Adding a Rasgueado to the Basic Spanish Rhythm

Previously, we covered Rhythms 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 which are the basic forms of the Spanish rhythm. We will now add a Rasgueado to make the rhythm sound richer.

A Rasgueado (pronounced Raz-Gya-Do) is a finger strumming technique used in flamenco music. It uses the index, middle, ring and pinky (optional) to play three (or four) separate and sequential downward strokes. After you see the video, practice the Rasgueado alone, by strumming all the strings with one finger at a time.

In this rhythm, we will be replacing the second stroke (which is played with the index finger in the basic form) with a Rasgueado. This means one stroke will be replaced by four faster ones which will give the rhythm a richer and fuller sound. The steps are below: