Description of Flamenco Guitar

Series Summary

The flamenco tradition originated has a musical outlet of the poor and oppressed in Spain. As a mixture of four cultures, there is no denying flamenco is a true artistic endeavor. The collaboration of singing, dancing, and guitar are weaved together into a melodic and rhythmic mood that sends chills up and down the spine. Though this historic art form is thought to have evolved from the sixteenth century, many modern day enthusiasts have revived the flamenco tradition. Thousands of people have dived into this cultural hodgepodge of Spanish decent. One of the most popular areas of flamenco resurgence is the flamenco guitar. Considered as a first cousin to classical guitar, the flamenco guitar is a instrument that has an unique sound and construction. Using various types of wood and push-pegs, the flamenco guitar produces a lighter sound than its popular first cousin.

In this free video series, learn the beginnings of how to play the flamenco guitar. With our expert, Mario Amaya, you can learn the basics of this instrument. Mario teaches you the proper right and left hand posture for the flamenco guitar. He also shows you how to do various unique movements on the guitar. He illustrates rasqueados, tremolos, picados, and arpeggios. Also, learn how to play chords, slides, and slurs with your left hand. While Mario is only offering beginning steps, he will surely light the creative fire that is flamenco guitar. So, what are you waiting for? Start learning this beautiful instrument today!

Video Transcript

"Hi I'm Mario Amaya and on behalf of Expert Village I'm going to tell you in this video series about beginning to play the flamenco guitar. In this segment I will tell you a little bit about what a flamenco guitar is. A flamenco guitar is similar to a classical guitar but it is generally of lighter construction, lighter weight and it has lower action in other words the strings are closer to the finger board making the left hand techniques a little easier. A flamenco guitar has nylon strings the 3 treble strings obviously nylon and the 3 bass strings have nylon film in them wound with metal. And these strings are played with the finger nails in the right hand. In the next segment I will talk about how to hold the flamenco guitar correctly. "