Flamenco Improvisation 1

Modal Improvisation and Melodic Construction in the Flamenco Environment

The definitive, comprehensive explanation of both the harmonic and melodic aspects of flamenco! Flamenco Improvisation - Modal Improvisation and Melodic Construction in the Flamenco Environment by famed guitarist Enrique Vargas. Before delving into the more complex, polytonal, tetrachordal modal structures of flamenco, Volume 1 explores the melodic and harmonic aspects of the seven basic Greek modes (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian), even if they are not bona fide flamenco modalities. In addition, the general rules of left-hand guitar fingerings are established here, to avoid possible confusion when interpreting the wealth of material offered in the second and third volumes. In this first volume, the concept of symmetrical permutations is analysed and explained and three types of symmetrical permutations, with their corresponding guitar fingerings, are presented for the basic modes. These permutations are perfectly valid for musical instruments other than the guitar — one can play them and just ignore the guitar fingering symbols. Every harmonic aspect of the seven basic modes are explained — triads, seventh, ninth and add chords, etc. One appendix gives a compendium of 72 licks, or melodic examples/ideas for improvisation, written in each of the basic modes.