50 Classical Guitar Songs to Learn in 2023

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studentofguitar-woman playing classical guitar songs

If you’re looking for classical guitar songs to learn, you’re in the right place!

In this article, we’ll go through a selection of classical guitar songs that are great to learn whether you’re just getting started with the instrument or are further along in your journey.

The majority of these tunes are beginner-friendly classical compositions.

Yet, we’ve also included a few intricate pieces for those who are at the intermediate or advanced level ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

And if you are looking for a Spotify playlist of these songs, we’ve got it for you:

The Rich History and Evolution of Classical Guitar Songs

Classical guitar songs have existed for centuries, with artists such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart crafting timeless works that are still popular today.

Moving forward to the twentieth century, artists such as Andrés Segovia, Julian Bream, and John Williams popularized classical guitar, motivating a new generation of musicians to appreciate its beauty.

Looking for a comprehensive companion to this blog post? We’ve got you covered! Dive deeper into the world of the classical guitar with this guidebook:

Easy Classical Guitar pieces Book 1: 50 pieces in standard notation and tablature


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1. Romance (Anónimo)

TUTORIAL Romance Anonimo + Guitar TABS

Romance (Anónimo) guitar tab

The classic “Spanish Romance” or “Romance de España,” has various names and an unknown origin.

Its haunting melody is perfect for practicing fingerpicking skills among other skills required for successfully playing many classical guitar songs.

2. Greensleeves (Traditional)

How to play Greensleeves | Easy Lesson | What Child Is This

Greensleeves (Traditional) guitar tab

“Greensleeves” is a traditional English folk song.

A broadside ballad by the name “A Newe Northen Dittye of ye Ladye Greene Sleves” was registered by Richard Jones at the London Stationer’s Company in September 1580.

The tune is found in several late-16th-century and early-17th-century sources, such as Ballet’s MS Lute Book and Het Luitboek van Thysius and various manuscripts preserved in the Seeley Historical Library at the University of Cambridge.

Its melancholic melody and simple chord progression make it an excellent choice for beginners.

3. Estudio in E Minor (Francisco Tárrega)

ESTUDIO IN E MINOR - Francisco Tarrega - Full Tutorial with TAB - Classical Guitar

Estudio in E Minor (Francisco Tárrega) guitar tab

Francisco de Asís Tárrega Eixea was a Spanish composer and classical guitarist of the late Romantic period.

He is known for such pieces as Capricho Árabe and Recuerdos de la Alhambra.

He is often called “the father of classical guitar” and is considered one of the greatest guitarists ever.

A staple of classical guitar, this piece is a great introduction to arpeggios, with its flowing melody and gentle tempo.

4. Ode to Joy (Ludwig van Beethoven)

Ode To Joy ★ Beethoven ★ Guitar Lesson - Easy Acoustic Tutorial [with tab]

Ode to Joy (Ludwig van Beethoven) guitar tab

This delightful piece, derived from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, is perfect for beginners to delve into simple chords and melodies of classical guitar songs while playing a recognizable tune.

5. Waltz in G Major (Dionisio Aguado)

Beginners Guitar Tutorial - Waltz in G major Dionisio Aguado

Waltz in G Major (Dionisio Aguado) guitar tab

This enchanting waltz by Spanish guitarist Dionisio Aguado will introduce you to the 3/4 time signature and help you develop your finger independence.

6. Andante: Op. 31 No. 1 (Fernando Sor)

ANDANTE (Op. 31 No. 1) - Fernando Sor - Full Tutorial with TAB - Classical Guitar

Andante: Op. 31 No. 1 (Fernando Sor) guitar tab

Fernando Sor was a Spanish classical guitarist and composer of the Early Romantic era.

Best known for writing solo classical guitar music, he also composed an opera (at the age of 19), three symphonies, guitar duos, piano music, songs, a Mass, and at least two successful ballets: Cinderella and Hercule et Omphale.

Fernando Sor, also known as the “Beethoven of the Guitar,” created a beautiful Andante in C major – an excellent piece for practicing arpeggios and chord shapes popular in classical guitar songs.

7. Malagueña (Ernesto Lecuona)

Traditional: MALAGUEÑA - study (easy) for arpeggios (sheet music available)

Malagueña (Ernesto Lecuona) guitar tab

Hailing from Havana, Cuba, Ernesto Lecuona, born in 1895, is considered one of the nation’s most accomplished composers.

A talented pianist, Lecuona crafted an extensive catalog of songs and piano compositions throughout his life, which ended in 1963.

