1.Picado - Ben Woods Flamenco Guitar Techniques

[@edwardmorton6691]

Wonderful tips from a master technician who doesn't try to force everyone into doing things the same way. We're all different so we need this kind of teaching so that we can work out what is best for each of us.

[@keivan6125]

Rest in peace. We lost a great musician.🥲

[@ianbandola2514]

What?

[@baderalquood7955]

He didn’t pass away, why u spreading rumors?

[@ianbandola2514]

@@baderalquood7955 bro. Hes gone check other comment section frrom his vid and ig

[@keivan6125]

@@baderalquood7955 google his name before typing...

[@Dom-kp6ur]

Your tips on economy of motion and and keeping your fingertips close together really helped me and finally allowed me to get a clean picado run! Thank you!

[@kbkesq]

Ben sadly died last year from cancer. Way too young. Keep practicing so his lessons live on!

[@brandenray9587]

Ben Woods: ECONOMY OF MOTION

[@neptunemike]

Learning this seems easy, when coordinating with the other hand is the hard part

[@alanultimateplayer]

Ben Woods is so sympathetic! It's even satisfying to watch him explain the thing lol

[@edgarduartegutierrez9860]

I am a bass player and its far more practical to do that slip technique for economy of motion and speed (it actually has a name and it is called raking picking, used by countless professional bassists). I don't know why EVERY guitarist teacher that shows how to Picado tells not to slip and to always alternate but nobody gives a reason why that would be a good choice. This is the only picado lesson I could find where slipping through strings seems valid and i really agree with you, sir

[@avikdas7983]

Sir we need these kind of tutorials...

[@abhinabanath904]

Thank you sir you tutorial helps me a lot for rumba techniques ....love and respect from India ❤️❤️

[@TangeOrheen]

This is absolutely fabulous. Thank you Ben Woods. I'm on to the next ones. I hope you keep doing more of these.

[@michaeldennisguitarlessons]

I attended a Master Class “many” years ago with Pepe Romero. Pepe told a story about what he had learned from another flamenco master(I don’t remember the name). The master held his index and middle fingers up to Pepe’s ear and proceeded to rub them together very quickly and making a rapid rubbing sound. The master asked Pepe, “do you know what that sound is?” Pepe responded, “No”. The master said to Pepe, “That is the sound of speed!”

[@alexxchavezee]

Dude I saw your original video and I've been increasing my speed on the 5 stroke tremolo and and the picado. Thanks for all your new uploads!

[@guitarock4545]

Please tell me picado will play finger tips or nail?

[@ullapulla1315]

​@@guitarock4545late answer, but nails are always better since they have a stable surface instead of your tips that bend when they hit the strings, because your skin is soft.

[@Tracks777]

I look forward to more videos

[@MasterBharatBhushanSaikia]

Learning ffrom you Favorite Guru is so great. Thanks for these videos sir. we'll be forever grateful to you.

[@saeedasl8025]

That slip 2:00 made me like and subscribe. Thank you, sir.

[@mattd03411]

I've been waiting for you to do these how to vids from the first time I seen you play.

[@davelogeman]

I like the picado technique variant. Thanks!

[@uwontrememberthis]

Pure gold of a lesson!

[@henrynguyen5105]

Greatest master in Spanish classical guitar Love you

[@ZarekSilberschmidt]

Helpful, thanks Ben!

[@timstok3280]

Your vids are painless and right to the point. Flamenco is an incredible style!

[@GOWTHAMAN466]

Thank you so much 😍love from India🇮🇳

[@Chris-CBP]

Thanks for videos, incredible to get these techniques on KZbin! Your playing is awesome to watch.

[@Filosofem25]

Thank you for the splendid motivation !

[@MikeCindyWhite]

Excellent! Thank you much man!! Love your playing!!!!

