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31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entering the World of Flamenco, 4 Sep 2004
Living in Andulucia it is unsurprising that I have become interested in the music of the region. I read and enjoyed Jason Webster's 'Duende' but wanted more information about the music and, in particular, a guide to flamenco guitar playing. I bought Robin Totton's 'Song of the Outcasts' and Juan Martin's 'Solos Flamencos'. I have only just begun the former but can say that Robin Totton draws you into the world of flamenco with an easy, unpretentious style, great enthusiasm and an impressive understanding of the art.'Solos Flamencos', too, has a clear and interesting introduction to flamenco and flamenco guitar playing techniques. The 42 pieces ( in standard notation and tablature )are divided into 6 levels and each level is prefaced by playing notes for each tune. These, in turn, are complemented by introductory words from Senor Martin ( what a nice chap he appears to be ! ) on the dvd. Each level, too, is prefaced by a list of techniques to be mastered before moving on to more difficult pieces. Added to this you have a cd which stands alone as a 'good listen' but which I have found enormously useful for those trickily timed passages. It has been fascinating to use new right hand techniques - the thumb plays all strings, the little finger is brought into play, the guitar table is tapped.... 'Solos Flamencos' is a thoroughly professional job and I recommend it without reservation. Over more than 30 years of guitar playing I have waded through countless instruction books. This is one of the best. Actually, I would make two comments. Firstly, when we can play all 42 solos we won't be flamenco guitarists ( you only have to listen to the old chaps around here to know that ). But we will have an understanding of technique and form and some really lovely pieces of music on which to build. Secondly, I would suggest that this book is not for absolute beginners. An ability to fret, barre, play finger style ( classical, fingerpicking etc ) will serve you well from the very first piece.
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~ Paco Peña
![Flamenco Guitar Method, Volume 1 [With CD (Audio) and DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DTBVERX6L._SL500_SS90_.jpg)
by Gerhard Graf-Martinez
by Paco Pena
by Juan Martin
![Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Mart-N: Volume 1 [With CD and DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B4YW175EL._SL75_SS50_.jpg)
![Flamenco [With DVD] (Mel Bay's Guitar Journals)](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415REAdKdfL._SL75_SS50_.jpg)
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