His music is characterized by its authentic Cuban essence and lush, captivating style.

This rhythmic piece by Ernesto Lecuona will expose you to flamenco techniques, such as rasgueado and rest strokes.

8. Etude in E Minor: Op. 48 No. 5 (Mauro Giuliani)

STUDY IN E MINOR - Op. 48, No. 5 - Mauro Giuliani - Full Tutorial with TAB - Fingerstyle Guitar

Etude in E Minor: Op. 48 No. 5 (Mauro Giuliani) guitar tab

Mauro Giuliani, an Italian cellist, performer, and composer born on July 27, 1781, was a prominent personality in the early nineteenth century.

As a virtuoso guitarist, he left an indelible mark on the world of music.

9. Bourrée in E Minor (Johann Sebastian Bach)

BOURREE in E Minor (J.S. Bach) Full Tutorial with TAB - Fingerstyle Guitar

Bourrée in E Minor (Johann Sebastian Bach) guitar tab

Bourrée in E minor is a popular lute piece, the fifth movement from Suite in E minor for Lute, BWV 996 (BC L166), written by Johann Sebastian Bach between 1708 and 1717.

The piece is arguably one of the most famous among guitarists.

It offers a challenge with its syncopated rhythm and counterpoint melody.

10. Carulli Waltz in A Major (Ferdinando Carulli)

Waltz in A major by Ferdinando Carulli Guitar Tutorial

Carulli Waltz in A Major (Ferdinando Carulli) guitar tab

Ferdinando Maria Meinrado Francesco Pascale Rosario Carulli was an Italian composer for classical guitar and the author of the influential Méthode complète pour guitare ou lyre, op. 27 (1810), which contains music still used by student guitarists today.

He wrote various works for classical guitar, including solo and chamber works and several concertos.

He was an extremely prolific writer, composing over 400 works for the instrument.

This delightful waltz by Ferdinando Carulli, a notable Italian composer and guitarist, is excellent for honing your chord changes and fingerpicking skills in classical guitar songs.

11. Asturias (Leyenda) (Isaac Albéniz)

Asturias - Guitar Lesson + TAB

Asturias (Leyenda) (Isaac Albéniz) guitar tab

Asturias, originally titled Preludio or Prélude, also known as Asturias-Leyenda or simply Leyenda, is a captivating solo piano piece composed in the early 1890s by the talented Catalan composer and pianist Isaac Albéniz.

The piece cleverly uses rolled chords to create a guitar-like strumming effect that adds a unique and charming quality to the composition.

12. Capricho Árabe (Francisco Tárrega)

CAPRICHO ARABE (Tárrega) Full Tutorial with TAB

Capricho Árabe (Francisco Tárrega) guitar tab

Francisco Tárrega’s lovely serenade Capricho rabe exemplifies his distinct style of mixing Spanish folk music with romanticism.

This composition, written by a significant figure in the development of modern classical guitar, is a must-listen for any admirer of classical guitar songs.

13. Adelita (Francisco Tárrega)

ADELITA - Francisco Tarrega - Full (New) Tutorial with TAB - Fingerstyle Guitar

Adelita (Francisco Tárrega) guitar tab

Francisco Tárrega, the Spanish composer, classical guitarist, and “the father of the classical guitar” will be mentioned frequently on this list.

Adelita is another gem by Tárrega, known for its simplicity and beauty.

This delightful mazurka demonstrates the composer’s ability to create enchanting melodies, making it a popular choice for classical guitarists looking to expand their repertoire.

14. Canarios (Gaspar Sanz)

Canarios / Gaspar Sanz (Guitar) [Notation + TAB]

Canarios (Gaspar Sanz) guitar tab

Francisco Bartolomé Sanz Celma better known as Gaspar Sanz, was a Spanish composer, guitarist, and priest born to a wealthy family in Calanda in the comarca of Bajo Aragón, Spain.

He studied music, theology, and philosophy at the University of Salamanca, where he was later appointed Professor of Music.

He wrote three volumes of pedagogical works for the baroque guitar that form an important part of today’s classical guitar repertory and have informed modern scholars about the techniques of baroque guitar playing.

The lively dance rhythms of the Canary Islands have inspired classical guitar songs like Canarios.

This complex piece is an excellent challenge for intermediate guitarists, demanding precise fingerwork.

