Hi Jusquin,
I'd like to share in musicfan's congratulations of your teaching yourself to play rumba flamenca after years of doubting you could do it, and my best wishes for your continued success. Musicfan, you're right that many people have similar dreams. I took guitar lessons in the '60s when I was around 8 - 10 years old. It was the influence of The Beatles that got me interested. One-hour private lessons were only three dollars! I enjoyed the beginner sort of lessons, which involved simple chords like G and D. I was able to strum and sing a lot of popular songs the teacher gave me to play, including "Last Train to Clarksville" and "Norwegian Wood" (at that age, I had no clue about the true meaning of the lyrics!). After a hiatus of taking lessons, I got a different teacher who gave me more advanced lessons. He taught me bar chords, but the index finger of my little hand didn't have enough leverage or strength to push hard enough on the fret board to make a clear sound. I got so frustrated that I gave up guitar lessons and never returned to them.
I'm now 55 and have been a Gipsy Kings fan since 2004. I sing along with their songs all the time. I wouldn't expect myself to play rumba flamenca (I still have little hands), but I know I could strum simple chords and enjoy playing. I really should do this. Musicfan, I encourage you to go for it! Strumming a melody with simple chords isn't difficult. Jusquin, if you have any tips about websites, etc., I'd appreciate that info too. Thanks!
Amanda
