As a beginner I never even really considered this, but it makes sense now your video popped up in my feed. Now I have some new terminology to learn! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this lesson I just purchased an Alhambra 6 W. Ebony..with no.previous classical experience..so you have given me great beginner steps..this is not a Dreadnaught or a Telecaster lol Cheers
In flamenco the best posture is the one that's most comfortable to you. You may even change posture mid-play. The traditional flamenco posture is the belly of the guitar resting on the right thigh, with the guitar at a ~45 degree angle. That's how Paco de Lucia started out. Later he adopted the posture shown in this video (because it allows for more freedom of the left hand), and probably most flamenco guitarists use that posture. But you can't discount the 'slouched over the guitar' posture of Diego del Morao, son of the famous Moraito Chico.
For sure, best posture is the one that works best for your body and performance. I never could get use to that old school Flamenco posture, seems very difficult to play advanced pieces in that position. And yea, that hunched over position may work for Diego, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to anyone as a go-to position….
When I tried playing in both the posture, I noticed that I actually get an extended range of 2-3 frets while playing in the classical posture. I only have an acoustic guitar so playing in the flamenco posture feels a bit better and I don't have footstool to hold guitar in classical position, but I feel at a disadvantage when playing that way. I would love to recieve a suggestion as to which posture I should play guitar in.
That’s why classical players love their position. I do think it does give you a little of an advantage with the higher frets. But everything is still possible with the Flamenco position. In the end it depends on your body and how it feels, also the repertoire you’re playing. It’s hard to give any suggestions without actually seeing you trying them out. Wish I could help more here. Feel free to shoot me a DM on Instagram and you’re welcome to send me a pic or short vid….
Which would place less stress on your left wrist? I have been playing classical guitar for about a year and recently started learning flamenco. I have started with simple rumba patterns mostly, and the Andalusian cadence. I have noticed, especially playing more barre chords near on on F major, that I am feeling stress in my wrist. I feel like it's technique or issue with the way I am holding. I am noticing an angle when I barre the F major. Any tips on how to protect my wrists and ensure I do not injure it?
Hi! So any of these positions/postures shouldn’t cause any more or less stress to the wrists if done properly. Choosing between these is more a question of personal comfort, especially in relation to your specific body proportions and style. If you’re having a wrist stress issue, then it may be more of an issue with your elbow position on the left arm or something more specific that is hard to pin point without seeing it. Posture and form can be tricky to figure out as a beginner. Sometimes all it takes is a little micro adjustment to correct some stress issues or other bad form.
What about the form of clutching the guitar with your right arm and letting the bottom of the guitar rest on your lap this is the best of both worlds as it bring the guitar high up.
Sure, that’s the old school posture that some Flamenco’s use. If I didn’t cover it here, it should be in my full video version. For me, I never could get the hang of it. I always felt it was too uncomfortable to always have to clutch with the right arm, and felt the guitar resting on my left hand palm which completely messes with my playing. So never worked for me, but definitely an option for some….
@@DavidChiriboga thanks for your reply I gave it two weeks using that position, playing a little everyday. It feels great as one doesn’t notice about trying to keep it steady after a while, I considered that if it works for Scott Tenant and Michale Chapdelaine it is good enough for me. Totally understand that it personal and how it feels, but it’s also handy to not have to rely on supports and stools etc but some cloth is needed around the guitar where one’s arm goes. I notice a lot of South American players use this also.
I use the position but am using a guitar lift. For picado, you need to be able to release that right arm grip on the guitar, which causes other issues as well. This is best hybrid method for classical and flamenco imo. You can stay in position for extended periods with no body issues.
@@taylfut1 I haven’t a guitar lift but have an ergoplay it can work with that with it on your right leg but doesn’t feel that comfortable. But I have found it is good to get some car dashboard car dash sticky pads to help grip the guitar both on the back (where it meets your chest) and at the bottom or butt of the guitar where is would rest on your right thigh. You barely have to keep the guitar from falling, without the need of a support. But I would be interested to see how the guitarlift would feel like of the right thigh as a hybrid, with the ergoplay as I said is a little awkward as it is shaped to sit on the right thigh/knee area.
Do you mean resting your forearm on the guitar? If so, yes, the majority of the time, most of the weight should be leaning on the guitar and pivoting… otherwise your shoulder will take that stress and be an issue. *This is the short answer.
