Video Contents: 👇 1- Intro Falseta "Mí Bulerías": (00:00 - 1:16) 2- Video Introduction: (1:16 - 1:37) 3- Type of Strings: (1:37 - 2:24) 4- What I'm using: (2:24 - 3:35) 5- Ideal Tension for your Guitar's Safety: (3:35 - 5:46) 6- Balancing the Tension "Maximum Playability" to End: (5:46 - 9:11) I hope you found the video helpful as always, and like I said in the video, I would be happy to hear your feedback in the comments below if you tried this method! Warmest regards, Luciano

my guitar with one-year-old strings is crying at the moment

Another great video! As you said Playbility more important than anything and would like to add from my humble experience, most of the good quality guitars ( Light wood ) will shine more with low tension strings. Low tension string will add more air / Breathing and bigger range of tonality warm vs aggressive tone production. Tight strings ( Hard tension ) will force you to add more power and loudness and less warmth plus there is less sustain specially the basses where you want to sustain the growl. I think there is a misconception when it comes to flamenco tone. The snappy, fast & precise attack in flamenco tone production can very easy mislead to more muscle and power which where people get confused and want hard tension strings.

I decided to try this and replaced the high tension E string (EJ25B) with a lower tension string (Mari 100P) and it worked out really nicely. noticeably easier to play across strings, barre chords and hammer on / pull offs sound better. I was skeptical but this made an improvement in my playing that I would have never thought of.

So I did try those after seeing your advice, I went for mix medium/high on my 650 scale conde, I could not be more impressed, transiting from high tension savarez, the sound and the feel is much improved, and I like to think that it is gentler on the neck overtime as well, very very good strings thank you so much!!

Dear Luciano, I am Brazilian (Villa Lobos passionate), and thank you for the tips on tension. Congratulations for your amazing generosity to teach unkown people so many motivational things. You are the best on KZfaq and as fantastic player. Thank you! 🙏

Thank you for this. I have tried so many strings, and haven't found many that I love yet. Ordered some of these to try!

Thank you Luciano for everything , I remember seen Paco de Lucia mixing strings I think they were first and second strings I’m not that sure knowing that sometimes he changes guitars between some songs in the concert ,so I think he was trying to give every song his particular taste (I think) , thanks again Luciano because you’re showing us things that other guitarists know about but don’t dare to show , Hope to see you someday playing live in a concert ❤️

Knobloch, same string I use. Very good string! Thank you for this video!

Thanks for the informations Luciano . It was really beneficial. Greetings from Algeria. ❤️

One of the most helpful videos on KZfaq

I've now been using the knobloch strings for about a year, and they have been fantastic! Cheers!

Thank You! You knowledge and expertise is greatly appreciated.

Whatever that was in the beginning was really beautiful. You've really got that rolling, kinda flick-looking picking pattern mastered.

Luciano, this is exactly what i needed to know! I will stick with low tension on my new flamenco for the reasons you just explained. The strings that came with it seem to be a higher tension, i don't know for sure what tension they are. I would think that low tension would also make certain barre chords more easy. Thank you.

Interesting concept ! I will try this method and determine playability. Ciao

Thank You … i always had this doubt and will definitely try the combination of low and high tension strings

I am glad you say this because people show off about They using high tension as the only possible strings for pros.

You are a fabulous gift to every guitar player and I love everything about you 😍

Thank you Sir! You just saved my guitar' life haha. Jokes aside, this is the most helpful tutorial on KZfaq!

Thank you as always Luciano for sharing your very interesting music and experience! Different brands' tensions sometimes differ, too. I especially like the point you make about using lower tension on 655+ mm length. I find this especially true, medium/hi tension worsens playability a lot on these scale lengths.

Regarding the high tension bending the neck it would be great to know how you think the bridge height should be adjusted. Many seem to advocate leaving it quite high. Like what is the low E gap at the 12th fret?

Bravo Luciano sei sempre tra i numeri uno. Tanto che sei entrato così profondamente nel cuore del flamenco che uno pensa che tu sei andaluso.

You are great on any guitar and any strings. Bravisimo!!

Vero interesting video Luciano, thank's!

I BOUGHT 2 SETS LOW TENSION AND A HIGH TENSION 2ND AND 3RD TWO OF EACH. I WILL TRY THEM. THANK YOU SO MUCH

Thanks I will try this set up with the strings. Interesting!! Ciao

Thanks so much Luciano especially for Cueva del gato y Los pinares tutorial!!! I learnt them so easily! Actually I have a Esteve 8F with knobloch medium tension luna flamenca and...I really can't play fast pieces without struggling. Action should be ok so I'll give a try to the string you are recommending here.

Great video you convey meaning and feeling in a special balance!

You know you're a good performer when they're already clapping and you haven't even started playing yet.

Very helpful information. I will try mixing the tensions.

Man, this was very, very interesting. I am always with those high tension thinking that it's needed for flamenco and I am never satisfied with them cause it's hard to play. Let's try that now..

Luciano, you are an amazing guitarist and also a great teacher/adviser! Thank you for all of your tips and videos.

