After the pick rests on the adjacent string by apoyando, the index finger holding the pick plucks in a pulling way the string where the pick rests. The sound given by this action is like that of slap technique for electric bass and contains some noise coming from the contact with the fingerboard. The contrast between clear sound played by picking and this slap-like segundeo sound is very important. Thanks to this keen difference, segundeos inserted between melody notes will never hinder melody sequences. In fact, in a performance where excellent segundeos resound, one can have an illusion that the melody and the segundeos are being played by two separate players. The role of segundeos for the Bandola overlaps with that of chasquidos o frenados for the cuatro. Indeed both techniques often appear at the same place in a measure. The segundeo also gives a percussive effect just as does the chasquido. The sign for the segundeo on the tablature is X whether with the index finder or middle.
Segundeos & Chasquidos
First let us produce a slap sound by pulling the first string with the index finger. Hang the string on the upper side of the nail and raise it. Then release it diverting the resistance of the string successfully. The finger is bent toward the interior of the palm and must not be extended yielding to the resistance. Therefore the finger would get stuck with a too long nail. A protrusion of the nail by 1mm seen from the direction of the palm is enough. The appropriate length of the nails depends on each individual and is left to your trial and error.
Slap with Index Finger
For example, pluck the second string with apoyando and rest on the first. Then, without changing the form of the thumb and the index finger, hold the first string with these two. Raise it just as drawing a bow and release it diverting the resistance of the string. In the moment when the pick touches the first string, the index finger already holds it unconsciously or “automatically”. Thus the index finger ‘s position on the pick is very important and each one has to study well about the grip of the pick. That is, the flow from the apoyando picking to the segundeo consists of only two actions and you should not take a rest in between in order to hold the string. The ideal goal is that after plucking a string, you raise the hand to prepare for the next picking and at the same time the string automatically held by the index gets released to give the segundeo.
Segundeo Technique #1
Besides it is very important that the upward movement by the segundeo should pass along the same route as the previous downward picking. This ensures compact and fast picking actions. Beginners should not mind it even though the pick tip touches the upper situated string. Because the route is really very close to the string, you cannot avoid some mistakes in the first stages of your study. If you make a detour fearing touching it, you are forming a seriously bad habit.
