FLAMENCO GUITAR ~ ITS HISTORY & HEROS

The multi-dimensional and passionate art form, known as Flamenco, initially evolved within the Gypsy culture of Southern Asia, about six centuries ago. As the gypsies migrated from the Indian subcontinent into the Middle East and Eastern Europe, before eventually settling on the Spanish peninsula, they brought their unique customs and nomadic lifestyle, as well as their dances and their music.

Like the Blues, Flamenco was originally a vocal art form. Dancers, percussionists and guitarists were almost always relegated to a supporting role. That began to change in 1900, when an ambitious and innovative guitarist, Ramon Montoya, raised the importance of the guitar (and the player) by integrating new playing techniques (e.g. arpeggios, four-finger tremolo, and fast single-note runs) into traditional Flamenco styles like Bulerías, Fandango and Alegrías.

The changes, which were initiated by Montoya, inspired a new generation of virtuoso guitarists, who went on to enhance the guitar's potential as a featured instrument. One "guitarrista" in particular, Paco de Lucia, who rose to international prominence in the '70s and '80s, had a revolutionary influence on the genre — both as a performer and a composer. Today, this exciting and dynamic style of music thrives on the prodigious talents of guitarists like Tomatito, Vicente Amigo and Gerardo Núñez.

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