[@hiltonmoura9314]

Se é louco! 😱 Ele é muito bom no violão! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏽

[@davidking8585]

I like how he says " it seems to make a little more sense for my body!" .... personally I think there are so many different techniques and styles now and going back in time that the idea of "one proper way" is limited! When I look at old clips of Sabicas compared to modern Flamenco guitar, I see him doing things sometimes differently but also I see sometimes the modern trend is too locked into (perhaps) stemming from what Paco de Lucia did (which was of course based on what older generations and players did)! I kind of see a similar thing within blues guitar ... so many people wanting to sound like a particular (or a few ) well known blues guitarists that they don't want to find their own voice. I think in the old days in both of these cases, sometimes there were players who discovered their own way and later , those ways became "the standard" (because they were popular and well liked!). But there should be and needs to always be room for players to have their own way and their own voice!

[@davidking8585]

To add onto that comment, although not Flamenco, I think of the great Django Reinhardt within the "gypsy jazz" realm of playing. He had his fret hand damaged from a fire and so his whole playing method was altered and "limited" to use a limited amount of fretting fingers but this opened up his whole unique style! It helped make his style what it was!

[@gb2115]

Another video I saw stresses the importance of never doing the finger slip and always alternating even when changing strings. Your way seems easier :P

[@moayyadalmasri9654]

thank you so much

[@gewgleformyphone]

Great series, thanks!

[@mohamadjavadchabok4019]

Thanks man, i have got a couple of questions for a long time and found answer in this video

[@Laguna69]

Thanks :3 Love you!

[@Jimbeast]

I've never played with a pick cuz I always used that lil' finger trick from the end!

[@stnwrd]

Just like Bass guitar exercises in a way. :)

[@VinayKumar-dj4kv]

sir Ben i m ur big fan ............u r one of the best guitar player ............love from india .....................

[@yohaielimelech2008]

thank you so much for this videos !!!

[@dudeinmood2082]

I thought i have seen u with some other channel bt now its good that u have started ur own, looking forward to ur channel

[@joegallardoelizondo5574]

Can't wait for my.. 6 string... Hope it's the Ben woods signature guitar. I get

[@stephengoh5456]

Awesome! Love it. Thank you.

[@wenhui900]

RIP Ben

[@SomashreeSaha]

Thank you

[@BenjaminWoods]

You're welcome

[@kararmadi9932]

I searched a lot. You are the best. Can you make a video tutorial? I love the mohicans🤩🤩

[@joyroj5956]

U are an amazing player

[@hamad1979]

Mr Ben .. I don't how to thank you .. I have been practicing Picado for few months with that slip thing you talked about and I was going like Oh that might be the wrong way am doing ,, but after this video I know am practicing the right way ,, thanks again for your new useful videos :)

[@BenjaminWoods]

Cool, but practice both ways please. It's good to be able to alternate completely, OR use the slip finger. I personally only use the slip finger techniue when doing explosive bursts of speed. All moderate to slow speed picados I do alternate. Good luck my friend!

[@markbrady7532]

This wonderful, thank you!

[@nick-rg2xu]

brother ben have a greatfinger...very excellant guitarist

[@issamolina]

Great video, thanks!

[@marshallderriek1858]

Great lesson

[@CarlosOdria]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@chaosawaits]

When playing staccato, I should be placing the other finger immediately on the played string in order to stop the resonance and get that abrupt sound?

[@mikobarnabas6758]

Exactly!

[@byronbaytarot6564]

Ben Woods is my guitar hero

[@Alacard0malley]

Great opportunity to practice your major scale at the same time: E 2 4 A 1 2 4 D 1 3 4 G 1 3 4 B 2 4 e 1 2 4 You can play it anywhere on the fret board

[@romeokiseke]

Perfect

[@leevn4055]

Seriously u r fng guitar God...

[@ryanchilcote]

Glad to see you mentioned the slip technique, that was always a question of mine when it came to doing fast runs with classical; however it was not fully addressed. Do you find the slip technique is slower or faster than strict alternating when doing picado? Thanks Ben, really appreciate the insight!

[@totochannel5999]

Good job bro 👍🏼

[@jgrossma]

Hey Ben, while its not quite the same as what you do, *lute* players traditionally use alternating index and thumb strokes for single note runs. So when you get funny looks from the flamenco/classical players for your pickless alternating picking technique, at least you've got a couple hundred years of tradition on your side!

