10 Great Beginner Classical Guitar Songs to Learn in 2016
Embarking on the journey of learning classical guitar can be an incredibly enriching experience. Diving into the deep pool of classical guitar repertoire may initially seem overwhelming, but there are several pieces perfect for beginners.
These pieces can act as stepping stones, guiding a beginner from mastering the basics to understanding more complex musical structures and techniques.
In 2016, certain classical guitar pieces gained popularity among beginners due to their melodic beauty, manageable technical demands, and historical significance. Today, we’ll revisit these pieces that are as relevant and valuable for beginners now as they were then.
1. “Romance Anónimo” (Anonymous Romance)
“Romance Anónimo” is a staple in the world of classical guitar. Believed to have originated in the 19th century, this piece is shrouded in mystery as its composer remains unknown. Despite this, it has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful and accessible pieces for beginning guitarists.
The beauty of “Romance Anónimo” lies in its simplicity. It uses basic arpeggios and a repeating melody that floats over them, allowing beginners to work on essential techniques like sustaining notes and controlling dynamics. The song also helps students to get comfortable with the concept of voice leading, a crucial component of playing classical guitar. It’s a fantastic starting point for anyone beginning their classical guitar journey and provides a satisfying challenge that isn’t overly daunting.
2. “Study in C Major” by Matteo Carcassi
Matteo Carcassi, a famous Italian guitarist and composer from the 19th century, wrote a series of studies, or etudes, designed to develop a player’s technique. “Study in C Major” stands out as a prime choice for beginners.
The piece is essentially an exercise in finger independence and right-hand technique, two critical skills in classical guitar playing. Its straightforward melody is repeated throughout the piece with slight variations, allowing beginners to focus more on their right-hand technique than remembering the song’s structure. By learning “Study in C Major,” beginners can improve their picking accuracy, speed, and coordination, forming a strong technical foundation for future learning.
3. “Lagrima” by Francisco Tárrega
Francisco Tárrega is a Spanish composer and guitarist revered for his significant contributions to the classical guitar repertoire. His composition “Lagrima,” translating to “teardrop” in English, is a short and melancholic piece popular among beginners.
“Lagrima” is an excellent piece for beginners due to its simple structure, slow tempo, and the emotional depth it offers. This piece allows beginners to familiarize themselves with common classical guitar techniques, like slurs and finger rolls. It also emphasizes musical expressiveness, a key aspect of classical guitar playing. Its simplicity doesn’t undermine its beauty, making it a rewarding piece for beginners to learn and perform.
4. “Etude in E minor” by Dionisio Aguado
Dionisio Aguado, a celebrated Spanish classical guitarist and composer, is known for his straightforward yet challenging compositions. His “Etude in E minor” is a perfect piece for beginners and introduces the concept of counterpoint.
Counterpoint, the interaction of two or more melodic lines, is a cornerstone of classical music, and this piece presents it in a digestible format. It’s structured in such a way that it gives the impression of a duet played on a single guitar. “Etude in E minor” requires beginners to develop their listening skills to balance the melody and accompaniment correctly. It’s a beautiful, slightly challenging piece that offers a solid introduction to classical guitar’s polyphonic nature.
5. “Bourrée in E minor” by Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach’s “Bourrée in E minor,” initially written for the lute, is a prime example of his intricate, interweaving melodic lines. Despite the complex musical ideas typical in Bach’s music, this piece remains one of the more approachable compositions for beginner guitarists.
This piece presents a gentle introduction to the stylistic and technical demands of Bach’s music. It requires the guitarist to bring out multiple voices that are sometimes occurring simultaneously, which can be a new and exciting challenge for beginners. Learning “Bourrée in E minor” also means delving into the world of Baroque music, where precision, structure, and rhythm are paramount. This enriches a beginner’s musical experience and broadens their understanding of classical music’s historical context.
6.”Spanish Romance” by Unknown
“Spanish Romance,” also known as “Romance de Amor,” “Romance d’Amour,” or “Romance of the Guitar,” is a globally recognized piece in the classical guitar repertoire. The origins and the composer of this piece remain unknown, yet its melancholic melody and repetitive right-hand pattern make it a popular choice for beginners.
The piece is constructed with a binary form structure (AABB), with each section introducing new techniques and musical concepts. The repeating patterns in the right hand help beginners focus more on left-hand fingerings and shifts. Its beautiful melody line is a delightful reward that inspires continued practice and progress.
7. “Study in E minor” by Francisco Tárrega
Francisco Tárrega’s “Study in E minor” is a staple in the beginner classical guitar repertoire. Slow and melodic, this study is specifically designed to help beginners practice essential classical guitar techniques, like arpeggios. Moreover, it’s a great piece to work on the right-hand alternation technique – a crucial skill for playing smoothly and at speed.
In addition to these technical aspects, Tárrega’s “Study in E minor” also teaches expressive playing. The piece’s musical sensitivity and emotional depth allow beginners to connect with the music at a deeper level and explore the expressive possibilities of the classical guitar.
8. “Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven
Though Ludwig van Beethoven was not a guitarist, his famous “Ode to Joy” from his Ninth Symphony has been adapted into an approachable version for beginner classical guitarists. It’s a perfect example of how music can be versatile and adaptable across various instruments.
The melody is straightforward and relatively easy to play, making it an excellent piece for working on finger placement and transitioning between notes. Furthermore, it allows beginners to learn how to shape a phrase and convey the joyous character that Beethoven intended. Plus, “Ode to Joy” is a universally recognized piece, making it a hit at performances for friends and family.
9. “Andantino” by Ferdinando Carulli
Ferdinando Carulli, a prolific Italian composer, contributed significantly to the classical guitar literature. His piece “Andantino” is perfect for beginners, providing a simple structure to work on right-hand coordination and melody playing.
This piece is essentially a small-scale exercise in melodic interpretation. It uses repeating musical motifs and straightforward chord shapes, allowing beginners to focus on their plucking hand. Through learning “Andantino,” beginners will gain a better understanding of rhythm, improve their ability to maintain a steady tempo, and develop their ability to highlight a melody over accompanying harmony.
10. “Greensleeves” (Traditional English Folk Song)
While “Greensleeves” is not a classical piece per se, it’s a traditional English folk song that has been popular for centuries. Due to its timeless appeal and relatively simple structure, it has found a place in the classical guitar repertoire.
The main melody of “Greensleeves” is easily recognizable, and its chord progression is not overly complicated, making it a great beginner piece. It offers an easy introduction to fingerstyle guitar playing and provides an excellent opportunity to develop left-hand dexterity and smooth chord transitions. As a universally known song, learning “Greensleeves” offers beginners a sense of accomplishment and a piece to share with others.
Learning classical guitar is a journey that’s as challenging as it is rewarding. The pieces highlighted in this list, popular among beginners in 2016, serve as an excellent starting point. They provide a balanced mix of technical exercises and musical expression, leading to well-rounded development for any classical guitar novice.
Remember, learning to play an instrument isn’t a race. It’s a personal journey that takes time, patience, and dedication. Don’t be disheartened if you find some pieces difficult initially. Keep practicing, maintain a positive attitude, and the results will come.
Whether you’re a self-learner or attending lessons, these pieces offer a chance not only to grow your technical skills but also to begin understanding and appreciating the rich world of classical guitar music. So pick up your guitar, take a deep breath, and let your musical journey begin with these beautiful pieces.