CALYPSO FLAM STRUM
The calypso-flam sounds great when mastered. It is a twist on the calypso strum, where you replace beat 2 with a flam strum for effect.
This technique that starts with the familiar index finger down strum on beat one. The twist comes on beat two, where you'll add a touch of flamenco flair: a quick, percussive strum created by dragging your thumb through the strings, hence the small 'T' above the squiggly line, which represents the flamenco beat. This flamenco-style movement is used only on beat two for this pattern, after which you'll return to your regular index finger strumming for the rest of the bar.
🎥 Exercise: Watch the video below for a clear demo of how to play this technique smoothly and effectively.
This technique that starts with the familiar index finger down strum on beat one. The twist comes on beat two, where you'll add a touch of flamenco flair: a quick, percussive strum created by dragging your thumb through the strings, hence the small 'T' above the squiggly line, which represents the flamenco beat. This flamenco-style movement is used only on beat two for this pattern, after which you'll return to your regular index finger strumming for the rest of the bar.
🎥 Exercise: Watch the video below for a clear demo of how to play this technique smoothly and effectively.
Calypso-Flam - EXTENDED
This is an EXTENDED version of the Calypso-Flam strum. You'll add an extra downbeat on beat 3 to create a fuller, drum fill-style groove. Play the chords slightly louder with this pattern to bring out the dynamics and really make it pop.
Mastering this move will get you halfway to nailing the full flamenco strum — you're well on your way!
Mastering this move will get you halfway to nailing the full flamenco strum — you're well on your way!