The touch

The posture and technique of flamenco guitarists, called tocaores , differ from those used by classical guitarists . While the classical guitarist rests the guitar on his left leg at an angle, the flamenco guitarist usually crosses his legs and rests it on the higher one, placing the neck in a position almost horizontal with respect to the ground. Modern tocaores usually use classical guitars, although there is a specific instrument for this genre called the flamenco guitar . It is less heavy, and its body is narrower than that of the classical guitar, so its sound is lower and does not overshadow the singer's. It is usually made of cypress wood, with a cedar neck and a spruce top. The cypress gives it a bright sound very appropriate for the characteristics of flamenco.

The accompaniment and solo playing of flamenco guitarists is based on both the modal and tonal harmonic systems, although a combination of both is most common:

• Airy touch : lively, rhythmic and bright, almost metallic sound.

• Gypsy or flamenco touch : deep and with a pinch, preferably using drones and counter-strokes.

• Pastoral touch : slow and calm.

• Sober touch : without superfluous ornaments or displays.

• Virtuoso touch : with exceptional mastery of technique, he runs the risk of falling into excessive sensationalism.

• Short touch : poor in technical and expressive resources.

• Cold touch : lacking depth and pinch.