This book and accompanying video provide a thorough introduction to flamenco guitar. What are the essential elements and techniques of flamenco guitar playing? How does one capture the real essence of authentic flamenco guitar? These are questions that Juan Martin, celebrated virtuoso flamenco guitarist and teacher, addresses in this first book of a projected three-volume series. The method is designed for the complete beginner and requires no prior knowledge of the guitar or flamenco music. It also provides invaluable insight and material for more advanced players who want to capture the essential sounds, rhythms and emotional power of true flamenco. The series begins with in-depth demonstrations of how the basic building blocks of flamenco guitar technique are used in actual flamenco music. The material then progresses to a detailed exploration of the individual rhythmic forms - the palos. In this book, the fundamental palos of Solea and Alegrias are presented to emphasize the basic rhythms and provide examples of falsetas - the melodic passages. Martin then shows how to apply these when collaborating with a dancer and singer. The music is transcribed in standard notation and tablature (cifra), and the online video contain over 3.5 combined hours of explanation and demonstrations. Provides a detailed introduction to basic techniques, using examples of authentic flamenco to show these techniques in action. Then progresses to demonstrations of the Solea and Alegrias, including music for the soloist and the guitar accompanying the dancing and singing. Includes access to online video.

Key to Symbols and Notation

Tuning the Guitar

First Rumba

Simple Rumba with Ami7 chords

Alternative Simple Rumba Patterns 

Second Rumba

A Modern-Style Rumba Technique

Index Finger and Apagado (Bulerías from Lebrija)

The 4-Stroke Rasgueo (in Verdiales)

Thumb Technique 

Verdiales Falseta

Verdiales Song

por medio Chords

Tientos Chords and Rhythm

First Tientos

Ligado Exercise

Falseta for Alegrías por Rosas

4-Stroke Rasgueo in Tangos

Tangos por arriba (El agua se va) 

Song Tune (picado)

Picado Exercises

Zapateado Falseta

Another Zapateado Falseta

A Fast Triplet Ending

More Picado Exercises

Ligado in Taranto

The Arrastre

Taranto

Comparing the 4-Stroke, 5-Stroke and 3-Stroke Rasgueos

Introduction to the Soleá

Alegrías Escobilla

p, i, m Arpegio

Back and Forward Arpegios

Campanela Arpegio

Campanela in Zapateado

Arpegios in Farruca

'Continual' Rasgueo, Alzapúa 

The Triplet Rasgueo

Rasgueo followed by the Thumb

The Flamenco Trémolo

Exercises for Trémolo

Fandangos por medio (SLOW)

The Compás of Soleá

Continuing the Rhythm of Soleá

Chords for Soleá de Alcalá

Adding Interest

Adding Syncopation

Simpler Ritmeo

Transition to Falsetas

Bass-side Golpes

Simple Falseta

Thumb Falseta

Repeated-Note Falseta

Arpegio Falseta

Wistful Falseta

Falseta to Open the Fingers

Another Arpegio Falseta

Picado and Arpegio Falseta

Trémolo Falseta

LA CAÑA

Falseta for La Caña

Polo

Soleá por medio

More Soleá por medio

Basic Alegrias por arriba

Chords and Ritmeo for Singer

‘A More Advanced Form’

A Modern Entrada

Subida

Silencio to Escobilla

Escobilla

Transition to Bulerías

Bulerías Falseta

Bulerías de Cádiz

The Silencio in the Dance

Falseta A

An Alternative Ending for Falseta A

Falseta B

Trémolo Falseta

Falseta C

Falseta D

More Falsetas

Falseta de Niño Ricardo

Falseta de Ramón Montoya