The classical guitar repertoire is an excellent introduction to the world of solo guitar playing on the nylon string guitar. The numerous etudes are very valuable from an educational point of view and address the various technical challenges of guitar playing. This music is also very diverse in terms of sound: it doesn’t always have to be Baroque or Classical music – Spanish or Latin American elements can also be found here and build a bridge to Bossa Nova or Jazz.Â
Here you will find 10 + 1 easy guitar etudes that have proven to be popular and effective in my guitar lessons over the years.
1
Vals
Bartolomé Calatayud (1882 - 1973)
This Vals by the Spanish teacher and guitarist Bartolomé Calatayud is one of the most popular pieces for beginners. It comes from his collection “Quatro Piezas faciles” and is in the guitar-friendly key of E minor. It only contains the basic chords Em, Am, C and a simplified version of the B7 chord.
2
SPANISH ROMANCE
AnonymOUS
The Spanish Romance has become synonymous with classical guitar music for beginners. The continuous plucking pattern combined with a catchy melody is very pleasant to play. However, there are several barre chords in the first part that make it difficult to get started. Here I demonstrate a simplifed version that even a guitar beginner can master.
3
Malagueña
TRaditional
The 6-string guitar as we know it today was established in Europe in the 18th century. Spanish guitarists played a major role. Of course, Spanish folklore and flamenco also played an important role here. The Malagueña is a general term for flamenco pieces from the Malaga region. There are many variations on the original motif, and here the exceptional guitarist Paco de Lucia plays his own interpretation.
4
Study In C-Major
Julio Sagreras (1879 - 1942)
Julio Sagreras was an Argentinian guitarist who wrote several textbooks for guitar beginners. His etudes are easy to understand and sound a little different from his European colleagues. This exercise in 3/4 time is more reminiscent of French chansons than a classical piece and contains some easy-to-understand fingering combinations. Highly recommended!
5
Leçon 19
Dionisio Aguado (1784-1879)
Dionisio Aguado was a Spanish guitarist who made a significant contribution to the development of the 18th century 6-string guitar. This exercise in A minor from his collection “Nuevo Método para Guitarra” combines chord progressions with easy fingerings for the right hand. It’s a good exercise for the mobility of your right hand!
6
Andantino in G-Dur
Fernando Carulli (1770-1841)
It is said that the famous Beatles piece “Blackbird” was inspired by a classical guitar piece by J.S. Bach. I find this Andantino by Carulli also sounds amazingly similar. However, it is one of the easiest pieces in classical guitar literature and remains fresh even for today’s ears!
7
Vals in E-Minor
FRANCISCO Tarrega (1852 - 1909)
This exercise piece by the exceptional Spanish guitarist Francisco Tarrega is an excellent exercise for the right hand. The quick chord progressions require the use of all the fingers of the right hand and train mobility and flexibility. The left hand is in demand in the second part of the piece, so a little more practice is needed here. Â
8
Allegro in A-Moll
MAURO GiulianI (1781 - 1829)
This Allegro impresses with its fiery bass lines combined with fast chord progressions. Giuliani clearly has a preference for this style of guitar playing and several of his etudes became famous this way. In addition, his 120 exercises for the right hand are still remembered in the classical guitar scene.
9
No 9 - Romanze - Adagio
J. K. MErtz (1806 - 1856)
In the early days of guitar playing, guitarists from the Mediterranean region dominated the scene. One exception was the Austrian Mertz, the “Schubert of the romantic guitar“. This beautiful romance combines an expressive melody with very easy chords. Beautiful!
10
Estudio in E-Moll
Julio Sagreras (1879 - 1942)
Here is another etude by the previously featured guitarist Julio Sagreras. A very short but successful demonstration of the basic chords of the E minor key.
11
Ejercicio Nr.9 in E-Moll
Jose Ferrer (1835-1916)
Another Spanish guitarist, not as well known as Aguado, Sor or Tarrega but with very beautiful etudes, was Jose Ferrer. This exercise also includes elements of flamenco and is a very good school for the correct positioning of the left hand.