alzapúa

The technique of alzapúa consists of using the thumb like a pick or plectrum. Used in alternating up down strokes, the thumb plays a single melody between chords. If you know what alzapúa is, great. If not, have a listen and watch these samples:

Audio demo [0:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The movement most often used to achieve an effective alzapúa is a circular motion from the right elbow. The hand is either supported on the soundboard, or is totally unsupported (other than by the action of planting on the strings to be played). When the hand is unsupported, the little finger is sometime outstretched and works as a counter balance.

[video width="400" height="300"]http://miguelbengoa.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/alzapua-demo.asf[/video]

One common problem with people who are learning this technique is not giving the thumb upstroke its proper value. Allow every stroke and every note its full value and keep everything even and everything clear. The impression of speed does not come from velocity, but from a pulsating evenness.

Comments on the exercises

pdf file Introduction to alzapúa. Exercises a, b & c.

Exercise A: bringing the thumb back.

This first exercise focuses on thumb control in both up and down directions and while it is not a specific exercise for alzapúa, it is an excellent exercise for thumb control.
When I play this exercise in the downwards direction, I find that if I move my thumb in a slightly circular motion, I get better results than trying to move in straight lines in order to shorten the journey to the string attack position.
Concentrate on planting and bringing your thumb back ready to play in the next note.

Exercise B: thumb trémolo.

The second exercise is inspired by Gerardo Nuñez who suggests that we practise alzapúa one only one string, just exactly like a plectrum. This is something that I have found very useful with many possible applications while playing.
Practice scales and chords like this to give yourself variations.
Keep every stroke, both up and down even and clear.

Exercise C: up only.

The final exercise omits the downstroke, leaving you to concentrate on the upstroke only. This will help you get a balance between upstrokes and downstrokes when you are playing full alzapúa. Make sure that the upstroke is clear and even. As you play faster and faster, with more confidence, you will find that the thumb down stroke will automatically fill in. Resist this tendency though, whilst you are practising this particular exercise.

Por Bulería

pdf file Double alzapúa exercise – bulería.

Once you have mastered the basic technique and it is to some degree automatic, start with this exercise. Take it very very slowly at first and concentrate on getting a clean and even sound.