Learn to Play Carcassi’s “Sicilienne” (Short Guitar Course)
Matteo Carcassi (1792-1853)is one of the great composers of guitar. His study pieces (aka “etudes”) have been an active part of the classical guitar world for generations.
This small piece, Sicilienne, is a charming piece at the beginning level. It’s great for those near the start of their guitar journey. It’s also a suitable challenge for those just beginning to read musical notation.
The bass notes are all on open strings, with the melody on the higher-sounding strings. The rhythm remains constant for most of the piece. And it sounds great.
The materials include both standard musical notation and TABs. The piece is broken into small sections for easier learning. This is also how the course is organized. Click the button below for PDFs the materials.
About this Short Guitar Course
Below you’ll find 6 lessons exploring Carcassi’s Sicilienne. You’ll find detailed practice strategy. You’ll get suggestions on how to learn this and future pieces. And you’ll discover formulas for musical expression (or “phrasing”) to make it more beautiful.
Click Here for the Course Materials
Click on the boxes below to open each lesson and view the videos.
Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.
I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.
Allen I have looked for the right online teacher for classical guitar for 8 months. Spent some money in the process. Never got anywhere. Then I found your site. Excellent! I now believe I will reach my goals in playing some beautiful music in the future.
Thank you,
Chuck
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This is the ideal starting position for me. As a relative beginner with no teacher this is helping me enormously in developing good technique and not falling into bad habits. I no longer feel (A) That it's a struggle to learn a new piece and (B) That I am alone in my endeavors. My advice is to try The Woodshed program. It is fantastic and will not only bring up your playing but his explanations of musical concepts as you go along put things into perspective.
~ John Andersson
-John Andersson
- Move your hands safely and fluidly
- Enjoy fulfilling practices and meaningful work
- Play beautifully with expression and flow
Click the button to take a step towards an
organized, effective guitar practice. >>>
