How to Play the Portuguese Guitar

The Portuguese guitar is a unique and beautiful instrument with a rich history and a distinctive sound that captures the essence of Portuguese culture. Unlike the metal guitars with which you might be familiar, the Portuguese guitar is steeped in tradition, mainly associated with Fado music. While it may seem like a completely different world compared to shredding out metal riffs, learning to play the Portuguese guitar can be an enriching experience that broadens your musical horizons. Let’s explore its quirks, techniques, and how you can start playing this fascinating instrument.

Getting to Know the Portuguese Guitar

The Portuguese guitar is a 12-string instrument that resembles a mandolin in shape but is unique in its construction and sound. There are two main types: the Lisboa and the Coimbra, each with subtle differences in size and tuning. The Lisboa is slightly smaller with a brighter tone, while the Coimbra is larger and tuned a whole step down, offering a deeper sound. Both types have six double courses of strings tuned in a way that complements Fado music.

Understanding the anatomy of the Portuguese guitar is essential. It has a tear-shaped body, and the headstock is often ornately carved. You’ll find the strings are paired in courses, which means each pair is tuned in octaves or unisons, creating a rich and full sound. This setup is quite different from most six-string guitars, so it might feel a bit alien at first.

Interestingly enough, the Portuguese guitar uses a unique tuning system. For the Lisboa model, the tuning is often D A B E A D from the lowest course to the highest, while the Coimbra is typically tuned a whole step lower. This tuning contributes to its characteristic sound, which is perfect for the melancholic and soulful Fado music.

Understanding the Tuning

Getting familiar with the tuning might be the first hurdle. Unlike standard guitar tuning, the Portuguese guitar’s tuning can seem a bit mysterious at first. However, once you wrap your head around it, you’ll find that it opens up a world of new possibilities.

For the Lisboa model, you’ll tune the pairs of strings as follows:

• D – The lowest course, tuned in unison.
• A – The next course, also in unison.
• B – The middle course, again in unison.
• E – This course is tuned in octaves, adding depth.
• A – Another octave-tuned course.
• D – The highest course, tuned in unison.

For Coimbra tuning, simply lower each string by a whole step, resulting in C G A D G C. This gives a warmer, more resonant tone that’s perfect for Coimbra-style Fado.

These tunings might seem odd at first, especially if you’re coming from a metal background where standard or drop tunings are the norm. However, they allow the Portuguese guitar to produce its distinctive sound, characterized by a bright and resonant tone. Getting comfortable with this tuning is the first step towards mastering the instrument.

Basic Playing Techniques

Now that you’re tuned up, it’s time to start playing. The Portuguese guitar is traditionally played using fingerpicks, known as unhas. These are typically made from metal, fitting over your thumb and index finger. The use of fingerpicks gives the instrument its crisp, articulate sound.

One of the most common techniques is the use of dedilho, a rapid alternation between the thumb and index finger, creating a continuous series of notes. This technique is essential for playing the intricate melodies often found in Fado music. It might remind you of alternate picking in metal guitar, but instead of a pick, you’re using your fingers.

Another technique to master is rasgado, a strumming pattern that involves a sweeping motion across the strings, similar to a flamenco strum. This technique adds a percussive element to your playing, creating a dynamic contrast between melody and rhythm.

To get started, try practicing simple scales using the dedilho technique. Focus on clarity and evenness between each note. Once comfortable, incorporate the rasgado technique to add some flair to your playing. These foundational techniques will help you navigate more complex pieces as you progress.

Learning Fado Music

Fado is the soul of the Portuguese guitar, and learning its melodies can be incredibly rewarding. Fado is characterized by its expressive and melancholic nature, often telling stories of longing and heartache. As you dive into Fado, you’ll notice that the Portuguese guitar plays a central role, weaving intricate melodies around the vocals.

To start, familiarize yourself with some traditional Fado tunes. Listen to recordings of renowned Fado guitarists like Carlos Paredes or Armandinho to get a feel for the style. Pay attention to how they use dynamics and phrasing to convey emotion.

