The Keys to Flamenco Guitar, Vol. 1 by Dennis Koster (120 pgs. Book/CD)
by Dennis Koster
This is a great introduction to flamenco. Great material presented very clearly in a well-thought-out sequence. It's an excellent method to use alongside the Oscar Herrero DVDs. "The mysteries of the challenging flamenco style are unlocked in this exciting method for guitarists at all levels. Carefully graded examples present every flamenco form, first with basic techniques and then with increased virtuosity. Written in standard notation and tablature, complete with chord diagrams and detailed right-hand instructions. Every example in the book appears on the companion CD."
| The Keys to Flamenco Guitar book/cd.....$ Out of Stock |
||||
| IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF THE USA: Please contact me for shipping cost before purchasing this item. | ||||
Question:
Hey Mr. Ostrie,
I purchased your book by advice of my guitar professor. Do you have any words of wisdom to offer in my studies?
-Justin W., Cathedral City, California, USA
Answer:
Hi Justin,
I think you'll really enjoy this book. I think it's one of the best books about how to do something that I've ever worked from. The progression is well-planned with constant yet attainable challenges. Learn to count everything that you play while you're playing. Play as slowly as needed to play clearly and in time. Learn all the examples in the book. Keep the simpler examples in your repertoire even when you learn more complex versions of the same thing. Then, when you've learned the first solo pieces, experiment with playing the falsetas in a different order and the compas in different ways, substituting different falsetas in the pieces, and later, making these decisions while you're playing the piece.
It's great to supplement it with a few technical exercises (not so much that you get bored, just 5 or 10 minutes a day), to get your playing loud and clear, and to attain a characteristic flamenco sound with different right hand techniques. Working with a teacher is the best way to do this, but you can also get a lot of help from video materials. I like the Oscar Hererro DVDs for this. There are probably some other great one's out there, too. You can even find a lot of great playing on youtube. I think the main thing is to notice how loud, clear, and crisp good players sound, and to do some simple exercises with each right hand technique to work towards that on an ongoing basis.
A good source for additional repertoire at the same level is Juan Martin's first book of solos (with the green cover), but "Keys" can also keep you busy on it's own for a good while.
And have fun!
All the Best,
Bill