Flamenco guitar is a rich and expressive art form, deeply rooted in Spanish culture. Central to mastering this style are the foundational chord positions known as "Por Arriba" and "Por Medio." Understanding these positions is essential for any aspiring flamenco guitarist.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn how to play flamenco guitar from a master musician like Noa Drezner? Try some free online flamenco guitar lessons now!

Por Arriba: The E Phrygian Position

"Por Arriba" translates to "up" or "above" and refers to playing in the E Phrygian mode. This position centers around the E major chord, utilizing open strings to produce a resonant and bright sound characteristic of flamenco.

Primary Chords in Por Arriba:

E Major (I): The tonic chord, serves as the tonal foundation.

F Major (II): Creates tension, leading back to the tonic.

G Major (III): Adds a distinctive flavor, often used in progressions.

A Minor (iv): Provides a melancholic contrast within the progression.

These chords often follow the Andalusian cadence: Am – G – F – E, a descending sequence that imparts a quintessential flamenco feel.

Hand Positions:

In the Por Arriba position, the left hand remains primarily in the first few frets, allowing for fluid transitions between chords. The open strings play a significant role, contributing to the style's distinctive resonance.

Por Medio: The A Phrygian Position

"Por Medio," meaning "in the middle," corresponds to the A Phrygian mode. This position is centered around the A major chord and offers a deeper, more intense tonal quality.

Primary Chords in Por Medio:

A Major (I): The central chord, establishes the tonal base.

Bb Major (II): Introduces tension, resolving back to A major.

C Major (III): Adds harmonic richness to progressions.

D Minor (iv): Offers a somber contrast, enhancing emotional depth.

Similar to Por Arriba, the Andalusian cadence in Por Medio follows the sequence: Dm – C – B♭ – A.

Hand Positions:

The left hand in Por Medio operates around the fifth fret, with chord shapes that differ from those in Por Arriba. This positioning yields a unique tonal color, integral to various flamenco forms.

Aesthetic Impact on Chord and Hand Positions

The choice between Por Arriba and Por Medio significantly influences the music's mood and expression. Por Arriba's bright and open sounds are well-suited for forms like Soleá and Alegrias, while Por Medio's darker tones complement styles such as Bulerías and Tientos. The distinct hand positions and chord voicings in each mode allow guitarists to convey a wide emotional spectrum, essential for authentic flamenco performance.

Learn with Noa Drezner

For those eager to delve deeper into flamenco guitar, internationally renowned virtuoso Noa Drezner offers comprehensive online flamenco guitar lessons through ArtistWorks. Her course caters to all skill levels, providing personalized guidance to help you master techniques and expand your repertoire.

To get a taste of her teaching style, check out this recent lesson on primary chords and positions:

Embarking on this journey with Noa Drezner's online flamenco guitar lessons will enrich your understanding and appreciation of flamenco guitar, enabling you to express its profound emotions through your playing.

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