I will definitlly switch the first string... It's always so hard to play on it! Thanks for this amazing insight.

Excellent video ,Luciano ! You have given very useful information for the classical and flamenco players .. Thank you

Amazing Video, Maestro ! thank you . Very informative.

Great information I never heard anywhere else.

Luciano, thank you for the tip on the strings, just now I tried Knobloch Carbon hard tention, they are softer than d'Addario carbon normal tention, and I at last got rid of buzzes on my guitar! It's a magic! I spent several days with my luthier to refret the instrument, frets were adjusted ideally, but I had buzzes on some of them with d'Addario, and now I can play clearly and quickly. Thanks once more for opening Knobloch to me

HI luciano,i am a classic guitarist for a long time now, I've been following you since several months. You put a smile on flamenco and it’s really a pleasure to listen and to see you play so well and smiling !! I would like to hear more of your compositions in order to perform them (as i can ;-) ). I love the harmonics sound & technics of the flamenco guitar less the solo pieces but a day to remember is quite good to my hears (guittarra de amor not bad as well), i hope one day we’ll listen more of your compositions. (and if you could adapt them by level such as lucas brar for example it would be even better ;-) ! ). Thanks a lot anyway.

Interesting information. My guitar came with high tension strings from the maker. I was concerned that changing to lower tension would affect the neck relief but perhaps I'll try your tips next time I change them.

that's a very tasty buleria falseta, cheers.

I've noticed the following: 1. Strings La & Re wear-out quicker than the others especially strings 1,2,3. But buying replacement for only Re in UK one has to buy the whole set of 6 Knobloch strings. 2. The length of strings generally has shortened to just fit a medium length guitar. Meaning when the strings wear-out, one can not move the string up or down and retune it. So we are forced to buy a new set. 3.This attitude among string manufacturers to increase their sales in a blatant underhand way is ultimately a false economy and a hostile act because nothing is given in return as in added value, to non professional guitarists. The quality of strings seems to vary directly with price. In addition there's little competition in price of strings. 4. A solution is that professional guitarists ONLY use ONE brand eg Knobloch. This may force others to lower their prices. 5. Guitar clubs should try to get discounts on strings which then they could sell to club members cheaply.

Awesome advice!!!

Very interesting. I have noticed difficulties playing picado across the strings because of the tension difference. Also arpeggio and barre chords. I have always thought that lower tension strings don’t sound good when playing them hard, but obviously you make them sound great. Maybe it’s my technique.

I'm learning so much from you, thank you

My recommendation on this (As a classical and not flamenco guitarist) use strings that compromise the less the comfort on both hands, meaning, use strings that are easy enough to press down on the left hand but hold to the attack of the right hand properly. (Low string action and high tension is very good) In my case, i could use pretty much any purely nylon string of around high to extra high tension, and medium tension of carbon.

Maestro! You are so kind for sharing all these helpful information with all. Thank you for your great and amazingly valuable videos. Salud!

Reasonable tip, Luciano! Will try.

Gran lección, gracias.

gonna try mixing tensions in the future sounds promising

Muy interesante Luciano! Lo había escuchado en guitarristas clásicos pero no en flamencos. Estoy loco por probar esa disposición de tensiones. ¿Y Carbono no te gusta? Personalmente, lo que más me acomoda es la facilidad para afinar en temperaturas diferentes, pero no me termina de gustar el sonido en grabaciones. Enhorabuena por tu contenido amigo. Eres un ENORME GUITARRISTA 🎸🎵👌

interesting topic, thanks for covering it!

you are successful man , keep going, thumbs up 💃🌹❤

Tu es mon guitariste préféré

This is your guitar imo👍Perfect sounding

Amazing musician! Great sound! Very interesting, I always played with high tension strings to make the guitar sound Spanish. But now I will definitely try low ones

thank you Luciano!

Thanks for that valuable info. A beginner here, got a question. By mixing high tension and low tension strings as you mentioned, is it going to unbalance the tone/volume etc.. as the entire set is not coming from the manufacturer as a mixed tension (in which I believe they have balanced it) ?

Love knobloch strings ,very interesting informative and always skilful playing 😉

Thanks Luciano, will try Knobloch next set change. Currently my favorite are Luthier Concert Silver 30 endorsed by Paco :)

Luciano "The kid from Lebanon"...😊

Great information thanks a lot

Grazie tanto Luciano, è molto utile questo video....

Thanks a lot for this information i will try it a soon as i can. Also if it is posible make a video about the action of the strings for flamenco guitar. Cheers ! Gracias por la información, probare esto ni bien pueda. Porfa si es posible podrías hacer un video sobre la altura de la cuerdas con respecto a diapasón para tocar guitarra flamenca. Saludos !

The devil is in the details. Luciano this is a hell tremendous piece of advice on your part! Some guitar players may be also unaware of such factors as the different distances between strings themselves which ultimately may affect the speed of picado. Do you know of producers that sell balanced packs of strings according to your description in which the 2nd and 3rd strings are of higher tension while the rest is of lower tension? Or I should basicaly buy traditional pack of low tension and only those two of high tension?

