Introduction

“Preludio No. 11” by Francisco Tárrega is an absolutely beautiful short piece with a Drop-D tuning. I recommend playing this piece with freedom and joy. The difficulty of this piece will be around Trinity College of London Grade 3-4.

I filmed this course when I was living in a really beautiful caravan located on my parent’s property in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. I mention this because whenever I’m there I always seem to want to play Tárrega’s music!

This captivating piece showcases the lyrical and expressive capabilities of the classical guitar. Tárrega, often hailed as the father of modern classical guitar, composed this prelude to highlight the instrument’s melodic richness and dynamic range. Every now and again the melody moves into the bass so the assiduous student should note this and emphasise those parts accordingly.

The piece is set in the key of D major, and uses a drop D tuning.

Below are a couple of tips to observe when playing:

• Rest stroke all melody notes with a

• Accent the 3rd and 4th quavers in bars 1-3 & 7-8

• Tune 6th string down one tone to D

Musical Style

Francisco Tárrega’s musical style is characterised by its blend of Romantic expressiveness and Spanish folk influences. His compositions often feature lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate fingerstyle techniques, showcasing both technical prowess and emotional depth. Tárrega’s works frequently include arpeggios, tremolos, and dynamic contrasts, emphasising the guitar’s capabilities as a solo instrument. His pieces reflect a deep understanding of the guitar’s expressive potential, making them essential studies for both technique and musicality. Tárrega’s influence on the classical guitar repertoire is profound, as he established foundational techniques and expanded the instrument’s possibilities, inspiring generations of guitarists.

Notable Pieces

Five notable pieces by Francisco Tárrega:

• Adelita
• Capricho Árabe
• Gran Vals
• Lágrima
• Recuerdos de la Alhambra

All of these pieces are available as standalone courses or as part of the ‘Travel with Tárrega’ collection here exclusively on NBN Guitar.

Let your fingers fly!

Josh