[Bob Weisenberg]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the notation. But I assume that the five-stroke just adds the little finger at the beginning of the rasgueado, is that right? It's hard for me to answer without hearing your rasgueado, but, in general, I would take the time to learn the traditional five stroke.

As you advance you will find that the really exciting rasgueados involve the thumb, too. In your notation, I think, eamiTT (T down then back up with the nail), and especially Thumb back--middle and ring fingers down--Thumb down (for a very fast triplet effect). And then, of course there is the fact that you're using your ring finger throughout to tap on the golpeador!

You can hear all of these in quick succession in my Bulerias at my MySpace site below. In fact the first two minutes is like a very advanced rasgueado drill. For simpler examples listen to "Homage to Diego"

Obviously, you will take this slowly and one step at a time, and you're used to that if you're a classical guitarist. But my point is, it's probably worth learning to use all five fingers, although it's possible that no one could hear the difference.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Bob

[ncsolea]

Thanks, Bob. This is just the kind of input that I need.

[ncsolea]

Just curious. Has anyone tried Daniel Mari flamenco strings?

[Bob Weisenberg]

Never heard of them.

[ncsolea]

I hadn't either. Came across the brand while browsing the general "classical guitar" category on Ebay. Then found this site:

Daniel Mari Flamenco Guitar Strings for sale!

I have not tried them yet.

[falseta]

Hey Bob,

Just wanted to report back about the D'Addario Pro-Arte EJ45 Normal Tension... Its been a couple of months and they have worked out great! Thanks for the suggestion! I think they make a great alternative to the Savarez I have been using... The D'Addario strings last a lot longer and retain the "new string" sound for much longer as well...

[Bob Weisenberg]

Good. That was my experience, too. Glad it was helpful.

Bob W.

[NFalla]

Another vote for EJ-45's from me...............they are just the most consistent string i've personally found.

Although i prefer the EJ-45"C"'s...........the one with the coffee colored "G" string.............

Daniel Mari strings are OK...............but i think they are more of a gimmick..........just my opinion though.....

by the way.......a big "Hello" to Bob a fellow WI flamenco guy!.....

[Black Sheep]

I've been using 'Luthier' Popular Supreme, medium tension strings. Why? Because they have a picture of Tomatito on the pack and I can stick that in my music folio...

I thought while I'm developing a technique I would stick to one brand and let myself get to a stage where i could recognise the sound difference more clearly... then start the confusing process of experimentation...

My guitar teacher recommended them so that will do me for a while...

[federico]

I'm surprised at the recommenations of guitar strings. I have tried all of them and for me I would rate Saverez Alliance as the best sounding and loudest of all the strings. I use mostly normal tension, but that depends on the guitar I am playing. Two 1972 Ramirez's and one 2008 Valdez.
I would have rated Luthier and Aranjuez as second and third followed by La Bella. However over the years the quality has gone down.