15. Etude No. 2 (Heitor Villa-Lobos)

Guitar TAB - Heitor Villa-Lobos : Etude No 2 | Tutorial Sheet Lesson #iMn

Etude No. 2 (Heitor Villa-Lobos) guitar tab

Heitor Villa-Lobos, a brilliant Brazilian composer, was born on March 5, 1887, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and sadly left us in the same city on November 17, 1959.

As one of the most prominent Latin American composers of the 20th century, he truly made a lasting impact.

Villa-Lobos had a knack for effortlessly weaving unique melodies and rhythms together with the refined components of Western classical music.

This exceptional fusion in his compositions led to an extraordinary legacy that still inspires musicians and captures the hearts of listeners today.

Etude No. 2 is part of his Twelve Etudes, displaying his exceptional understanding of the instrument.

This particular étude focuses on right-hand arpeggios and offers any learner an opportunity to refine your technique.

16. Spanish Dance No. 5 (Enrique Granados)

Guitar TAB - Enrique Granados : Spanish Dance No 5 (Andaluza) | Tutorial Sheet Lesson #iMn

Spanish Dance No. 5 (Enrique Granados) guitar tab

Enrique Granados, born on July 27, 1867, in Lérida, Spain, was a fantastic pianist and an incredible composer.

He influenced the Spanish music scene during the late 19th century, and his work helped instill a strong sense of national pride in the compositions of that era.

Known as Andaluza, Spanish Dance No. 5 by Enrique Granados is a passionate and expressive piece.

Originally written for piano, it has been skillfully transcribed for guitar, allowing guitarists to convey its emotional depth and nuance.

17. La Catedral (Agustín Barrios Mangoré)

LA CATEDRAL - Preludio - Agustín Barrios - Full Tutorial with TAB - Fingerstyle Guitar

La Catedral (Agustín Barrios Mangoré) guitar tab

Agustín Barrios Mangoré’s three-movement composition La Catedral is a beautiful salute to the majesty of cathedrals.

This masterwork highlights Barrios’ technical prowess and his original harmonic language, making it a must-learn piece for any serious classical guitarist.

18. El Testament d’Amèlia (Miguel Llobet)

EL TESTAMENT D' AMELIA - Full Teaching Video with TAB - Fingerstyle Guitar

El Testament d’Amèlia (Miguel Llobet) guitar tab

Miguel Llobet Solés was a renowned virtuoso classical guitarist, born in Barcelona, Spain who toured Europe and America extensively.

He made well-known arrangements of Catalan folk songs for the solo guitar, made famous arrangements for the guitar of the piano compositions of Isaac Albéniz, arrangements immortalized by Andrés Segovia, and was also the composer of original works.

Catalan composer Miguel Llobet arranged this hauntingly beautiful Catalan folk song.

El Testament d’Amèlia features intricate fingerpicking patterns and a melancholic melody, offering a rewarding challenge for intermediate players.

19. Prelude in D Minor (Johann Sebastian Bach)

Prelude in D minor - Joh.Seb. Bach - Free GUITAR LESSON (with TAB & Sheet music)

Prelude in D Minor (Johann Sebastian Bach) guitar tab

Johann Sebastian Bach, born on March 21, 1685, in Eisenach, Thuringia, part of the Ernestine Saxon Duchies in present-day Germany, was a renowned composer of the Baroque period.

He was the most distinguished member of an extended family of musicians from northern Germany.

Bach passed away on July 28, 1750, in Leipzig.

This timeless Prelude, originally written for the lute, demonstrates the composer’s mastery of counterpoint and harmony.

The piece offers a captivating journey through intricate fingerwork and contrapuntal textures.

20. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Johann Sebastian Bach)

JESU, JOY OF MANS DESIRING - Easy Arr. - J.S. Bach - Full Tutorial with TAB - Fingerstyle Guitar

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Johann Sebastian Bach) guitar tab

Another beautiful work by Bach, this piece is a widely recognized and beloved choral arrangement.

This piece is frequently played at a slow and respectful pace during wedding ceremonies, and it also holds a special place in festive Christian celebrations such as Christmas and Easter.

21. Classical Gas (Mason Williams)

Tutorial: Classical Gas - Fingerstyle Guitar w/ TAB

Classical Gas (Mason Williams) guitar tab

Mason Douglas Williams (born August 24, 1938) is an American classical guitarist, composer, singer, writer, comedian, and poet, best known for his 1968 instrumental “Classical Gas” and for his work as a comedy writer on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, and Saturday Night Live.

Classical Gas showcases the guitar’s versatility with its blend of classical and contemporary styles, making it an engaging and enjoyable piece to learn.

