I help classical and flamenco guitar students understand and play their music confidently with proven strategies that minimize challenges and accelerate progress.
🤣 Glad you liked the video! If you have any guitar challenges that you’d like me to address in a future video please let me know. Thanks for commenting! 🙏🏽
@NguyenNgocHienhopthu136 Not yet but I’ll one soon! If you have any other guitar challenges that you’d like me to address in a future video please let me know. Thanks for commenting! 🙏🏽
Thanks for commenting! The idea is to have a simple warm-up that serves as a primer for your practice session. Research on motor skill development and cognitive skill development show that priming can accelerate the learning and develop process. No need to copy this exact warm-up. If you’re new Guitar, just think about doing some simple contraction and extension movements with your right hand and even simple tapping of the strings with the left hand. It’s good to keep the warm-up very short. I hope this helps!
Thanks for commenting! The idea is to have a simple warm-up that serves as a primer for your practice session. Research on motor skill development and cognitive skill development show that priming can accelerate the learning and develop process. No need to copy this exact warm-up. I’ve been playing for 27 years and initially never included a warm-up like this one in my practice. All of my teachers suggested that I do it and it made a big difference. Hope this helps!
@@TheBonniepatterson didn't mean it in a bad way just no one has ever introduced me to a warm up it's always been just grab it and play so it's interesting idea
@mirahgirl01 It’s okay; I didn’t take it in a bad way at all :) When I started playing, no one ever stressed the importance of a warm-up to me either. Wish they had! It’s been such a game-changer for me (and my students). I highly recommend it.
I'm a beginner with classic guitar tho I know basic stuff but I still feel kinda lost. I needed to hear this, like a structure of proper practice, thank you! Subbed❤
One way to think about guitar, is very much like a garden. You can't make a seed grow fast in a week. Its going to grow spread roots get bigger better and all that is going to take time. The enjoyment over the process is all the small increments you add. Be patient. Don't cram too much too soon. Even my opinion sometimes you are taught 7 arpeggios to memorize....its better just do ONE. learn it, play it, USE it, enjoy it. make it part of you..don't move to the next lesson too fast... then add more. Add one new things you added one new thing. Add 10 too fast and you wind up you added 0. Pace yourself and enjoy. Its a lifetime of rewards, no matter what your plans are.
Really glad I subscribed to your channel. If you have any recommendations choosing a classical guitar for different levels, that would interest me. Great and interesting work though
So glad to hear you like the videos! I hope they’re helpful! I wrote two articles on classical and Flamenco guitars I recommend. When you get a chance, please hop over to my blog page and click Products and Gear: www.diegoalonsomusic.com/blog
I was playing Adelita by Tarrega but then I got a very deep cut which caused me to bleed profusely, I was using bad technique but then I found out that my cat whom I forgot to cut her nails
I hear you. I got finger lock to boot, it’s annoying as anything. Your advice is right on. It’s the intensity of leaning over and the pressure and strain. Thanks for the good advice
I have a computer job and am also leaving flamenco. This video resonates so much. A good trick I use to avoid sitting down for too long is increasing your water intake. That will force you to go to the bathroom at least once per hour
I universe works in strange ways. I recently injured both of my hands playing guitar way too much. After playing classical guitar for 9 years, I’ve gone through a musical and technical renaissance so to speak this last year, where my technique has improved to a point where I am finally able to learn these difficult pieces I couldn’t quite get before and I’ve been learning so much, even learning flamenco to add to my guitar abilities. Due to my musical breakthrough that started around this January, i’ve been practicing for endless hours a day, where before I would play for maybe an hour a day if at all, and now this acceleration in my playing from over practicing has caught up to me and both my hands are currently injured. It’s actually mainly just my fingers in both hands and my right wrist only. My fingers are sore, with an almost burning sensation, and they feel stiff, especially in the morning. It’s very unfortunate. I’m not sure how long I should go without playing guitar to recover. It’s all I want to do. Let me be a warning to other guitarists not to practice too much.
So sorry to hear that you’re dealing with an injury now! I’ve been there. It took me about 4 weeks to be able to play again when I had a similar injury and my hand didn’t normal again until about 3 months later. I’d definitely recommend seeing a specialist who can give you some specific recommendations for faster recovery. I hope you heal quickly!
The more I watch your channel the more I like it , very interesting videos and you seem such a down to earth guy ! I like most learned the hard way bout injuries, until you get a bad one you never think will happen you , Now I play standing up ! All cause of back issues ,That took some experimenting to find a secure solution, it’s almost comical the way I’ve it set up with straps and other bits , either that or can’t play at all , I had wrist issues too all from waaay too much practice and barres and pressing too hard , rest , playing less and breaks and massage keeps me playing ! But still must be careful, long gone are the days of 4 to 5 hours of practice, I loved it though !!!