I see you and Steve playing multiple different guitars in your videos. I wonder if you have any comparison videos of different makers and their guitars? There are no guitar shops in my area that sell flamenco guitars. So, it is very difficult to find and try any out. I see above you recommend Guitarras Zalapa from Mexico. Are there video soundbites available? How about Francisco Navarro from Mexico? Have you had any experience with Francisco Brothers' guitars? For that matter what luthiers would you recommend up to the $2,500 range? I'm still a beginner and don't really ever expect to play for anyone but myself and my family. But, I would like to invest in a good Blanca to use for the rest of my days. I've even considered the Alvarez Cadiz or a Yamaha 172SF or 182SF. But again, there are none to be found to play and hear. Any suggestions you may have would be appreciated. I apologize for the long post.
Hi Tim, so honestly it’s difficult to truly compare guitars online from video samples. Sure, you’ll hear some differences, but as a guitarist and buyer, it’s best to ideally try them for yourself. But given your situation, you’d have to go with reputation, recommendation and price range. The Zalapa guitars are good for their price range, for $300-$700 models. But I’ve lately hear that his shipping process hasn’t been ideal and somewhat slow. For your price range, there’s a phenomenal maker in Cordoba, Spain, Graciliano Perez. He had some great models for about 2k last I checked, you can hear a lot of samples on RUclips from his channel or look up his website. But again, it can be a very personal subjective task. That he would be one of my choices. (Also “Guitar Bros” in Spain is another one for that price range) Otherwise, for company/factory made, I’d go with Cordoba, Alhambra or Yamaha. But I can’t speak of particular models. Hope that helps a bit. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks for responding, David. And thank you for the information. I realize it’s hard to give advice about guitar selection. No matter how you put it, it comes down to individual likes and dislikes. Even worse, guitars vary from one to the next. So each one is different. Buying without playing a guitar is a tough decision. So I am trying to listen to as many samples as possible while understanding even the recording process will change how a guitar sounds. I really appreciate reviewers who use the same microphone setup for multiple guitar reviews. I am also reading luthiers reviews to see how satisfied people are with what they receive. I wonder what guitars you are using when you play? Which are your favorites? Thanks again for your time.
The classical hold position makes you body and neck twist left to see the frets and your right foot pushed back to make room for the guitar. After a while, it's exhausting and painful. How do you avoid that?
Hi! So this one is kind of hard to answer without seeing your exact form. Making micro adjustments in person is always the best for improper form. That said, proper posture and form should never be painful. So either something is of course or that position just doesn’t work well with your specific body. Your right foot shouldn’t have to be pushed back. It typically could be on the same plane as the left. And in terms of the neck, the best I can say is to not look too extremely to the left, and be a little more subtle using side vision. This is one of the reasons I personally like using the Flamenco posture and putting it in the right leg. (Also make sure your back is nice and straight) Hope this helps a bit…
Hola! Your seating or chair height may be off for your needs, and as David mentioned you may need a friend or teacher to check it out. When playing my Alvarez, i usually look down to my picking hand and sneaking peeks to my fretting hand, but that’s just me. My picking hand can turn to spaghetti really quick. 😁
Standard Classical and Flamenco guitars are usually at least 51mm or 52mm. Electrics are around 43mm. 48mm sounds like it would be a noticeable difference for a Spanish guitarist. For me, I’m definitely use to the larger standard nut, which gives me space to execute the techniques without bumping into other strings for finger style playing. But that’s because I’m use to that standard. If you’re playing other styles(Folk and Rock fingerstyle) and come from an electric perspective, then that may not be a prob. Best is to try it out. 👍🏼
@@DavidChiriboga thanks for taking the time to get back to me. In northern California I'm having trouble finding a 50+ mm nut on a guitar that's not made in China.
@@deanfeldman2505 No problem! And oh really, that’s surprising. Are you looking to play Spanish Guitar? And what’s your budget? I’d be happy to help recommend something?
What posture do you prefer and why❓
As a beginner I never even really considered this, but it makes sense now your video popped up in my feed. Now I have some new terminology to learn!
Thank you!
Awesome, glad I was able to give you new things to consider. 👍🏼 I’ll have many more general vids specifically for beginners coming soon as well…
Thank you so much for this lesson I just purchased an Alhambra 6 W. Ebony..with no.previous classical experience..so you have given me great beginner steps..this is not a Dreadnaught or a Telecaster lol
Cheers
Awesome! Alhambras are a great option. Wishing you the best with your new endeavor on the Spanish guitar. 👍🏼
In flamenco the best posture is the one that's most comfortable to you. You may even change posture mid-play.
