Picado Apoyando

[Shroomy726]

I must say that I have developed my thumb and rasgueados techniques pretty well. So i decided to start to practice picado. I am using Oscar Herrero's DVD as a base. He plays apoyando (rest strokes). Does it take a while to get used to this technique? I have been doing an i m excercise for a few days now but i don't see any progress, in other words I am not getting comfortable with it. I know that I won't get it fast for a few months or years, but I just want to make sure that it DOES take a while. Any inputs on this?

[Todd]

You are not alone my friend.

If you ever go over to FORO FLAMENCO, you will
see long discusion after long discusion about how
to deal with picado, and why it takes so much work
compared to all other techniques. Many get ultra
frustrated with it. Mainly, because they are simply
expecting way too much, way too fast.

I dont use conventional technique, but i can tell you this,
work on slow, clean and controlled notes, with the metronome.
Dont work on speed for the sake of speed.

Its like being a Boxer/fighter, and trying to knock your
opponent out with one punch.
Dont go looking for that knockout, be patient, use your jab,go to the body,
use your footwork, take advantage of the ring.
Do all these things, and the knockout will come to you without
you chasing it.

TK

[M. Stephenson]

From what I understand, Apoyando is rest stroke and Picado is playing with the i & m fingers.

If that is so then I have the following comments, all per the supervision of my instructor:

Be patient and focus on a strong powerful sound. It may take many months (as it has for me), but the rewards are worth it.

I learned to play reststrokes (from another instructor) with the tip of my finger straight - this is not correct, especially for Flamenco. While I could play 16th notes at about 140 bpm for many passages, I lacked power and presence.

To correct myself I started playing nothing but freestrokes, as this forced me to bend my the tip of my finger. I also had to experiment with filing my nails to keep my fingers from hanging on the string (Per Pumping Nylon)

Once I got used to that (about two months), I started using the same basic curved finger technique to play the rest stroke. This took further refinement of the nail shape and many long and frustrating hours of practice.

I am still not very fast - maybe 100 bpm's if I concentrate on correct form, but I am twice as loud.

My playing is starting to show real power. Now at guitar lessons I am starting to approach the loudness of my instrcutor. It feels very good to play powerfully - like I am becoming a flamenco guitarists or something.

[Shroomy726]

I see. Both of you make an interest point. M. Stephenson, i see what you mean. I started to do that to when i didn't have anyone to teach me, but after watching oscar herrero's DVD i realized that you are supposed to have the hand perpendicular to the strings and you are supposed to bend your fingers at the second joint. I hope one day i can feel the same way you are feeling right now :-)