Flamenco is formed out of 3 major divisions. Singing, dancing and playing the guitar. Few flamenco styles exclude any of the major divisions and the rumba makes no exception. It is widely popular at parties because of it’s suitability to dancing and free improvisation. Even though the style lacks in depth and authenticity it is well known mainly because of it’s base simplicity.

While rumba encompasses all 3 main forms of flamenco, I will only talk about the guitar playing. The basic meter is formed out of 4 beats:

1 2 3 4/ 1 2 3 4/ 1 2 3 4

In flamenco rumba the guitarist usually follows a straight-forward accompany strumming pattern with semi-percussive strumming. This is indispensable and much of the richness of the rhythm comes from this type of strumming. Other important elements that ensure variation include percussion, in the form of cajon, and hand-clapping.

In the past the guitar was only used as an accompany instrument for the singers and dancers, but with the appearance of great performers, like the legendary Sabicas and the contemporary Paco de Lucia, it has evolved much beyond this and now it is even seen as a solo instrument.

One particularly well known rumba piece is Entre Dos Aguas, which belongs to the great Paco de Lucia, and it is probably his most famous piece. Numerous amateur guitarists have attempted to copy and play this song in gigs or at home, which shows the popularity and leverage this style has with the general population.

The truth is that this is the kind of mindset that will never get you anywhere. Partly because you don’t really want to learn flamenco guitar, you just want to brag about it to your friends, and partly because you are lazy and want everything without moving a muscle.

It is sad to see so many people drop wonderful things like violin or dance or acting. These are all activities that move us, make us sensitive, activities through which we learn what is important, they put some meaning in our lives. So why not hang on to the things that define us?

This is an enigma for me, for yet I have not figured out what is will, what really drives people to do things. But going back to flamenco guitar. The first thing to do when trying to learn flamenco guitar is to get some kind of grip of the rhythm as this is the most important part of flamenco.

Contrary to what people believe it is not important what you play on the guitar, for that can be easily changed, notes can be learned, chord progressions can also be learned, what is important is that you feel the melody so you can meld with the other players. In time notes will come naturally and then on you will really enjoy to learn flamenco guitar.