[@MysterioFan02]

the same can be said for the other guys, because that is not picado :)

[@BenjaminWoods]

Thanks man. Very interesting facts about the lute technique! Funny thing is, no one looks at me funny though doing alternail. I can only guess because they know I paid my dues and can accompany cante y baile with strong compas. For me being Flamenco is being unique and true to one's self. Trying to sound exactly like everyone else doesn't interest me anymore.

[@jgrossma]

Ben, try doing "alternail" (btw, I love that term) in front of a room full of classical guitarists and I bet you'd get more than a few weird looks. Not as in "you're doing it wrong" looks, but more like "WTF did I just see?" looks. When those guys/girls want to "shred" they'll just use i-m free strokes. Lute is a whole other thing, but just as background, lute was historically played on gut strings (nylon didn't exist until the 20th century!) , and nails weren't used. I totally agree with you that at the end of the day, its WHAT you play that counts, not so much HOW you play it. If you've got the goods, nobody cares if you're leading your rasgeo with the "i" finger, or if you are using "c", or which fingers you're using to pick, or which ones you use for tremolos, etc. There are a LOT of ways to skin these cats. And yes, doing your own thing is much more interesting (for everyone) than copying others. Anyway, love the videos, please keep em coming!

[@harmanvi]

Ben I am a 43 just started learning guitar from your videos I know nothing I have a small guitar of my daughter, ok my question is Do I have to go for a big normal guitar or I can learn on it to and and I am trying to play a minor I will do it in a day or 2

[@CartoonWorld-hq1ve]

Hi, i am big fan of you sir

[@lukoilpapa]

Спасибо из России. Супер.

[@DestructX]

But why does everyone says you need to alternate not slide, even if you go down the string?

[@roseliasteward7146]

Hi, yes, I usually hear everybody say you have to alternate because it gives you an advantage in terms of speed. Have you come across an answer to your question? I really need to know. I started to practice small scales and latin american boleros, and I had to change my technique to absolutely alternating every single time. This has made my playing slower. I need to know if it is OK to slide and better in the long run.

[@BenjaminWoods]

Not everyone does. There is no hard and fast rule, although many try and proclaim theirs is the only way. We are all unique and our music should be too, much of that comes from our own sound. Do what works best for you. In the end, it's what you say, not how you say it.

[@BenjaminWoods]

@@roseliasteward7146 I say do it the way that comes the most easily and feels the most natural. That wil be something that can develop great speed overtime. Struggling to do something that feels unnatural and uncomfortable I would not recommend.

[@roseliasteward7146]

@@BenjaminWoods Thank you so much! I will continue to practice my alternating, but I feel more relax to know that it is ok to not alternate sometimes.

[@cbsmusic2745]

i always alternate. i can not slide because i alternate in every situation for 3-4 years.

[@ewenbenbachir2469]

This guy is so cool

[@sajza1728]

Thanks for the video! Do you also do online classes?

[@starrocksgaming]

U are superb pro

[@josecarlosdejesus7760]

Tanks for explanations

[@damozhutagalung1418]

I tried doing it less emotion and minimum finger movements as i can. I've been practising picado over months but can't just get the speed I want. Unlike tremolo I can do it very fast, clear and smooth, not only piami tremolo I have even mastered to do it with my pinky/chico so it's pcami and even faster than regular piami. Maybe there's more tips you can advise me to improve my picado Mr Wood..thank you!

[@BenjaminWoods]

Speed bursts. Do quick sets as fast as you possibly can. Worked for me. Good luck

[@chaosawaits]

So when descending back towards the 1st string, when do you recommend bringing the thumb back to resting on the 6th string?

[@BenjaminWoods]

I guess by the time I'm playing on the D string, I have my thumb anchored on the low E. But it depends on the situation. I suggest you do what feels comfortable and comes naturally.

[@chaosawaits]

@@BenjaminWoods okay, I'll give it a go. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@4GotSumthing]

Ben - Thanks for being real and not locked into the merry-go-round of Musical Bullshit. - -- --- -- Like the style too!