22. Etude in A Minor (Mauro Giuliani)

Mauro Giuliani - Etude In A Minor - Guitar Lesson Tabs

Etude in A Minor (Mauro Giuliani) guitar tab

As an Italian guitarist and composer, Mauro Giuliani crafted the remarkable Etude in A Minor (Opus 50, No. 13), a prominent choice among classical guitar songs.

This exceptional study piece emphasizes the right-hand technique, allowing you to refine your skills while indulging in a captivating melodic composition.

23. Prelude No. 1 (Heitor Villa-Lobos)

PRELUDE NO. 1 - Villa-Lobos - Full Tutorial with TAB -Fingerstyle Guitar

Prelude No. 1 (Heitor Villa-Lobos) guitar tab

Prelude No. 1, another gem from Villa-Lobos, beautifully showcases the composer’s distinct style in classical guitar songs.

This expressive piece incorporating Brazilian folk elements allows guitarists to delve into Brazil’s rich musical traditions while expanding their classical guitar repertoire.

24. Recuerdos de la Alhambra (Francisco Tárrega)

Recuerdos de la Alhambra - Guitar Lesson + TAB

Recuerdos de la Alhambra (Francisco Tárrega) guitar tab

This evocative piece by Tárrega transports listeners to the enchanting Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain.

Recuerdos de la Alhambra features the tremolo technique, which creates a mesmerizing, almost harp-like texture when played skillfully.

25. Lágrima (Francisco Tárrega)

LAGRIMA - Francisco Tarrega - Full Tutorial with TAB - Fingerstyle Guitar

Lágrima (Francisco Tárrega) guitar tab

Lágrima, which translates to “teardrop,” is a peaceful and contemplative composition by Tárrega.

With its heartfelt melody and understated harmonies, this endearing piece is a delightful choice to add to the repertoire of any classical guitarist.

26. Variations on a Theme by Mozart (Fernando Sor)

Fernando Sor: Variations on a Theme by Mozart - Free Guitar Sheet Music

Variations on a Theme by Mozart (Fernando Sor) guitar tab

Fernando Sor, a prominent Spanish guitarist and composer, wrote this set of variations based on a theme from Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute.”

It showcases Sor’s creativity and offers an engaging challenge for intermediate players.

27. Serenade (Franz Schubert)

Serenade - Franz Schubert (1797-1828) - Guitar Tab

Serenade (Franz Schubert) guitar tab

“Ständchen” (known in English by its first line “Hark, hark, the lark”), D 889, is a piano piece by Franz Schubert, composed in July 1826 in the then village of Währing.

It is the setting of the “Song” in act 2, scene 3 of Shakespeare’s Cymbeline. Anton Diabelli first published the song in 1830, two years after the composer’s death.

The song, in its original form, is relatively short, and two further verses by Friedrich Reil were added to Diabelli’s second edition of 1832.

28. Cavatina (Stanley Myers)

Cavatina - Guitar Lesson + TAB

Cavatina (Stanley Myers) guitar tab

Stanley Myers was a talented English composer and conductor renowned for his contribution to the world of film and television.

Throughout his career, Myers composed scores for more than sixty productions, collaborating with esteemed directors such as Nicolas Roeg, Jerzy Skolimowski, and Volker Schlöndorff.

Cavatina was composed for the film “The Deer Hunter,” which gained widespread acclaim for its poignant melody.

This delicate piece offers a captivating and emotional experience for the performer and the listener.

29. Un Dia de Noviembre (Leo Brouwer)

Un Dia de Noviembre - Guitar Lesson + TAB

Un Dia de Noviembre (Leo Brouwer) guitar tab

Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1939, Leo Brouwer is a multifaceted musician known for his work as a composer, guitarist, and music director.

He honed his skills under the tutelage of Isaac Nicola, a student of the renowned Pujol.

Later, Brouwer furthered his expertise in composition at prestigious institutions such as the Juilliard School of Music and the Hartt College of Music.

Leo Brouwer’s Un Dia de Noviembre is a contemplative and melancholic piece, reflecting the introspective mood of a November day.

Its rich harmonies and intricate fingerwork make it a rewarding challenge for intermediate guitarists.

30. Gymnopédie No. 1 (Erik Satie)

GYMNOPEDIE NO. 1 - Erik Satie - Full Tutorial with TAB - Fingerstyle Guitar

Gymnopédie No. 1 (Erik Satie) guitar tab

Erik Satie, born Eric Alfred Leslie Satie on May 17, 1866, in Honfleur, Calvados, France, was a prominent French composer who passed away on July 1, 1925, in Paris.

