Compás
Compás is rhythm. It means the rhythmical structure of each
of flamenco's many styles,
and also the guitarist's skill in keeping the rhythm steady and interesting.
"He has good compás" is the ultimate compliment in Spain for a flamenco guitarist.
The fundamental compáses are:
1. Soleá (12-beat)
2. Bulería (12-beat)
3. Siguiriya (12-beat)
4. Alegría (12-beat)
5. Tientos (4-beat)
6. Tangos (4-beat)
7. Guajíra (12-beat)
8. Petenera (12-beat)
9. Fandango (3-beat)
But it's not enough just to know this. Even though many of
them have the same number of beats, after you have had a few flamenco
guitar lessons, you will notice how much subtlety there is within the compás,
and you will be amazed to find out how some of these compáses are based
on others, but start in a different place.
For example, the compás of the bulería is based
on the soleá but bulerías are much faster and use lots of counter-rhythms.
Remember, you can't learn real compás from CDs, videos
and web sites. The only way to learn how the compás works - how to manipulate
it and keep it interesting - is to study in an live atmosphere with an actual
teacher.
Why
go to Spain?
Where
are the major centres of flamenco?
What
are palos?
What
are falsetas?
What's
the difference between a flamenco guitar and a classical guitar?
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flamenco-guitar-teacher.com 2006