Serrano was born in Córdoba, Spain in 1934 At the age of 9, he studied guitar with his father, Antonio el del Lunar, a professional guitarist.
The New York Times said Serrano had "ten dexterous fingers that often sound like twenty... a breathtaking technician who can wring rhythmic dance fury out of fandangos and zapateados.
Along with others such as Sabicas and Mario Escudero, Serrano's virtuosity helped establish solo flamenco guitar as a viable concert instrument beyond the borders of Spain.
In addition to his teaching duties, Serrano is much sought after as a performer, for master classes and as a guest lecturer on the history of Flamenco.
Serrano is the only flamenco guitarist in the world with a doctorate in humane letters and a tenured faculty position at a major university.