy to develop long-lasting bad habitats by learning w/o a teacher’s correction. Hope this helps!
What kind of shape is your thumb nail? I keep finding mine gets caught a bit too much on the string
VladTheImpaler mine then nail curves downward on the playing side so I have to file it a little more than normal.
Damn why this dude only have 259 subscribers? SUBSCRIBED MAN KEEP IT UP 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍
Thank you Burak!
Alzapua and easy shouldn’t go in the same sentence.
All techniques are a bit challenging and awkward at first but they should never feel very difficult. If you feel like you have to try really hard to execute any technique correctly -- that does NOT mean fast -- then your approach is incorrect and you should find a good teacher that can help you correct mistakes and make the techniques feel easier. Best of luck!
Diego Alonso Guitar I’ve been doing concentrated practice anywhere from 1-7 hours a day. Usually at least 3 hours. However, I’m a very, very tall person with a very long arm span. I’m getting much better at my techniques. However, my positioning (due to size) I cannot find reflected with any other flamenco player so I’m worried about developing bad habits. I’ve spent hours and hours researching position and posture but I’m a freak and can’t find anyone to tell me I’m doing it wrong (or right.) I’m looking for someone to help me develop proper right arm position. If you know any tall players or a place where I could seek advice - please notify me. Thanks for the reply.
@@cameronmcpherson6364One of my teachers and friends, Tino Van Der Sman, is probably about 6'3' and he's an incredible flamenco guitarist who has had much success. He'd be a good person to reach out to to get some advice (flamenco-tino.com). Let him know that I referred you to him. He's got a few videos on his page that you can also use as a reference. At the end of the day, there really is no "perfect" posture; it's very subjective. The best for you may be to put your guitar on the left leg (i.e., classical), or maybe switch between right leg and left leg (which is what I do). You may try investing in a guitar support too if you have't already. I've found that the key is to change it up often.
@@DiegoAlonsoMusic hello Diego, how should i practice this with metrome? Beat 1/4 2/4 3/4 or 4/4
Hi Ruben! You should practice with both binary (e.g., 2/4 & 4/4) and ternary (e.g., 3/4 & 6/4) meters with or without accents. Practicing the same technique in different ways is a great way to engrain it into long term memory.
love
Lol SOOO helpful
Is the example in die beginning improvised or is it an actual song? Anyone can help?
Hi OmaKahn. Not part of an actual song but it is a composed falseta that Paco Cortes showed me in Sevilla.
Waooooo 👏👏👏
What kind of metronome are you using?
wilmar han, I actually recorded the compás track myself and just looped it.
@@DiegoAlonsoMusic How did you record it? Would it be good to practice to a Palmas recording even as a beginner?
Just cajón, palmas, a click track at around 155-160, a Neumann km184, and Logic Pro.
I might just be able to learn flamenco now..
Holy shit
🤣😂
I'm left-handed, but playing right-handed guitar and I feel like I don't have the dexterity and coordination to do this.
I would strongly suggest playing a left-handed guitar instead of trying to retrain your right hand. You can certainly retrain your right hand but that's a lot of work. I don't think there's a need for that since, nowadays it's easier than before to buy a left-handed guitar (or have one made).
👌👏🏽👏🏽
5:47 i thought that something happened to my phone 😹lol
OMG! I just saw this. That’s hilarious! 😂
👌👍
It looks so easy but it fucks ma life
this is sorta like using a pick. i am not allowed to use a pick, my flamenco classical friends make fun of me. :) and don't even mention a capo. :)
Haha! Yes it’s very much like using a pick. In fact, the word “alzapúa” comes from “alzar” (to lift) and “púa” (guitar pick). Tell your friends that capos are the best! :)
Tried this on my girl last night
"easy"
Ha! Hang in there! :) Make sure to start off VERY slowly and to emphasize precision, minimal physical effort, good tone, and relaxation. If you make a mistake, slow down to correct it a few times before increasing your tempo again.