18.

Alzapua as a Strumming Technique

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18.1. Alzapua
Alzapua is a type of triplet that is played with the thumb and occurs almost exclusively in
flamenco guitar. The Spanish world “pua” means plectrum and “alzar” means to lift or to raise.
Although flamenco guitarists use this technique only in their solos or falsetas, it can also be used
for rhythmic accompaniment in non-flamenco settings.

The sequence is as follows: pulgar on one string down (p), all (or few) strings down (p), all (or
few) strings up (p). On the second and third movements the wrist is quickly turned (rotated).

↑p (one)↑p↓p or ↓p↑p (one)↑p or ↑p↓p↑p (one)

Traditional notation looks like this:

A golpe can be used during the second movement on the first variation (the second thumb
downstroke) to add an accent. The sequence looks like this:

↑p (one)Xg(p)↓p
Traditional notation looks like this:

Tips:
• The sequence begins with the hand in an open fist (in the first variation), and with the
thumb positioned on the string where the sequence starts and all of the other fingers
positioned below or just touching the strings. After the sequence, the hand will go back
to the original position, so that the movement can be repeated.
• The key to developing speed with this technique is a rapid turn of the wrist on the second
and third movements. Otherwise, there is no power in the technique.
• Since accents are the essence of the technique, practice 20 times with a metronome, each
time accentuating one of the three separate movements of the sequence.
 18.2. Exercises

Exercise 18.2.1. Alzapua Chord Exercise

The following exercise is great to learn changing the chords while playing alzapua strumming
technique.
Exercise 18.2.2. Alzapua Bass Change
The next exercise is useful to add changing bass notes while the same chord is played.
Exercise 18.2.3. “St. Jacob”
This is an excellent exercise for practicing the alzapua strumming technique. The time signature
changes near the end of the song from 4/4 to 5/4 (i.e. five beats per bar). The square indicates
that a golpe is to be played.