20 Microestudios (No.1 - 10) - Abel Carlevaro

Wai That was really nice. Great job.  I always think of Bartok when I listen to that piece.  Also search out Carlevaro's master lesson on Youtube where he plays the first five Microestudios.  

Wai That is a tough one but sounding good. 

Wai Very nice. You play this well. The only suggestion, which applies to Microestudio 2 as well, is to focus in on trying to reduce or even eliminate left hand string squeaks.  I know this is hard and we all struggle with it, but Carlevaro puts a lot of emphasis on this. As I am sure you have heard when listening to him, that Carlevaro plays with no squeaks. It has to do with how he uses his arm to lift his fingers off the strings.  I highly recommend getting his book, School of Guitar.  It is a brilliant book on his methodology.  I hope you are enjoying the Microestudios. You are doing great!  When you are ready, I can recommend other Carlevaro pieces. 

Wai Just to add, do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.  You are playing these Microestudios very well.  So, yes, try to continue to perfect them but know that no one can rise to Carlevaro's level.  Also, know that I have been trying to employ Carlevaro's left hand method for many years, and still find those annoying string squeaks appearing.  As I mentioned previously, the key is the arm and how it lifts your fingers off the fret board.  However, easier said than done.  In any case, I am so happy you are enjoying these pieces.  They are truly a wonderful set of studies. Best, Dale

Wai Excellent! I am happy to see you enjoying these studies.  

Wai These microestudios are coming along so nicely.  For this study, it can be played a little freely but be sure to follow the crescendo and decrescendo markings.  In any case, it is sounding very good.  What do you think of these studies?  I think they are good for technical exercises and also help train the ear to hear different tonalities.  In addition, as sets of five or more, they make for some nice little performance pieces.

Wai Nice job! You are really getting the feel for these Mircroestudios.  Congratulations on getting the first five of the set done.  I hope you keep working on them because they are great little set of studies, good for working on technical skills but also a nice performance set.  Also, keep going back to Carlevaro's masterclass video on these five Microestudios and try to pick up some of his nuances of his playing and see if you can replicate.

Wai I also love this little arpeggio study, one of my favorites.  Very well done!  The key to playing this Microestudio ala Carlevaro, is to pay close attention to the inner voice where he has placed accents.  Carlevaro has a unique right-hand stroke which he calls "toque 5" where he uses his nail to pluck from under the string to create a clear metallic sound.  He uses this stroke to bring out the inner voice through a change of timbre and not from a change in volume.  It is uniquely Carlevaro which he explains in his book, School of Guitar.  In any case, keep up the great work on these studies.