Triplet
rasgueado! “Which one?”
Ahh, the triplet rasgueado. Loads of variations of this
fabulous technique exist, the most popular two being:
- Up with
the thumb, down with both the middle & ring fingers, & down with
the thumb to finish. Notated in most cases with (P am p)
- Up with
the thumb, down with the pinky, & down with the index to finish.
Mostly notated as (P c i)
So which one is the correct one to use? Both!
The truth is, both have their place. The older
more “Traditional” way is the first method. This gives a slightly more
“Powerful” attack, great for use when accompanying dancers. Well-known
exponents of this method are Juan Martin, Diego del
Gastor, Oscar Herraro, Serranito & Moraito. The latter three switched to or
incorporated the more modern 2nd method in later years.
The newer method of thumb, pinky, index
(P c I) tends to produce a little more of a refined, crisper sound for solo
playing or Canté accompanying. I like both, however, I’m tending to use the
newer method for it’s crisper sound. Tomatito, Pepe
Habichuela, Paco peña,
Paco de Lucia & the mind blowing Danny de Stockport!! Er!!!
Are some exponents of the 2nd method.
Mind
you, watching Juan Martin’s right hand as he plays the (P am p) method is a joy
to behold. His right hand technique is so relaxed & natural. Also, for the
newer method, check out Tomatito in the video “Rito y grafia
Practicing
the triplet rasgueado!
Practice the following slowly, i.e. go
through the exercise
Slowly but execute each movement
quickly. I find the best way to achieve that crisp sound with this rasgueado,
is to ensure that each finger & thumb stroke clears all 6 strings as
quickly as possible. Just use the E major chord so you can concentrate on the
actual right hand technique only. Just do the top exercise (Numbered #5), for
two to three weeks 10 to 15 times a day. You’ll notice a bit of tension in the
right hand when you first start doing this. That’s to be expected. When you get
the “Tension” stop the exercise & move on to something else. Return to the
triplet rasgueado exercises when the hand feels a little more relaxed (Usually
about 3 – 5 minutes). As the days pass, & strength builds up in the little
& index fingers, you’ll notice the hand tension reducing until the
technique is nice and relaxed. After two to three weeks on the first exercise,
move onto the second exercise instead. Again, for two to
three weeks. When this finally starts to feel O.K. it’s a good idea to
alternate daily between the two exercises & find
some nice pieces to play incorporating triplet rasgueados. You’ll soon have
Tomatito phoning you up begging for lessons!! Remember, STICK WITH IT!! It
takes time & perseverance to succeed at anything ESPECIALLY the guitar. Is
it worth it? You bet! Have fun!