Hello everybody and welcome to the 3rd & final part of this initiation to the Flamenco Tremolo technique! This time we will expand the techniques presented last month by performing the most challenging tremolo part from my flamenco composition "Angelika", based on the Granadina flamenco form. For those interested, the sheet music for the complete piece, along with five more complete flamenco compositions are available by Mel Bay publications in the "Flamenco Journal" Book/DVD instructional project.

To briefly recapitulate the materials presented during the last couple of months, flamenco guitarists use a variation of the classical tremolo, a 5-note tremolo, performed p-i-a-m-i. They also tend to use rest-strokes for the notes that are played with the thumb. Keep in mind that for most of the tremolo the left hand is at the same time fretting a complete chord shape and using the 1-2 remaining fingers to play the melody-tremolo. So, let's get on with the music! This part contines from exactly the point we left off last month:

As I always advocate, take it slow, one bar at a time. Even if it seems very difficult, do not despair and stick with it for a few days; you'll be amazed with the results!

Well, that's it for now! I would like to thank Stephen Rekas for giving me the opportunity to share my music with you. Until next time, good luck, keep practicing and having fun!

Ioannis Anastassakis holds an MA in Guitar Performance and has taught guitar in several universities and guitar festivals in the US and Europe. He has studied flamenco guitar with Juan Serrano, Manolo Sanlucar, Juan Martín, Serranito, Paco Serrano, and José Antonio Rodriguez. Currently, he teaches at the American College of Greece and is preparing an extensive series of educational materials for Mel Bay Publications. His official website can be found at www.ioannis.org.