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| Dan outlines basic castanet performance techniques, including: grip, articulation, rolls and more. The corresponding photos, and video demonstration of select techniques, provide another level of tutorial with close up, over-the-shoulder and wide angle shots.
For a more "print friendly" version of the outline, click the link below. |
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| Intro & Terminology... | ||||||
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Play the castanets individually and determine which castanets are low pitched (macho, male) and which are high pitched (hembra, female). |
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NOTE: Traditionally, most accents and strong beats are played with the macho castanet. I suggest you place the macho pair in your strong hand, or the hand that leads most often. You can play the castanets with the knob facing up or down. With the knob up, you can play rhythms in the air or on your knee. With the knob facing down and the tension carefully adjusted, you can play mixtures of redoble rolls (see below) and rhythms. |
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Terminology: |
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| SELECTION: Castanets are typically made of Rosewood, Grenadilllo or Cocobolo. Small castanets have a brighter sound than large models, with increased projection. Large castanets have a bigger sound than small models, with increased depth of tone. | ||||||
| Grip & Technique... | ||||
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Hold the castanets at chest level, horizontal (parallel with the ground). Flick the wrists sharply for each note. For maximum volume, hold a pair of castanets in each hand. PLAYING ON THE KNEE: Place the tips of your index fingers on the top of the castanets while playing. Having your fingertips approximately one inch up from the base of the castanets will increase control and make executing rhythms easier and clearer. |
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| Playing a "Redoble" Roll... | ||||
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A âRedobleâ is a long, clattering castanet roll found in flamenco music. This effect is possible by loosening the tension [slightly] on the Black Swamp Percussion castanets and turning the castanets upside down so that the black knob is facing toward your knee. Play rapid single strokes against your knee. Practice each hand individually then combine into a rapid, single stroke roll to produce a dense "redoble" roll. |
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| Micro-Adjust Tone Control... | ||||
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The Micro-Adjust tone control allows B.S.P. castanets to sound beautiful at any dynamic level. Simply turn the adjustment knob to fine tune action and response for louder or softer dynamics. For more tension, turn the knob clockwise. For less tension, turn the knob counterclockwise. |
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