The traditional flamenco posture is the belly of the guitar resting on the right thigh, with the guitar at a ~45 degree angle. That's how Paco de Lucia started out. Later he adopted the posture shown in this video (because it allows for more freedom of the left hand), and probably most flamenco guitarists use that posture. But you can't discount the 'slouched over the guitar' posture of Diego del Morao, son of the famous Moraito Chico.
For sure, best posture is the one that works best for your body and performance. I never could get use to that old school Flamenco posture, seems very difficult to play advanced pieces in that position. And yea, that hunched over position may work for Diego, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to anyone as a go-to position….
Excellent
When I tried playing in both the posture, I noticed that I actually get an extended range of 2-3 frets while playing in the classical posture. I only have an acoustic guitar so playing in the flamenco posture feels a bit better and I don't have footstool to hold guitar in classical position, but I feel at a disadvantage when playing that way. I would love to recieve a suggestion as to which posture I should play guitar in.
That’s why classical players love their position. I do think it does give you a little of an advantage with the higher frets. But everything is still possible with the Flamenco position. In the end it depends on your body and how it feels, also the repertoire you’re playing. It’s hard to give any suggestions without actually seeing you trying them out. Wish I could help more here. Feel free to shoot me a DM on Instagram and you’re welcome to send me a pic or short vid….
@@DavidChiriboga Yeah, I do not have Instagram, but thank you so much on your suggestion.
Which would place less stress on your left wrist? I have been playing classical guitar for about a year and recently started learning flamenco. I have started with simple rumba patterns mostly, and the Andalusian cadence. I have noticed, especially playing more barre chords near on on F major, that I am feeling stress in my wrist. I feel like it's technique or issue with the way I am holding. I am noticing an angle when I barre the F major. Any tips on how to protect my wrists and ensure I do not injure it?
Hi! So any of these positions/postures shouldn’t cause any more or less stress to the wrists if done properly. Choosing between these is more a question of personal comfort, especially in relation to your specific body proportions and style.
If you’re having a wrist stress issue, then it may be more of an issue with your elbow position on the left arm or something more specific that is hard to pin point without seeing it. Posture and form can be tricky to figure out as a beginner. Sometimes all it takes is a little micro adjustment to correct some stress issues or other bad form.
Fee free to check this out incase it helps at all… ruclips.net/video/rJdJcqyXJAQ/видео.html
@@DavidChiriboga Thanks! Will watch that elbow!
What about the form of clutching the guitar with your right arm and letting the bottom of the guitar rest on your lap this is the best of both worlds as it bring the guitar high up.
Sure, that’s the old school posture that some Flamenco’s use. If I didn’t cover it here, it should be in my full video version. For me, I never could get the hang of it. I always felt it was too uncomfortable to always have to clutch with the right arm, and felt the guitar resting on my left hand palm which completely messes with my playing. So never worked for me, but definitely an option for some….
@@DavidChiriboga thanks for your reply I gave it two weeks using that position, playing a little everyday.
It feels great as one doesn’t notice about trying to keep it steady after a while, I considered that if it works for Scott Tenant and Michale Chapdelaine it is good enough for me.
Totally understand that it personal and how it feels, but it’s also handy to not have to rely on supports and stools etc but some cloth is needed around the guitar where one’s arm goes.
I notice a lot of South American players use this also.
I use the position but am using a guitar lift. For picado, you need to be able to release that right arm grip on the guitar, which causes other issues as well. This is best hybrid method for classical and flamenco imo. You can stay in position for extended periods with no body issues.
@@taylfut1
I haven’t a guitar lift but have an ergoplay it can work with that with it on your right leg but doesn’t feel that comfortable.
But I have found it is good to get some car dashboard car dash sticky pads to help grip the guitar both on the back (where it meets your chest) and at the bottom or butt of the guitar where is would rest on your right thigh.
You barely have to keep the guitar from falling, without the need of a support.
But I would be interested to see how the guitarlift would feel like of the right thigh as a hybrid, with the ergoplay as I said is a little awkward as it is shaped to sit on the right thigh/knee area.
is a flamenco armrest necessary when playing?
