One of the best ways to involve yourself full well in Spanish music is by learning Spanish guitar lessons with your Spanish style guitar. In this edition of our post, you will get to know how to play Spanish guitar, including the various playing techniques, and the differences between playing the Spanish guitar, such as the flamenco guitar and other types of guitar.
Beginners who wish to learn how to deal with Spanish guitar chords or the strumming technique usually refer to Spanish guitar TABs and notation to get access to music pieces that are playable with this kind of guitar.
What is a Spanish guitar? Often also referred to as the classic guitar, guitars of such kind refer to a musical instrument traditionally played with nylon strings rather than steel strings. Without further ado, we proceed to discuss how to play Spanish chords with the Spanish style guitar.
Play Spanish Guitar: The Playing Technique
The technique of Spanish guitar playing is touted more defined than other guitar types, coupled with the “right” way of playing that is generally accepted.
As you learn guitar lessons, you will know that this Spanish guitar technique has evolved along with the musical instrument and which you should adhere to.
Why is that? It has been said that learning how to play with Spanish guitar is more challenging than with other guitar styles.
You may also refer to how classic guitarists like Paco De Lucia or John Williams do it when you want to learn how to play Spanish guitar.
The following lessons make use of the right-handed musical instrument in its standard form. This is because classic guitars that work with the left hand exist, but it is recommended for those learning how to play Spanish guitar, no matter whether they are left-handed, to know how to play the classical guitar in its standard form.
The Playing Position
The musician should be seated when playing the Spanish guitar. The guitar should rest on the left thigh and be positioned close to the body. Aside from the stool, they may use a footstool to raise the left leg, so the guitar is set in a comfortable way for the guitar player.
The 12th fret of the guitar must roughly be central to the body. The back of the performer should be kept straight. There must be no strain in the arms, back, or neck.
The Right Hand Technique With The Spanish Guitar
Several personalized content and ads about Spanish guitar playing reveal that Spanish guitarists use their right hand’s thumb and fingers to play the tunes. Usually, unlike with other guitar kids, a pick is not used. The little finger or the pinkie finger is also not used.
Use the right hand to play single-note lines, arpeggios, and chords. Playing the Spanish guitar is like playing the acoustic guitar.
There are various right-hand techniques when playing the Spanish guitar, however, that are not present in acoustic guitar playing. Most of the notes are played with two styles: the “tirando” and the “apoyando.”
- Tirando refers to “free stroke.” In this technique, the finger strikes the guitar string as part of a motion that is continuous, similar to how to do it with the acoustic guitar.
- Apoyando, on the other hand, pertains to “rest stroke.” In here, the finger strikes the guitar string, but instead of continuing through the string, the player comes to rest on the string that is adjacent. This technique releases a stronger sound, used to emphasize melodies.
The tirando is the default technique, but both of them must be practiced.
Here are other right-hand techniques with the Spanish guitar:
- Tremolo is when three right-hand fingers sound the melody in quick succession.
- Rasguado is the strumming technique that the index finger plays.
- Golpe refers to the percussive tap on the guitar body, commonly used with the flamenco guitar.
The Left Hand Technique
Who says we are not going to learn the left hand technique? This technique with the Spanish guitar is similar to playing electric and acoustic guitars. When playing the Spanish guitar this way, the thumb remains behind the neck, not too proximate to the sides.
Does The Guitar Player Need To Grow Nails To Play Spanish Guitar?
There is a habit noticeable with many Spanish guitarists, and that is, growing their nails. Well, longer nails are said to pave the way for a stronger sound. It is not necessary before you play Spanish guitar and is still a subject of many debates.
The Spanish Guitar Technique
Many Spanish guitarists can read music or play from scores, and you should also be able to.
If your background is from an acoustic or electric guitar, prior to playing Spanish guitar, you will need to read Spanish guitar music, including Spanish guitar TABs and notation. With this, you can be able to play Spanish guitar and impress your listeners.
Spanish Guitar Evaluation
There are examinations available to gauge your classic guitar playing skills in various countries and track your process when you play Spanish guitar.
Learn To Play Spanish Guitar Right Now
Today, various websites and videos from the YouTube homepage and ads teach how to play Spanish guitar. Never be afraid to take them. Keep on learning.
