Issue 60 - April 4th, 2015

I would like to invite you to be part of this Weekly Magazine by raising questions and giving me suggestions through e-mail so this magazine can become a good material for all flamenco lovers, researchers and musicians. Enjoy it!

A.-Paco in the 60s with one of the first prototypes of a Negra (Picture)

B.-Comments, Questions and Answers:

QUESTION 1: What do you mean when you say that practice is different from playing?

QUESTION 2: Is it a good idea to practice in front of a mirror?

QUESTION 3: How can I become aware of the way I am playing?

QUESTION 4: You said that there are many new alternatives to Cypress sound in blanca guitars, can you elaborate on that a bit more?

QUESTION 5: Two questions, I) I think I should not be constantly replacing my right hand saddles, what do you think?; II) I have a friend who would like to buy a carbon fiber saddle, where can he buy it?

QUESTION 6: How can I improve my golpe?

C.- Video Recommendations of the Week:

1) Ramy El-Daoushy (my student) plays 5 falsetas of "Río de la Miel" (Bulería), one of the most difficult tunes by Paco de Lucía

A.-Paco in the 60s with one of the first prototypes of a negra with thicker sides 12 centimeters deep box (which was his idea)

B.-Questions and Answers

Practice Vs Playing CLICK HERE

Do you practice in front of a mirror? CLICK HERE

Observe your playing in video CLICK HERE

Am I making progress in the way I play flamenco guitar? CLICK HERE

Video of the practice of this by a student

Cypress sound is over...Cherry/Fresno deep blanca rocks! CLICK HERE

The dubious greatness of Cypress blanca in flamenco tradition & Paco de Lucia's negra idea CLICK HERE

About the carbon fiber right hand saddle CLICK HERE

Improving "Golpe" tapping with a-m CLICK HERE

Here is my student Ramy El-Daoushy, who achieved an advanced level on rhythm thanks to his zeal to study properly. He plays 5 falsetas of one of most difficult pieces by Paco de Lucía (Rio de la Miel) counting and playing simultaneously. I think this is a good example and inspiration source for those who aspire to really understand Paco's work. This video eliminates the idea that Paco's repertoire (and flamenco in general) can be played only by Paco himself or by Spanish people. That's false. Flamenco is not a question of nationality, everyone can play flamenco!.... And Paco's repertoire as well!

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