I’m not sure what’s gotten into me lately. Maybe it’s the Andalusian sun, or perhaps I was captivated by a street performer’s Flamenco guitar, but I’ve suddenly got the urge to learn an instrument. As an expat who’s been living here for a few years, I feel like I’m missing out if I don’t pick up a skill related to the local culture. But classes are inflexible and not cheap, so the idea of using Spanish resources for [self-learning an instrument] came to mind. I’m starting this thread to chat about it and share my initial experiences with the Flamenco guitar.
Why Learn in Spanish?
I was a bit intimidated at first. Learning a new skill in a non-native language sounded like a double challenge. But I quickly discovered the benefits are huge! First, it’s an immersive way to learn the language. Music-related vocabulary like “cejilla,” “rasgueo,” and “acorde” sticks much faster in a practical context than from a word list. Second, you get direct access to the most authentic teaching materials. This is especially true for a native art form like Flamenco; the essence and cultural background are best explained by a Spanish teacher. Watching those bearded guys on YouTube explaining things as they play… it just feels right!
Which Instruments Are Good for Self-Study in Spain?
Besides the Flamenco guitar that I’m currently tackling, I’ve looked into a few other instruments that seem relatively easy to pick up through [learning an instrument in Spanish]. I’ve put together a simple table for reference. You don’t necessarily have to choose a Spanish specialty; the main criteria are abundant Spanish-language resources and your own passion.
| Instrument Name | Difficulty | Reason to Recommend |
|---|
| Flamenco Guitar | Medium to High | A Spanish national treasure, rich teaching resources, lets you play with soul |
| Cajón | Low | A rhythm machine, doesn’t take up space, essential for livening up parties |
| Ukulele | Very Low | Small and portable, simple chords, great for playing and singing along to pop songs |
| Classical Guitar | Medium | The absolute foundation, mastering it makes it easy to transition to any other type of guitar |
In the end, I chose the Flamenco guitar. The fingering is a bit more complex, but it’s just so cool! The passionate strumming feels like a true emotional outlet. At first, I couldn’t even get a clean C chord, and my fingers hurt so much I wanted to quit. Now, I can just about play a simple Sevillanas, and the sense of accomplishment is amazing! I recommend starting with a beginner-level guitar; there’s no need to go all-in from the start. Otherwise, your guitar might just end up gathering dust in a corner like my friend’s did for years, such a waste. To help you practice, there are also some great [Spanish instrument apps].
For anyone else wanting to self-study, I recommend a couple of YouTube channels I often use: TusClasesDeGuitarra, Guitarraviva. Their explanations are very detailed, starting from absolute zero, and they speak standard Spanish, which is great for listening practice. Is anyone else on this forum learning an instrument? Or do you have other recommendations? Feel free to share, we can motivate each other and hopefully be able to show off a little at a party soon! 💃