Begin by learning simple Fado melodies, focusing on the melody lines. Use the dedilho technique to ensure each note rings clearly. As you gain confidence, try to incorporate the rasgado strumming to add rhythmic complexity.

While Fado might seem worlds apart from metal, the emphasis on emotion and storytelling is something all music shares. Embrace the challenge and allow it to enhance your musicality, even if your main passion lies in the realm of heavy guitar riffs.

Translating Metal Techniques to Portuguese Guitar

Coming from a metal background, you might wonder how your skills translate to the Portuguese guitar. While the techniques might differ, the discipline and precision required in metal guitar can be hugely beneficial.

For instance, the dedilho technique shares similarities with alternate picking. Both require precision and control to ensure even note articulation. You can apply the same focus you use for shredding solos to mastering dedilho, helping you achieve speed and clarity.

Additionally, the rhythmic complexity of metal can enhance your understanding of rasgado strumming. The tight, syncopated rhythms in metal can be adapted to create interesting strumming patterns on the Portuguese guitar.

While it might seem like an unconventional crossover, embracing the Portuguese guitar can deepen your appreciation for music as a whole. It encourages you to think differently, broadening your skills and opening new creative avenues.

Using Riffhard for Guitar Skill Development

While Riffhard is primarily focused on modern metal guitar techniques, the skills you develop here can enhance your Portuguese guitar playing. Our lessons emphasize precision, rhythm, and phrasing—all crucial elements in Fado music as well.

For example, our Riffhard instructors, like Dean Lamb and Javier Reyes, offer invaluable insights into developing picking techniques that translate well across various guitar styles. While their focus might be on metal, the skills you acquire can be adapted for the Portuguese guitar.

Additionally, our custom metronome tool can help you develop timing and rhythm, essential for mastering both dedilho and rasgado techniques. By incorporating these tools into your practice routine, you’ll find it easier to transition between styles, enriching your overall musicality.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Learning the Portuguese guitar can present its fair share of challenges, but with patience and persistence, you can overcome them. One common hurdle is adjusting to the fingerpicks. They might feel awkward at first, especially if you’re used to playing with a flat pick. Spend time getting comfortable with them, focusing on consistency and control.

The unique tuning system can also be tricky. It might take a while to internalize the new tuning and how it affects chord shapes and scales. Regular practice and experimentation will help you adapt and unlock the instrument’s full potential.

Lastly, the intricate nature of Fado music requires a deep understanding of phrasing and dynamics. Listen actively to recordings, paying attention to how seasoned musicians convey emotion. Try to incorporate these elements into your playing, even if you’re just practicing scales or simple melodies.

Remember, every guitarist faces challenges when learning something new. Embrace the process, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each challenge you overcome will make you a more versatile and expressive player.

Creating Your Own Music on the Portuguese Guitar

Once you feel comfortable with the basics, why not try your hand at creating original music on the Portuguese guitar? The instrument’s unique sound can inspire new ideas and help you explore different musical avenues.

Start by experimenting with different chord progressions and melodies. Use the dedilho and rasgado techniques to add texture and depth to your compositions. Don’t be afraid to draw from your metal background—incorporating elements like syncopated rhythms or unusual time signatures can give your music a fresh, modern twist.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our lessons on Riffhard. While our focus is on metal, the concepts of rhythm, phrasing, and composition are universal and can be applied to any genre. Use these lessons to spark creativity and refine your musical ideas.

By creating your own music, you’ll develop a deeper connection with the Portuguese guitar, allowing it to become a true extension of your artistic expression.

Final Thoughts

Playing the Portuguese guitar offers a unique opportunity to explore a rich musical tradition while expanding your guitar skills. Whether you’re drawn to its haunting melodies or intrigued by its distinctive sound, learning this instrument can be a rewarding experience. And while it might seem worlds apart from metal guitar, the skills you develop can enhance your overall musicianship. To support your journey, consider the resources available at Riffhard, where you can refine techniques that translate across different styles, ultimately enriching your musical journey.