TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Forget Esteban and those corny late night infomercials: Aspiring guitarists looking to add spice to their strum can now get it in seven steps with help from Bakersfield Flamenco guitarist John Gomez.

The veteran musician is eager to share his wealth of knowledge on the Spanish-style art form during his Saturday classes at Juliana's Art Gallery. But in order to do that, he needs students to fill seats.

Proficient in a variety of styles, ranging from classical to bossa nova, Gomez said the benefits of applying Flamenco techniques will help musicians strengthen their fingers and bring more finesse to their performance.

"I try to making learning simple," said Gomez, while performing the intro to the Latin standard "Malaguena," by composer Ernesto Lecuona. "No skill level needed."

Gomez's attraction to the genre began in 1985 after he was introduced to famed guitarist Paco Arroyo, a revered name in Flamenco music circles. The two started a friendship that sparked an ongoing search for further instruction.

"Paco is one of the best in the world. I took about five lessons from him over the course of 20 years. But he's such a good teacher I was able to learn what I needed. I also had a lot of records to play along with."

Developing his own method based on those experiences with Arroyo and what he taught himself, Gomez said students will have no problem following his "Seven Steps to Flamenco," system.

"When you come to the class, you won't have to know anything beforehand about Flamenco. You can ask questions and I will be right there to instruct you."

Gomez described his method as broken down into the seven distinctive styles of fingering, beginning with the genre's foundation: rasgueado . Resembling the waving strum of your hand on and off the strings in action, it will help the player precisely execute rhythms while conditioning hands and fingers.

"Rasgueado builds muscles in your hands, and they'll get very strong. It's very physical playing."

Next is arpeggio , to develop right hand finger independence, followed by picado , where guitarists rapidly pick strings in coordination with their right and left hand. Once players become familiar with those steps, Gomez said the next steps come more easily: advancing into tremolo , pulgar y ligado , golpe and alzapua . Practice regularly, and by spring you should be blazing away on your patio while house guests sip on sweet sangria.

But the teacher cautioned that patience, especially with music, is a virtue.

"Paco once told me he was taught the same thing every day for two years. Everyone that comes in will walk away learning chords and the proper fingerings. You may think you're doing the same thing, but you'll become a better player."

Gomez pointed out examples where Flamenco guitar playing has been applied outside traditional Latin music.

"Country music, blues, bossa nova, all kinds," he said while performing a rendition of "The Peter Gunn Theme."

Should the classes become a success, the gallery also plans to offer Flamenco dance lessons once a month, as well as hold regular Sunday guitar concerts.

"If we could get 50 to 60 people here, it would really be nice," Gomez said. "We want to have classical guitar players too. That would attract people from the coast to Bakersfield."

To get started, interested students will need to provide their own standard classical guitar with nylon strings. A tap plate to protect the guitar's wood can be purchased at the class if needed. Previous guitar playing experience is recommended, but not required. Gomez also offers separate courses depending on your preference.