About Strumming Techniques. The lessons comprise not only traditional playing techniques, but also strumming ones, including the «flamenco» technique…
I was once at a guitar concert and overheard two intelligent-looking men speaking about the use of the strumming technique. And what I overheard did not please me. They said it was a technique that only suited the youngsters playing in parks… Of course, I disagreed and had an urge to thrust myself into the conversation. But when I saw in their eyes unshakable confidence in their words, I put this urge aside. Why should I explain something to people whom it seems impossible to prove wrong?
And it occurred to me that there are probably a lot of guitarists who are of the same opinion. So, I decided to say a few words on this technique here. My dear friends, the strumming technique is an extremely powerful means of achieving artistic expression (quintessential is the «flamenco» technique that involves everything referring to the term «strumming»). Rejecting this technique will significantly lessen the capacity of your guitar. Just try to play some songs of Spanish, Portuguese, or Latin American authors who have proven themselves as «classic». Or at least listen to these masterpieces if you are incapable of playing them. And you will understand that the strumming technique is not just acceptable, but necessary to use.
As an author of guitar arrangements, I also very often express the middle note line using the strumming technique (while melody and bass are played in a classical way). Why? Firstly, to provide the middle note with a clearer thrust, typical to the sound of the rhythm guitar, which usually has an individual part in rock or pop bands. Secondly, because it’s more comfortable to play dotted rhythm – which very often occurs in the line of the middle note – by means of the strumming technique. Thirdly, to achieve the illusion of several guitars playing while the composition is played only by one guitarist. And I can say that I am able to do this. The commentaries are a good proof of this: «Is it true that everything we’ve listened to in the section «Sheet Music + Tabs» of your website is played only by one guitar?» My dear friends, it’s true. The sheet music of these compositions proves this. If you have time, listen to these compositions, too. My archive of audio files is always available for you to use!
I wish you success in learning and in your life, as well!
Andrey Nosov