The Book of Rumba Strums for Spanish, Classical and Flamenco Guitar

Welcome to the exciting world of rumba strums and some of the most fun you can have with the guitar!

In these pages, authoritative flamenco guitarist, founder of New York Guitar Academy, Quarantined Quartet and Jay & Lee Rumba Flamenca Group, Elysa Hochman demonstrates 25 rumba strumming patterns plus two combinations, giving each a name so that they might be accurately discussed and combined to form other hybrid patterns.

Having originated among African slaves in Cuba, the term rumba can represent several unrelated musical styles; by the early 20th century, however, an up-tempo version had caught-on with flamenco musicians in Spain and the cultural cross-fertilization process was complete. Like the rasgueado techniques common to flamenco, rumba strumming has remained largely a mystery to non-flamenco guitarists— until now!

Using standard notation, tablature and online audio and video recordings, Hochman clearly defines each rumba strumming pattern and illustrates them in typical chord progressions and voicings used in Spanish, classical, and flamenco guitar. This book is essential for any guitarist interested in becoming proficient in rhythm guitar and/or the nuevo flamenco genre of music. The book culminates with a useful “Index of Rumba Strums” enabling you to build your own rumba strumming patterns and bring your audience to their feet!

Rumba Strum 1 Bajo  

Rumba Strum 2 Pellizco  

Rumba Strum 3 Presto  

Rumba Strum 4 Prestissimo  

Rumba Strum 5 Vivace  

Rumba Strum 6 Traditional  

Rumba Strum 7 Classic  

Rumba Strum 8 Brisk  

Rumba Strum 9 Traditional Triplet  

Rumba Strum 10 Allegro  

Rumba Strum 11 Ladino  

Rumba Strum 12 Traditional Rasgueo  

Rumba Strum 13 Classic Legato  

Rumba Strum 14 Aire  

Rumba Strum 15 Modern Triplet  

Rumba Strum 16 Boom  

Rumba Strum 17 Modern Continuous Triplet  

Rumba Strum 18 Modern  

Rumba Strum 19 Mezclada  

Rumba Strum 20 Tambor  

Rumba Strum 21 Golpe  

Rumba Strum 22 Alegrissimo  

Rumba Strum 23 Arabe  

Rumba Strum 24 Baile  

Rumba Strum 25 Arpeggio Punch  

Rumba Strum Combination 1 Un Dos Tres  

Rumba Strum Combination 2 Classic Rumba  

Index of Rumba Strums