Guajira (flamenco)

Guajira (Flamenco) is a palo based on the Cuban Punto Guajira Cubana. It is in 12 beats and feels like it starts on 12. The guajira is a prime example of so-called cantes de ida y vuelta. The

Structure#

Like all flamenco palos, the guajira has a clear structure and consists of beginning, middle and end. The guajira usually begins with an introductory section (falseta) by the guitar which is based on the basic guajira harmony. The guitar resolves into the characteristic guajira chord pattern, over which the singer will sing the instantly recognizable salida. The dancer enters during the guitarist’s falseta or during the salida. The fluid nature of the choreography also allows for improvisation within the structure, including danced falsetas, and escobillas performed a palo seco.

Compás#

The compás, is a twelve-count pattern starting on beat 12 with accents on beats: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Palmas#

The standard palmas for soleá por bulerías are the same as the palmas for the alegrías: 12 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 11 +

Letras#

Here is a guajira lyric. “Contigo me caso indiana si se entera tu papa y se lo dice a tu mama hermosísima cubana tengo una casa en la Habana destinada para tí. Ay! con el techo de marfil y el piso de plataforma para tí blanca paloma llevo yo la flor de lis. Me gusta por la mañana después del café bebio pasearme por la Habana con mi cigarro encendío y sentarme muy tranquilo en mi silla o mi sillón y comprarme un papelón de esos que llaman diario y parezco un millonario rico de la población”.