Maestro 🔥

Ole big cheers Luciano! 👏🏼

Hi maestro. Great video as always! Ruben Diaz has some videos showing that you can accomplish the same thing if you have a guitar with double holes for strings by putting the 1st and 4st strings the regular way and the other strings using both holes. I am using Savarez 510MJP New Cristal/Alliance/Cantiga Premium HT, Full Set (510MJP)

Interesting. I have used mostly medium-high to high tension strings but will try your method. I just worry about getting too much buzzing if I go low.

Thanks Luciano, perfect, going to buy some Hannabach 815 super low tension strings, i hear that they are comparable to low tension in other strings. I play electric, and use heavy gauge strings, so good to give the hands a break. Lovely playing as well.

Excellent video and the falseta at the beginning is really beautiful and well structured !! Otherwise I have a question : what about the sound regarding different tensions ? is it practically the same or are they some differences ? Keep it up Maestro 👍

it's like Vinnie Moore played flamenco REH vhs video tutorial in parallel universe !

Olé, exelente información muchas gracias

You play with such good control

Muchísimas gracias!!!!

Great video and fantastic playing (as always) I'll consider your advice. Just wonderig why do strings manufacturers make their strings this way? (thinking of the big tension difference between E and B strings) Many times i feel that (especially when practicing picado) But of course I know my playing technique needs more more mroe adjustment or change the way i approach the strings in general..So I also think that I don't have the right technique yet and that's why I feel it since I started learning flamenco guitar 2 years ago. So I'm very much at the beginning of this endless journey.. :D Actually I'm using hard tensions strings, but I'll try medium or mixed tensioned strings in the near future. But I always told myself that I would learn to play harder first, then I would make it easier. Or should I let this perception go? Thank you

What size frets do you prefer for best playability? 🎸

This has been great

Thanks Master, that answers all my questions . Mixing two set of strings , you are throwing away a lot of brand News strings! Unless you have a friend guitarist that mixes his strings exacly the opposite of you , you can share the bill with him...

I had to subscribe after listening your playing

SO fine!!

Que grande eres LUCIANO me gustaria dar clases con tigo MAESTRO...

Super awesome👍👍

Great !!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!

Are the higher tension strings on the classical guitar set lower to the neck and what's basically the difference? I feel like you didn't cover that, nevertheless, great lesson, thank you!

Flamenco guitar style, shapes and strings seemed aimed towards a sharp mid tonality to cut through the noise of dancing etc..? where deeper tones might become "muddied" by ambient noise.

Ciao Luciano, sei davvero bravissimo! Ti scrivo il resto in inglese, because I want everybody to understand. Thanks a lot for the interesting and helpful review, I have never tried the Knobloch strings, but as Samuelito uses them too, I will definitively give them a try. Concerning string tension, I always use hard or even extra hard string tension on my flamenca blanca Mundo Flamenco F3 from 2013 and I had never any neck issues. It's the same model as the Cordobo F7, made in China with a metallic rod inside. Actually I'm using the Aquila SUGAR EXTRA strings made in Italy and they sound really great. Do you know these strings? I've put them on my classical guitar too, but with normal tension of course, as my handcrafted Asturias built in 1978 in Japan by M. Matano does not have any rod inside. Keep up the good work! Cordiali Saluti

Hi, Luciano! Why do you think manufacturers do it that way? Why is every string set out there is unbalanced in a way that you talk about? I mean, there should be a reason, right?

This was very informative. Thanks! That explains the [recent] high action on my Vicente Carrillo Pasion guitar. In your opinion is the bent neck repairable? Considering flamenco guitars don't have truss rods?

hey luciano, great video as always thank you for that. why don´t you put some affiliate links to the strings so we could get the same ones and you could get some benefits from it (just a suggestion) With love...

can you show, demonstrate when u explain sounds? thx u❤

Thank you

Hi Luciano, thanks for the information. I have a cheap flamenco guitar that had the action of the 6 string at 3mm and I was happy with it. I have always used it with Extra High Tension strings. Now I noticed (After 2 years of playing it) that the action increased to 3.5mm. Is this why you were saying about avoid using extra high tension strings as it can bend the arm of the guitar? If so, Do you know If I change the strings to a low/Medium tension will the action go back to 3mm?

You playing this Lester Devoe is killing, very energetic and full sound! Have you ever used hybrid packs? I know D'addario offers this type, maybe other companies too.

If i had seen this video 2 weeks ago i could prevent a neck bent becouse i used extra high tention strings on a 660 lengt guitar

Thank you Maestro. I use Knobloch strings too and I'm very happy with them. I have a 655 scale guitar and use Medium-High CX strings. If I would balance them according to your suggestion, would it work with Medium-High on 2nd/3d string and Medium the rest of the strings? Also, do you always change the whole set of strings, or the basses more often than the trebles? I look forward to your feedback.

Thanks

Hi, amigo🖐️Your picado better on low or high tension strings?

Im about to buy my very first flamenco guitar which is a normal sypress spruce flamenco guitar and handmaded also. Is this gonna work? I mean I don't wanna damage it at all!