Do you mean resting your forearm on the guitar? If so, yes, the majority of the time, most of the weight should be leaning on the guitar and pivoting… otherwise your shoulder will take that stress and be an issue. *This is the short answer.
I see you and Steve playing multiple different guitars in your videos. I wonder if you have any comparison videos of different makers and their guitars? There are no guitar shops in my area that sell flamenco guitars. So, it is very difficult to find and try any out. I see above you recommend Guitarras Zalapa from Mexico. Are there video soundbites available? How about Francisco Navarro from Mexico? Have you had any experience with Francisco Brothers' guitars? For that matter what luthiers would you recommend up to the $2,500 range? I'm still a beginner and don't really ever expect to play for anyone but myself and my family. But, I would like to invest in a good Blanca to use for the rest of my days. I've even considered the Alvarez Cadiz or a Yamaha 172SF or 182SF. But again, there are none to be found to play and hear. Any suggestions you may have would be appreciated. I apologize for the long post.
Hi Tim, so honestly it’s difficult to truly compare guitars online from video samples. Sure, you’ll hear some differences, but as a guitarist and buyer, it’s best to ideally try them for yourself. But given your situation, you’d have to go with reputation, recommendation and price range. The Zalapa guitars are good for their price range, for $300-$700 models. But I’ve lately hear that his shipping process hasn’t been ideal and somewhat slow. For your price range, there’s a phenomenal maker in Cordoba, Spain, Graciliano Perez. He had some great models for about 2k last I checked, you can hear a lot of samples on RUclips from his channel or look up his website. But again, it can be a very personal subjective task. That he would be one of my choices. (Also “Guitar Bros” in Spain is another one for that price range) Otherwise, for company/factory made, I’d go with Cordoba, Alhambra or Yamaha. But I can’t speak of particular models. Hope that helps a bit. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks for responding, David. And thank you for the information. I realize it’s hard to give advice about guitar selection. No matter how you put it, it comes down to individual likes and dislikes. Even worse, guitars vary from one to the next. So each one is different. Buying without playing a guitar is a tough decision. So I am trying to listen to as many samples as possible while understanding even the recording process will change how a guitar sounds. I really appreciate reviewers who use the same microphone setup for multiple guitar reviews. I am also reading luthiers reviews to see how satisfied people are with what they receive.
I wonder what guitars you are using when you play? Which are your favorites? Thanks again for your time.
The classical hold position makes you body and neck twist left to see the frets and your right foot pushed back to make room for the guitar. After a while, it's exhausting and painful. How do you avoid that?
Hi! So this one is kind of hard to answer without seeing your exact form. Making micro adjustments in person is always the best for improper form. That said, proper posture and form should never be painful. So either something is of course or that position just doesn’t work well with your specific body. Your right foot shouldn’t have to be pushed back. It typically could be on the same plane as the left. And in terms of the neck, the best I can say is to not look too extremely to the left, and be a little more subtle using side vision. This is one of the reasons I personally like using the Flamenco posture and putting it in the right leg. (Also make sure your back is nice and straight) Hope this helps a bit…
Hola! Your seating or chair height may be off for your needs, and as David mentioned you may need a friend or teacher to check it out.
When playing my Alvarez, i usually look down to my picking hand and sneaking peeks to my fretting hand, but that’s just me. My picking hand can turn to spaghetti really quick. 😁
I been holding it the wrong way the whole time that’s why it’s uncomfortable ha thx
Oh no… lol. Well, hopefully it starts to feel more comfortable now. 😉
@@DavidChiriboga it’s way better now ha
Are 48 mm nuts too narrow?
Standard Classical and Flamenco guitars are usually at least 51mm or 52mm. Electrics are around 43mm. 48mm sounds like it would be a noticeable difference for a Spanish guitarist. For me, I’m definitely use to the larger standard nut, which gives me space to execute the techniques without bumping into other strings for finger style playing. But that’s because I’m use to that standard. If you’re playing other styles(Folk and Rock fingerstyle) and come from an electric perspective, then that may not be a prob. Best is to try it out. 👍🏼
@@DavidChiriboga thanks for taking the time to get back to me. In northern California I'm having trouble finding a 50+ mm nut on a guitar that's not made in China.
@@deanfeldman2505 No problem! And oh really, that’s surprising. Are you looking to play Spanish Guitar? And what’s your budget? I’d be happy to help recommend something?