Hi Diego. Love trying the different techniques although slight carpul tunnel issues make it more difficult even when warming up. Do you have any videos that recommend any mid classical guitars. Around the £500-£800 price range? Thanks Barry
Hi Barry! So sorry you’re dealing with carpal tunnel. I wish you a quick recovery! I don’t have a video on Guitar recommendations yet, but I did write this blog article on my favorites. I hope this helps! diegoalonsomusic.com/post/4-best-classical-guitars-for-2024-beginner-to-intermediate/ Thank you so much for commenting!
Hi! So sorry you don’t like the idea. It’s certainly not for everyone. That said, I’ve benefited greatly from this as have my students. Ever since I incorporated this into my daily routine, my practice has been significantly more productive. Even if you don’t use my warm up routine, I’d encourage you to add in a quick and simple warm up at the top of each practice session. Best of luck!
Being a massage therapist and the sort of flexibility/rehab go to at my Jiu-Jitsu gym, I have to say that this is the most underrated and Vital music lesson that I’ve truly never seen pursued this thoroughly no matter what level of musician I was interacting with. Without pursuing it professionally, I was a lifelong musician who played all sorts of instruments. Once I had a couple of auto accidents four years apart, that made me have to rethink how I can play music. I never found anyone in the Music space or the Medical space with the knowledge to bridge the gap between the two, which necessitated really studying a lot of this on my own. The best way to avoid injury is to take precautionary steps to have a resilient body before injury comes. This men’s students and colleagues are extremely fortunate to have an asset who is even beginning to explore these things. Bless him for doing what we should all be doing, simply sharing the pieces of the puzzle we found with others to piece together the mosaic of the future.
Hey! As someone who is getting back into classical guitar after two major injuries to my left forearm (wrist sprain that healed wrong, and a subsequent open fracture of both forearm bones), I totally agree. I watched so many videos on different channels about pre-practice warmup, and this is the first person that mentions a physical warmup before the technique warmup. This is essential. After my injuries my fretting hand and arm have reduced strength and range of motion, but stretching, and flapping, and such before practice help me play and build strength. I imagine this should be the case for anyone, injured or not. Just like I wouldn't approach dumbbells in a gym without a joint warmup, I don't want to approach the guitar without one either.
@odmineypiju4761 I’m glad you enjoy the video! It’s true that most people do not have this calisthenic component in their warm-ups. I know everybody’s different but personally, this helps me quite a bit and I think it’s an important thing to add into practice. Thank you so much for commenting!
Hi! Yes, you certainly don’t want to feel numbness. That could also be related to posture and hand positioning. Make sure that your left wrist is comfortably straight and that you’re not pressing too hard with either hand. I hope this helps! Thanks for commenting 🙏🏽
What about Strings? I am new with Nylon strings, but have found strings that are bad right out of the package. They are dead sounding, and others have a better sound.
Thanks Diego. Very well explained and much needed. What are your recommendations for tonal variety specifically for flamenco? Classical guitarists make a lot of use of what you called horizontal position. But I feel that's challenging to do in flamenco (both because of the guitar holding position and speed requirements).
Hi! Glad you enjoyed the video! I recommend the same concepts for flamenco guitar. Unfortunately, we don’t see too many Flamenco guitarist’s using these ideas (mostly because of strumming involved in flamenco guitar), but they can certainly be applied to flamenco. For example, try playing, an arpeggio or trémolo patttern pattern a little closer to the sound hole for a warmer sound. I hope this helps! Thank you so much for commenting. 🙏🏽
@@DiegoAlonsoMusic Thanks for your reply. I've seen many flamenco guitarists do this to a certain level (e.g., picado and pulgar closer to the bridge and arpeggio/tremolo closer to the sound hole as you suggest), but not as widely as the classical guitarists might do. One barrier I face myself in doing it more often and more widely is really the right hand freedom: With the guitar on the left leg, the right hand has an easy access to different 'horizontal' positions while still keeping the same angle to the strings. When I put the guitar on the right leg though, both the range and angle are more restricted, so it's hard to quickly and comfortably move along the strings. Any suggestions about how to improve this with the guitar in 'flamenco' positions?
@rrahmanian Yes, I definitely see how it’s more challenging to vary the right hand’s horizontal position. Tucking in the guitar into the hip helps me keep the guitar stable. Also, the right forearm should help keep the guitar steady. That said, you should not feel like you have to use any effort to keep the guitar in place with your arm. I use an arm sleeve, which helps me easily glide, my forearm left, and right in order to change horizontal positions. I hope this helps! Did you see my other video on Posture by any chance? I have some tips on how to hold the guitar on the right leg.
Hi! Thank you so much for commenting. 🙏🏽 I would definitely recommend a legato sound. That said, practicing both staccato and legato are important. I hope this helps!
Can you make a video on your technique routine? Personally I don’t see the point in having a warmup for the technique workout because technique work is sort of the primer for repertoire is it not? Regardless would be curious to see it
Hi! Thanks for commenting! Yes, I absolutely will. That’s one of the videos on my to-do list. 🙏🏽 As far as warming up for a technique session goes, personally I think it’s a good idea to do so if the session is going to be longer than 30 minutes. That said, most people just warm up in their technique sessions by starting with simple and easy exercises. My technique sessions are almost always 50-60 minutes long, so I prefer using a separate warm up. I also use this warm up prior to my repertoire sessions. If you are going to use technique as a primer for a heavy problem-solving repertoire session, then I recommend keeping the technique session short and sweet. If your problem-solving session is light to medium, I think it’s okay to split your session 50/50 between technique and repertoire. You just want to make sure you’re not overdoing it. Does this make sense? I hope this helps!
