How to Do Basic Finger Positions for Castanets

Master the basic finger positions of the castanets to create the sexy and alluring mystique of this Latin percussion instrument. With a little practice, you'll be well on the way to snapping into the Spanish sound and making your own sounds of flamenco.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stand with your back straight and your chest puffed out. Put your chin up and pull your shoulders slightly back. Finally, hold your arms in front of you and bend your elbows with your palms facing towards you in the middle. Keep this "flamenco posture" as you play.

2. Hold a castanet in the palm of each hand and grip them at the top with your thumbs. Check that you have them in the correct hand by looking for an "R" or "L." Keep your palms turned inwards so that you hide the castanets from the audience. The art of castanet playing involves an element of mystery so keep them hidden in your palms throughout the performance.

3. Tap the castanet hard with the pinky of your right hand so it makes a loud clipping sound. Repeat the action with your fourth finger, then your third and finally your second so you make four loud taps with all the fingers of your right hand.

4. Take the 2 middle fingers of your left hand and use force to make a single snap with your left castanet. Follow the 4 taps with your right hand immediately with this action so that the series consists of 5 noises in a sequence.

5. Practice this finger sequence until you can easily replicate the noises and your fingers are used to the action. Make louder or softer noises and experiment with various tempos, so you can make the sequence as fast or as slow as you like.

6. Make different and more complex series of noises and add these to the dance and movements of flamenco. To be truly authentic, wear a traditional costume and choreograph a routine with corresponding music.