[@DavidSchmittSpanishGuitar]

nice lesson Ben. I'm practicing your Entre Dos Aguas arrangement at the moment 👍

[@darkcomet1607]

So did you learn it?

[@robinterkzer8128]

Wondrous ! xxxxxxx

[@dyingeasy]

Great videos Ben thank you. Very insightful and useful.

[@FelipeCoelhoGuitar]

hey friends! Here's another great video reference on this subject kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmG3hZyPidSYprs

[@docenji]

Thanks, you are a great teacher. About your right hand, do you put down your ring finger on a string sometimes when you only play with your index and middle fingers ? It is a good practice ?

[@BenjaminWoods]

Personally I only use Index and middle for picado, but I've seen players use their ring finger too and achieve amazing results!

[@ChrisFosterSongs]

do you ever alternate your thumb with your first or second finger to do piscado? If no, why isn't it recommended? I like your pinching of your thumb and first finger. I'm going to try that.

[@rt87817]

Awosome skills

[@gabrielbennett1803]

nice

[@diptachatterjee8717]

Hey ben..I am watching your tutorials..if you suggest beginners songs it would be extremely helpful

[@hindisikhnewaalaa]

Dear Teacher Woods: Please tell me whether the 'Slip-Finger' technique ( 1:37 ) is orthodox. I have heard other teachers and players rail against it, claiming that fluid lightning speed Picado can only be achieved through strict alternate rest-stroke picking. I hope this is not so, because 'Slip-Finger' Is a habit I have formed without thinking, and how could I ever make it back now to strict alternate picking? Body memory can be unforgiving. Is 'Slip-Finger' accepted in established Flamenca technique?

[@BenjaminWoods]

Some Flamenco people (myself included) say that slip finger is natural and accepted. Some people do not. Paco did slip finger and so do many others, and that's good enough for me. There will always be people who say that is not correct. For me what is most important is getting the music across any way possible. I believe in this so much that I have almost completely switched all my picados to the alternail technique because it is more comfortable for me. And I really dont care what anyone else says. Good luck!

[@manuelsoto94]

Ben Woods gracias Ben eres un grande !

[@zeekv8925]

2:30 suddenly I give up

[@ShubhamChavan94]

0:13 0:13 0:37 0:37 1:03 1:03 2:31 2:31

[@rubenkoster1015]

Hé ben, i am learning to play flamenco, and also picado. But should i learn rest strokes or free strokes? I found it easier to play free strokes, but rest strokes sounds better. What is your opinion?

[@thomasfunk6198]

Hei Ben , how are you ? This is urgent! - I ´ve seen you using the "alternative picado technique" in some of your videos . Now I played electric guitar several years before and I´m much faster with this technique on flamenco guitar. The question is have you changed flamenco picado systems (like pacos) or do you play the same lines with this pic technique if you wanna have it ultra fast!?

[@BenjaminWoods]

Hmm, I can play the same lines either way, it depends on how I'm feeling in the moment. Alternail is certainly less frustrating, but it does sound a bit different. And there's nothing better than pulling off an amazing traditional picado speed burst in perfect compas!

[@Neel_Doshi]

He missed the step one, Grow your nails..

[@davidking8585]

step 2 ... find a way to protect your nails! Unless you want to put your hand inside an armoured glove, it's so hard to get though a day without cracking one! Personally I use Krazy glue and pin pong ball plastic - they are perfectly curved! :D

[@swaroov9236]

@@davidking8585 i never play with nails,i feel uncomfortable with my nails except the pulgar

[@nucleardancemoves255]

Sorry but ima have to do without the big finger nails🤢

[@bigtimbo4236]

I commented on a Flamenco Players video once regarding his thick nails. He told me that for the longest time, some people have cut open Ping-pong Balls, cut them into the shape of fingernails, superglued them to their natural nails, then filed them to the right shape. He said that's why some players nails are so thick & last a long time.

[@WhiteMetal_]

What ???😂 U can't play picado with long nails Try it

[@Brandon75689]

Two important questions. When you are descending in pitch is laying your fingers on the next string like a mute important for picado and also, is the guitar you're using + string tension important too. I was going to practice with this old classic guitar i have, but the action is warped and the stringers are fairly high from the board and loose feeling. Prob not how a true flamenco guitar feels.

