Flamenco Guitar Method - Volume 2

This Method Delivers in EVERY possible-way.I had never (and I mean NEVER) played guitar before, but was interested in learning since I was a boy.I became 'Mesmerized' by Flamenco when I first heard the intoxicating rhythms while studying abroad in Italy in 1995 (long story) and found the hairs on the back of my neck standing up!Right then, I told myself I was going to:1.) learn to play the guitar.2.) learn to play Flamenco Guitar.It took me 15 years to finally realize my dream.As you might imagine, being an American (with little-to-no access to any resources to learn Flamenco... let alone Flamenco Guitar) it was a challenge to being this journey towards realizing this dream.In 2011, my wife gave me my first guitar for my birthday (mainly because I wouldn't stop talking about "buying a guitar and learning to play" Lol).At this point, there were 'no more excuses' for putting anything off, so I began to do some research on the available 'Flamenco instruction' in my area (there was basically none).I went online and found a couple of Flamenco Forums and stumbled upon a Review for this particular Flamenco Guitar Method.What struck me, was the unbelievable detail (to the point of insanity) this Reviewer has described this series (to the degree that it said "the only mistake I found was on page 12, where one of the upstrokes was notated as a downstroke" -- I'm not making this up, it really said that! Lol).I figured this guy really took this book apart... it seemed like (from the country of origin, the grammar of the review and the quality of the critique) that it was done by at the very least someone from Spain (probably from Andalucia) a Guitarist... and someone Very aware of Flamenco.I bought both books together with the accompanying CD& DVD.AGAIN... I had NEVER played guitar before, let alone Flamenco Guitar.This Guitar Method is everything it says it is.The Instruction is laid-out in a step-by-step, logical way... each exercise and technique building on the next.It took me 2 1/2 years of constant, daily study to get through Book 1 (the DVD is an invaluable resource at providing the closest-thing to an actual "instructor" to walk you through each technique) the DVD has a wealth of built-in features that allow you to see the "Full-Speed" and the "Slow" version of each practice piece (helps ALOT).The Practice Pieces start out as very simple (but musically interesting) compositions, that build in complexity... nuance and energy as you get deeper into the book.What is really great about this method, is the instructor is actually attempting to teach you about 'Flamenco' and not just 'Flamenco Guitar'.It covers the history. There's a section that covers each song type (palo, estilo) and leaves the door open for the student to "find their own way" through 'El Mundo del Flamenco' -- to the point that I have taken some of the practice pieces and "adjusted them" (either by adding, removing or rearranging) to suit the 'mood' of the audience... or 'listening to myself' as Maestro Graf-Martinez puts it.I was able to reach a playing-level (AGAIN, I am coming from a point of "zero experience" with the guitar) were I held my first "semi-public" performance at my office Holiday Party about a year ago (Falsetta Line-up of: Soleares, Alegrias, Tangos and Bulerias) the Bulerias was a personal creation based-off of 'Cante Popular' and some phrasing from 'Diego del Gastor' and 'Enrique de Melchor'.I haven't been able to dig that deep into Book 2 beyond the Bulerias and have yet to learn the "higher-level" guitar techniques (Picado, Arpeggio, Tremolo, Alzapua) but you can produce some pretty decent material on your own with the techniques obtained from Book 1... Atleast enough to accompany a dance class or 2 (that's next on my list of things to do in life, lol).ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE BUY.

I bought the V1 last month and finished it with less than 2 weeks before I bought this V2. But don't take this as you could also finish within a month cuz I've been playing guitar for many years and am also playing a kind of finger style stuff very similar to the Flamenco. The V1 I gave it 4 stars after I found out it didn't teach much but only the basics, but this V2 is different, its very progressive and detailed. The same as the V1 it has some minor printing errors that miss a # or a b and in the V1 I even found a low C note lower than the guitar's lowest E. :) Use your common sense or compare them with the TAB and they should be very easy to be corrected.

If you do not know golpes, 3-4 finger rasqueados, and tresillos you should because these are used right off the bat. Maybe try part 1 which is great in itself. No sound examples cd is included with part 2. They come w/ part 1 and include sound examples for both.This method is valuable to anyone trying to advance in flamenco. The material is catchy and fun to play. Martinez seems to advance the student at just the right time to keep you wanting more. As a beginner, I'm hoping to be beginner-intermediate by the end of part 2.

The book meet my expectationsBut I'am Very unhappy about the service of Anazone to pay 15 euro of extra tax. I did not know about this glitch. But because. But I do'nt want the books to get the blame so four stars for the book and 1 for Anazone

This is a wonderfull tool in learning flamenco. It is very easy to understand and Gerhard has a great sense to as of how to produce a learning enviroment. I looked through a lot of dvd`s and most dont pay attention to the sync. between audio and video. This master does and it helps greatly in the observation part of the technique. I began using his two books about 5 years ago and bought the dvd editions for my dvd libary.I only play Flamenco and rumba flamenco.Enjoy

Great book that follows the traditional FLAMENCO style and methods. Having volume 1 is a must for this one to make sense to a student.

Good book, for entry level flamenco guitar player, fun to learn, easy to play. But I have played classical guitar for a while, so might be not so entry-level for some one who never played guitar.

Notation errors are unacceptable. These include tab on wrong stings and frets. And most importantly in the staff rhythm. I didn't find errors in the first book, which I go through every week. 2nd book, I play parts every week. These books are 5 stars, except for the errors. They should not be the only flamenco guitar study. But important information and study. Get it

Acheté en 2012. J'y reviens régulièrement. Une référence pour ceux celles qui veulent se lancer dans le flamenco. Explications claires en anglais.

I'm a guitar teacher... This method is one of the best guitar methods I have seen.Recommended 100%

Excellent! Packed with detailed lessons I will be referencing for years to come! Highly recommend!

The excellent instructional CD and DVD accompanying Volume 1 supplement not only the detailed material in the first volume but also that of this second volume. Both volumes together provide all that is necessary for achieving a satisfactory performance of Flamenco toque using a teach-yourself guide. There is an incredible wealth of detail concerning all of the dance styles in Lessons 6 to 10 and they are systematically listed for easy reference. There is a final section on the history of Flamenco from antiquity to the present day. In his epilogue the German author comments upon the task of writing the two volumes, saying that the complexity and inexhaustibility of the subject are its main characteristics. His work enables the reader and toque player to savour these aspects in an achievable way that is very enjoyable.

Ce livre avec DVD est une excellente suite du 1er volume.