Become Fluent In Latin American Folk Guitar
Welcome to the intensely syncopated Cuban style of “Son” folk music, made famous by the Buena Vista Social Club. Multiple musical roots combine to create Son’s lively but laid-back, up-beat and spirited sound. Re-invented for solo guitar by the masterly Camilo Menjura, this course puts a whole 13-piece band in your own two hands.
In creating this course, Camilo broke down the multiple parts of Son, the Colombo-Venezuelan border sounds of Joropo, the Andean Bambuco and then re-constructed them to fit six strings. He leads you through a radically original combination of left and right-hand techniques which together recreate the syncopated sound of traditional folk instruments and percussion that characterise Latin America. He demystifies the music by demonstrating the simplest of steps in graded tempos.
If you fancy a trip into the intricate, mesmerizing music of South America, guided by one of the greats, then pack your bags and travel with the maestro.
Sample Lessons
Meet Your Teacher
Camilo grew up in Bogota. 11 years’ learning local folk by ear inspired him to study classical guitar at one of Colombia’s top music Academies. He emerged with a rich understanding of musical theory and harmony, a refreshed perspective on traditional music, and a sharp insight into how to teach his native sound to students versed in orthodox approaches to the guitar.
Now based in Britain, he’s twice won Musician of the Year at the UK Latin Awards. His work spans everything from composing film and theatre scores to appearances at the Mali Festival of the Desert and WOMAD, through to leading London’s extraordinary World Music Choir. Composer, performer, teacher: Camilo is a multi-talented, dynamic, ambassador for Colombian culture.
The Ultimate Learning Experience
Latin American Folk Guitar – Deluxe
3 hours of detailed lessons teaching you how to be proficient in Joropo, Son and Bambuco whilst developing an authentic Latin American guitar feel.
Interactive On-screen Notation
Learning new skills is easier with our innovative, interactive tools. Access on-screen notation, tablature, virtual fretboards, slow motion and more.
Cuban Guitar Masterclass
Take your Cuban guitar study even further with 2 hours of bonus masterclasses learning some of Camilo’s favourite guitar pieces.
Cumbia Guitar Masterclass
Learn another popular Colombian guitar style in Camilo’s 1 hour masterclass with a detailed guide to the rhythms of Cumbia.
Latin American Backing Tracks
Put your new techniques into practice and jam over traditional Joropo and Son grooves so you can develop your own authentic feel and be confident playing in a variety of new styles.
Course Content
Course Includes
- 7 Modules
- 51 Lessons
- Lifetime Access
- Student Support Group
How do the lessons work. Is it all through videos ?
Hi Greg. Yes the course is all videos which you can learn with in your own time.
I’m a beginner intermediate level player will I be able to do this course ?
This course covers Venezuelan, Colombian and Cuban guitar styles. Personally I think Module 3 and 6 which cover Cuban music are the most challenging as the rhythmic concepts might be unusual to you depending on what your previous musical experience is. However challenging doesn’t mean bad, it means something that will make you a much better musician once you’ve got that learnt. There are various tools on the media player that make it easier to study including bar looping, tab, speed control. Module 2 and 4 deal with technique which is something any level guitarist will always benefit from. Let me know any other questions.