[@daveb2182]

Hi I'm looking at buying a flamenco guitar . Been playing metal for years . Do you recommend and between £400 -£600 ?

[@surrurgabbara1378]

Dave B ortega guitars are perfect and even cheaper than your budget

[@wdfusroy8463]

So do you also sometimes use an up, up, down. down. up, up, down, down etc. picado picking technique to get more speed? I've worked with that technique a bit. It is hard to get it up to high speed at first without getting stuck on a string somewhere, but when it works it sounds great since it is easier and faster than attempting to play the notes with the traditional alternating stroke picado technique.

[@BenjaminWoods]

I'm afraid I'm not quite sure what you mean, but also concludes that I do not do that technique. If you watch any of my videos you can see the techniques I use, and they are pretty much all here in this playlist I created. I'm glad you found something that works for you. I dont think there's any one right or wrong way,. If it delivers the music for the player, then it must be working. Good luck my friend.

[@Mukulukku]

Hey, thank you for the great tutorials, I have a question about the technique here. Would you consider it wrong not to let your fingers rest on the next lowest string but to simply to pick the string with your fingers only touching that single string?

[@gaklucuhd8096]

For playing Flamenco have we use finger nail?

[@saptarshibhattacharya2505]

Yes

[@rashmiashthana6512]

If I use the alternative of Picado, which I do. Is there anything wrong with it? Because when I lost all my plectrums that's how I did it, and now when I want to learn flamenco, here I am.

[@BenjaminWoods]

Well I will tell you this; Since I started using Alternail technique instead of picado, I have took a lot of shit from Flamenco purists, thinking that I dont know what I'm doing. But I will also tell you that since I started using Alternail, it's changed my playing and my life! I no longer hit a speed wall, and can go as fast as I want. I can compete with electric guitarists and their speed and soloing patterns. My creativity has exploded and I find it to be much more ergonomic than picado which for me is unpredictable and uncomfortable.

[@kevfs]

Is it necessary to have long nails ?

[@TheSpanishGuitarHub]

Ole!!!

[@germanhuter4005]

I love you Ben

[@juanloko1013]

con cuan dedo empiezas amigo , el indice o el medio, parece ser el medio pero no estoy seguro, with wich finger you start?

[@BenjaminWoods]

medio

[@DeltaLou]

Ben, is it possible to play Flamenco without growing your nails out. I bite my nails, and it'd be impossible to let em grow. Any advice on this?

[@BenjaminWoods]

Impossible to let them grow? You could do it. Imagine trying to bite your nails without teeth, now THAT would be impossible. Look you dont need to have long nails, just enough to 'kiss' the strings. Good luck my friend

[@riodelucia11]

Is ok to slide or I have to alternate all the time?

[@kisanmagar5900]

Is there economy picking on picado?

[@junevladimirocariza2334]

He sounds like a Hitman Instructor

[@Z32spdstr]

Hey Ben question I've noticed every rumba guys I mean the rumberos from Spain never seen them with single cut guitars even the Gypsy Kings yet they made their Cordoba series guitars single cut away what's up with that?

[@BenjaminWoods]

The cutaway is a modern invention to allow easier access to the higher frets. Those that want to stay traditional will not use a cutaway. Those who want to access, will. I prefer to use every ergonomic advantage I can.

[@santanudutta262]

please sir make a lesson video on entre dos aguas....

[@BenjaminWoods]

You can get the tabs/notation and watch the video in slow mo, and practice these techniques to learn. The 'lesson video" is probably not going to happen

[@okletsgo9135]

Hi Ben, just started watching your videos as I'm trying to add some flamenco into my guitar playing. Could you please share with me the make and model of your guitar, or direct me to a website that sells decent flamenco guitars? Thank you!

[@BenjaminWoods]

I believe this one is my firt Ben Woods signature Guitar model called BWSM by Ortega Guitars. It was a limited run so it may be hard to find them, but I have 3 other signature models by Ortegaguitars.com out there which are just as nice. Good luck my friend!