Welcome to the Strumming Masterclass—your gateway to the most important Cuatro strumming techniques. In this section, you’ll build a strong foundation by learning the descending and ascending frenados and the floreo strum, and discover how to combine them smoothly as the tempo increases.
Why This Masterclass Matters
- Fundamental Techniques: The descending and ascending frenado form the core of Venezuelan Cuatro playing.
- Ornamentation: The floreo strum adds speed, flair and ornamentation to your rhythms.
- Coordination & Speed: Practicing these techniques together will help you stay in time even as beats‑per‑minute rise.
What You’ll Learn
- Master the descending frenado – produce a clean, percussive “tack” on downstrokes.
- Master the ascending frenado – control the up‑stroke mute without losing tempo.
- Integrate the floreo strum – learn how starting with the pinky improves speed and sound.
- Count and execute strums on specific beats – practice exercises that place mutes on different beats to build accuracy.
- Maintain rhythm at higher tempos – exercises to help you keep control as the pace increases.
Practice Advice
- Start slow to build muscle memory, then gradually increase your tempo.
- Alternate between descending/ascending frenados and floreos to develop fluid transitions.
- Record yourself to check for consistent timing and clean mutes.
