Flamenco Guitar Lessons
As with all flamenco guitar lessons, we shall take a look at the techniques and genres that make flamenco unique and enjoyable. I feel it is very important to have at least some degree of comfort with every technique as this will broaden the range of things you can play.
The rasguedos are the most important technique in my opinion, partly because it develops all your fingers and because of the main role it plays in any flamenco party. There are 2 main types of rasguedos, but dozens of variations in the technique that various flamenco guitarists employ as a form of personalization of their music.
I’m not sure how to characterize the 2 types of rasguedo, but as with all my flamenco guitar lessons I will try to detail each technique as clearly as possible. The first type of rasguedo involves using your fingers, except the thumb, in rapid succession like this: pinky-ring-middle-index. You start with the thumb resting on a string, the other fingers are held tightly like a punch of sorts. Then release your fingers one after the other on the strings then repeat. If it sounds something like dram-dram-dram you are not doing it fast enough, just keep trying. It should sound something like a constant r, rrrr; when you get that kind of sound you are doing it correctly.
The other type is a more traditional type, most often done using the thumb and middle, though thumb and index are sometimes used for even faster rasguedos. This techniques key points to keep in mind are: the motions are thumb up the strings, middle down, thumb down then repeat, though you can start with any of them. The same rule applies for the sound. This is more difficult to explain in words and your best bet to understand is to try and visualise it, or try to copy flamenco guitar players.
The first type is usually used in bulerias and fandangos, because it is fast and powerful. The second type is common in rondenas and alegrias, but combinations are always employed. More flamenco guitar lessons delve into the other techniques and genres.