El Arte Flamenco de la Guitarra

No other book or video out there is as complete or as kind to the student. You will still probably need to watch the experts on YouTube, and maybe take a lesson from a guitarrista now and then (if you have one available), to work past your technical challenges. But a diligent student who will practice five to seven days a week can do a lot DIY with this book, whereas I don't know of any other materials out there that can really help you get proficient (without, for example, paying for a 10-dvd set).Martin's scores in this book are basic to intermediate, although a few of the falsetas require significant practice to play well at speed. The presentation and progression are very sensible, starting with some of the easier to understand palos and working up to the Bulerias, Alegrias, Tientos, etc. The palos are all presented in traditional style, but as you learn more modern falsetas and begin creating your own, you'll find that they can be easily added to or exchanged with parts of provided scores. All music is written in both standard notation and tablature.The essays on technique and history that are sprinkled throughout the book are an excellent bonus.The accompanying CD is invaluable for understanding the sound of the pieces. Many of flamenco's sounds are slightly misleading to write in standard notation. Thus it's best to replay the tracks that you're learning many times over to ensure that you're getting the correct sound, and not making things harder for yourself than they should be. (This latter is an easy trap in which to get caught.)And five years on, I still use the technique exercises that are included as appendices for warm-up.

I just received this book yesterday and I was impressed with how well Juan explains everything from forms to technique. The accompanying CD is also very helpful to even a beginner having trouble with the compas. The tracks are also slowed to give the listener a chance to count out the beats.For those that are completely new to flamenco, I advise to look at some videos on YouTube on the techniques to get a better understanding if you're confused. Pair this book and CD up with a metronome and you're on your way to becoming a flamenco pro in no time.

Excellent flamenco material and lots of instruction and cultural information. In a world of pop and hip-hop music, flamenco literature is rare and rarely appreciated. Even though this book is out of print, I still recommend it if you can find a copy. There will come a day when there won't be any more available.

This is the bible of flamenco guitar instruction. Great lessons to the pieces and technique to play the pieces. I own several flamenco guitar instruction books and this is the most informative and provides the best instruction.

This is a wonderful approach to Flamenco. It is rich with descriptions of the cultural aspects of the music and details of technique. I can't imagine a better blend or balance in instruction. Inspiring!

Three pages on tuning the guitar. Aw Common, really? Like nobody has a battery-operated $10 tuner? If you can afford a $40 book you can afford a tuner. He also gets obsessive about holding the guitar in a certain position. So no matter how well or badly you play, you'll look like a flamenco guitar player. And about holding the guitar away from your chest--I'm female, DD. This is not physically possible. I'm glad I have the book. Love his accent. However, I think I'm going to take on-line classes. I could never learn from this book, even with a teacher.

one of the best flamenco guitar book ever written for the beginner to the more advance player . You do not need to know music or guitar just to be willing to learn .

The very best Flamenco method .

in his iconic book Juan Martin goes step by step through the basic compas, llamadas and falsettas, rhythms and structure.It really is a great foundation to this fascinating and complex subject. Highly recommended.

Imprescindible para empezar seriamente en el flamenco

Es geht zügig und schnell voran

Je recommande il y a matière à travailler et nous fait progresser en prenant du plaisir.Un excellent pédagogue et en plus un super guitariste.

Very old, as it is, and I think out of print now, but regardless, this book is the absolute best book for studying flamenco guitar.Well weighted for beginners (although if you are completely new to stringed instruments you may struggle), and progresses at pace to introduce a lot of concepts.In particular it introduces and reinforces the concepts of 'compás' in all the various forms, which is essential to know. It also has detailed descriptions, with photos, of various left and right-hand techniques to get you playing right. I don't know of any other book that does this nearly as well.As a body of work, this book, plus Juan's two 'Play Solo Flamenco Guitar' volumes form an excellent study course.I'm not as convinced by his 'La Guitarra Flamenca', and will review that separately. I haven't seen his 'Essential Flamenco Guitar' volumes yet, though will probably end up getting them.