La Guitarra Flamenca: A video series of 6 lessons with music tablature and notation (Faber Edition)

I'm in two minds about this book.On the one hand, you get the DVD, and this is the jewel, it's Juan himself giving a short series of guitar tutorials - it's like having him in the room with you as a guitar tutor - 'watch how I play this, ok, now let's play it together, practice it like this, etc etc' Worth it just for the DVD, although it is just 6 lessons, 3 hours total play time.However, the book lets it down, in my opinion. It's certainly thick enough, and has lots of music transcribed in it, but basically what it is is a literal transcription of everything that's played on the DVD.The complete pieces transcribed in the book are his intro pieces or 'showing off' pieces from the DVD and are thus very advanced - certainly beyond all beginners and most intermediates (self included).However the pieces you are practicing together, which are easier to play, aren't transcribed in one whole piece, but are shown as a couple of rasgueo compases on one page, a falseta or two on another, as you practiced them on the DVD. If you wanted to have the whole solo written out you'd have to photocopy and get the scissors out.The text in the book is not great - I'm convinced it's not written by him, and does little to add to the experience, it's more just an explanation of what you're hearing on the DVD.So for the DVD, and for the transcriptions of the advanced pieces for advanced players, it's worth it, but this definitely is not for beginners, and his other books do a much better job there.The book you absolutely should get is his 'El arte flamenco de la guitarra'. Very old, and I think out of print, but if you can find it you simply must get it.

I recently found myself with a beautiful loan guitar on my hands, so I decided to buy a bunch of books and rekindle my old, self-tought, flamenco flame (I've also, in the past, been to Andalusia a lot to experience this breath-taking tradition and even have a go at the dance, cante and palmas). I got G M's Fl. I, II and Gipsy Gtr and Martin's El Arte, 42 Solos and La Guitarra Fl. All have been absolutely invaluable to me and possibly the best purchases you can make starting out (and believe me, I've browsed most of 'em...)

This is the real deal if you want to play flamenco - Excellent book but not for the beginner as some of the pieces are difficult to play !Once again this book demonstrates why Juan's books are the best for learning to play flamenco. Also check out his Book1 and 2. Book 1 (green cover) would be better for beginners!Juan is a top class player - go and see him if you can!

Luv this course I have the video course bought 20 odd years ago was a bit miffed when I saw the quality of the so called CDs they are copies of the original videos not DVD quality the course it's self is excellent a great tutor Juan Martin easy to follow instructions a great buy just the cds are a bit of a let down with the quality but the quantity is excellent

Good

La Guitarra Flamenca is more a lesson than just transcription book. i have a few of Juan martins books dvd cd's. he always explains well and plays great. if you purchase any of his books and work through them you will learn a lot.

Excellent - the best available. Of course you will need some experience in Spanish guitar playing already, but it will take you all the way. It's down to you!

Normally a good player does not want to show his secret but JUen does this. He tries to transfer the most traditional styles of flamenco that I just wanted to learn. You get the best teacher who plays as many times as you want! Besides his teaching method I was very impressed by his kindness throughout the video. He must be a very nice guy.