Phrasing and Expression Lesson – E-19: Carulli – op. 241 no. 1 (upbeat)
This lesson is one of nearly 40 such lessons on phrasing and expression found in The Woodshed Classical Guitar Program. It uses a short snippet of music, called an excerpt.
To make the most of this lesson, first scroll to the “Relevant Links” and review those lessons. They contain tutorials on the phrasing methods we’ll use in this lesson.
Next, download and print the sheet music at the link below. Then write in the phrasing markings you expect to see in the lesson. Mark all you can. Then learn the notes, including your phrasing and expressive markings.
Once you’ve done all you can, come back to this page and scroll all the way down. You’ll find the video lesson and a marked-up version to compare yours to.
Have fun!
To begin, print (ideally) and mark up the music below. If you haven’t yet, watch this video on how to use the musical excerpts.
Click here to download the music

After first studying and doing your best with the music above, only then scroll below and watch the video. Do all you can with the music BEFORE watching the video.
Relevant Links:
- Upbeats
- Dynamics
- Accents
- Agogic Accents
- Ties and Syncopations
- Upbeats
- Strong and Weak Beats
- Exaggeration
- The Long Line
Scroll down for the video review.
…keep scrolling…
…almost there…
Made it!
Excerpt Notes
(Again, please only watch the video and look at any marked score below if you have already done all you can to mark your own score. You’ll learn far more by trying first, than by going straight for the “answers”.)


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.
Hi Allen,
Greetings from the UK. I would like to thank you for providing such an excellent resource. The effort and skill which has gone into creating this program is very evident. I started classical guitar a year or so ago with a teacher but was unable to commit to same time regular slots each week.The Woodshed Program was exactly what I was looking for. I have found the site very intuitive and well structured and have taken your advice and started from the very beginning of the program whilst still practising some of the pieces I was already working on. It is clear that I will benefit greatly from these early technical studies. There were clearly weaknesses and gaps in my knowledge even though I am still at an early stage. Once again many thanks for the program and very best wishes.
~ Rodger Paylor
-Rodger Paylor
I just started level 1C...I was able to look at a Carulli piece, albeit a simple one, and understand it. And that understanding allowed me to play it much more easily on the first run through, and I expect it will allow me to make it fully musical at tempo quite soon. That's a huge personal victory for me. Until very recently my mindset was: "Notes on a page. Jimi didn't need them and I don't either." But I ain't Jimi, and now I want those notes on a page.My work in CGS, even at these early levels, got me to that personal breakthrough. And that's given me more confidence that continued work will get me to greater places in due time. So to answer your question: yes, I absolutely feel like I'm making headway and moving forward in my playing. Thank you for that.~ Matthew Ecker
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