@@DiegoAlonsoMusic yeah that makes sense, I am studying flamenco and the first year I did around 3-4 hours a day of technique and now I am a bit burnt out from it so I’m focusing more on repertoire and compas. Can’t wait to see the technique video though! Definitely am always curious how people are studying, especially professionals such as yourself
Flamenco is a beast of a genre to study. I’ve been at it for over 20 years and the challenges are never ending (in a good way)! When I started, I did the same thing you did & practiced technique for hours on end. It got me into a lot of trouble, and I ended up with a lot of serious injuries as a result. Of course everyone is different, but I would highly recommend not doing more than about an hour of technique per day. Even my teachers (Pedro Sierra, Paco Cortes, Jose Luis de la Paz, etc.) don’t go beyond that with only one exception (Niño de Pura does 1.5 hrs a day). 🙏🏽
@@DiegoAlonsoMusic I studied with Juanito Pascual and he really showed me the path to not get injured. I worked up to 3 -4 hours of technique a day and it worked out, but I also was doing the mechanism properly first then went into the workout of it. but yes you are right, after the foundation is built, technique shouldnt be the focal point, compas and cante should be, maybe you agree haha
Juanito is great! And yes, I do agree. Although I’ve found that in the US, most students are not interested in cante accompaniment. I’ve had to be creative as a teacher to still include the fundamentals of cante & baile accompaniment in lessons!
Just place your fingers in the vicinity of the major chord and: asi la toca! Just kidding. I am always amazed that flamenco players don’t name the chords. It’s just a “B”. Just one of the hundreds of Bs available to them. I love Flamenco, fixed harmonic and rhythmic structure of a palo and everything else is free to be explored. One other thing: the chords would be awfully dissonant on any other instrument but on a nylon stringed guitar. Somehow this instrument can stomach it.
Diego - This is wonderful. Would it be possible to have a printed guide for the exercises in this lesson available? Thank you for your efforts to make me a better musician! Charles
Hi Charles! Great suggestion! I’ll put it on my to-do list and as soon as I have the guide ready, I’ll let you know and I’ll also add it to the description of the video. Thanks again for comment. 🙏🏽
Hi! Thanks for commenting! I am playing roughly around 115 BPM (quarter note) but with a ton of rubato. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend playing the whole piece to a metronome. That said, it’s certainly good to practice sections using a metronome to make sure that you’re not speeding up or slowing down those sections unintentionally. I hope this helps!
@@DiegoAlonsoMusic Yes, very helpful, and keen insight about the use of a metronome. I use it as a governor, to keep from speeding up (rather than to play faster, as people might assume). I thought that your playing was slower than 125, but I was not sure what number. Now I have it. Thanks!
I wish that I watched a video like this in 2001 when I first picked up a guitar😅 It's very VERY difficult to correct a bad habit than just to learn the right way from the start. Also both of my i fingers on both hands are naturally twisted and curved so that was a challenge for me from the day 1. Thank you for nice tips anyway brother👍🏻
Yeah me too, started learning in 2001 and picked up some bad habits but they can be undone. Apparently it seems much tougher to undo a bad habit but in time it can be overcome. I think its more a mental thing before it reaches the strings. But thats me.
I totally agree that’s it’s a mental thing first! 🙏🏽 The sooner we can minimize tension and prioritize sound quality (over technical prowess), the better!
Yes, the sleeve is great! I highly recommend using one. It allows you to easily move your arm left or right without sticking to the guitar or having to lift your arm up to change positions. You can either use an old long sock and just cut the toe off or use the one that I use which is this one: amzn.to/3Aljudi. I’ll add it to the description as well. Thank you so much again!
@@DiegoAlonsoMusic Hello Diego, I did the routine for the last 7 days. It helps me as newby on the guitar to give my daily practise more structure. Afterwards mostly I do some technic exercises and learn a song afterwards. It helps a lot to give it a good warm up and to stay lose. Thank you!
@jonasberkenheide3858 That’s so great to hear! A simple warm up routine like this one, done consistently, has been tremendously helpful for my own practice and for my students. Glad to help! 🙏🏽
I'm really amazed with the video and it's informative demonstrations.. but moreover, I'm so happy to see you taking care of replying people and helping them separately with their problems.. and the way you're addressing all the general problems we face, its actually helping us to build our confidence.. lots of love n respect from India 🇮🇳 Sir... will be waiting eagerly for videos of other methods and techniques... ❤ 🙏🙏
Thank you for such a nice comment! I’m very happy to know you find my videos helpful. My journey in guitar was challenging and one of my main goals as a teacher is to help other guitarists not have to struggle as much as I did. Happy to help!