Satie’s distinctive, minimalistic, and frequently humorous approach to composition significantly impacted 20th-century music, particularly in France.

Originally composed for piano, Erik Satie’s Gymnopédie No. 1 has been arranged for guitar, maintaining its dreamy and atmospheric qualities.

With its impressionistic harmonies and gentle melody, this tranquil piece is a delight to play and a great addition to your classical guitar repertoire.

31. Concierto de Aranjuez (Joaquín Rodrigo)

Concerto de Aranjuez Cadenza Guitar Tutorial

Concierto de Aranjuez (Joaquín Rodrigo) guitar tab

Joaquín Rodrigo Vidre, 1st Marquess of the Gardens of Aranjuez (22 November 1901 – 6 July 1999), was a Spanish composer and a virtuoso pianist.

He is best known for composing the Concierto de Aranjuez, a cornerstone of the classical guitar repertoire.

This famous concerto, composed in 1939, is Rodrigo’s best-known work.

It was inspired by the gardens of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and beautifully evokes the atmosphere of a warm Spanish evening.

32. Suite Española, Op. 47 (Isaac Albéniz)

Isaac Albèniz - Suite Española No. 1, Op. 47-I. Granada (Serenata) - Guitar Tutorial + TAB

Suite Española, Op. 47 (Isaac Albéniz) guitar tab

Isaac Manuel Francisco Albéniz y Pascual was a Spanish virtuoso pianist, composer, and conductor.

He is one of the foremost composers of the Post-Romantic era who also significantly influenced his contemporaries and younger composers.

He is best known for his piano works based on Spanish folk music idioms. Isaac Albéniz was close to the Generation of ’98.

Transcriptions of many of his pieces, such as Asturias (Leyenda), Granada, Sevilla, Cadiz, Córdoba, Cataluña, Mallorca, and Tango in D, are important pieces for classical guitar, though he never composed for the guitar.

The personal papers of Albéniz are preserved in, among other institutions, the Library of Catalonia.

Composed in 1886, this collection of eight pieces represents different regions of Spain.

Although originally written for piano, various artists, including Andrés Segovia, have expertly transcribed these pieces for classical guitar.

33. Chaconne (Johann Sebastian Bach)

Johann Sebastian Bach - Chaconne Guitar Tutorial | Guitar Tab JS Bach

Chaconne (Johann Sebastian Bach) guitar tab

This is another masterpiece from Bach.

Originally written for violin, this powerful piece from Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor showcases his talent for polyphony and has become a staple of the classical guitar repertoire.

34. Fantasía para un Gentilhombre (Joaquín Rodrigo)

Rodrigo - Fantasia para un Gentilhombre (Villano 1) Guitar Lesson

Fantasía para un Gentilhombre (Joaquín Rodrigo) guitar tab

Rodrigo composed this work in 1954 for Andrés Segovia.

It features a set of dances inspired by the 17th-century Spanish composer Gaspar Sanz, creating a charming fusion of old and new.

If you want to take a deeper dive into the music of this composer, check out this book for the guitar!

Andres Segovia - 20 Studies for Guitar: Book Only


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35. Five Bagatelles (William Walton)

Five Bagatelles - William Walton played by Isabella Selder | Siccas Guitars

Five Bagatelles (William Walton) guitar tab

Sir William Turner Walton OM (29 March 1902 – 8 March 1983) was an English composer.

During his sixty-year career, he wrote music in several classical genres and styles, from film scores to opera.

His best-known works include Façade, the cantata Belshazzar’s Feast, the Viola Concerto, the First Symphony, and the British coronation marches Crown Imperial and Orb and Sceptre. (source: Wikipedia)

Written in 1971 for Julian Bream, these pieces highlight Walton’s unique harmonic language and showcase various moods and textures, from introspective to spirited.

You can also take a deeper dive into this artist’s works for the guitar in this book:

Five Bagatelles


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36. Nocturnal (Benjamin Britten)

Laura Snowden - Britten's Nocturnal Op. 70 (Performance)

Nocturnal (Benjamin Britten) guitar tab

Edward Benjamin Britten, also known as Baron Britten of Aldeburgh, was born on November 22, 1913, in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England, and died on December 4, 1976, in Aldeburgh, Suffolk.

Britten’s operatic compositions were highly regarded by major British composers throughout the mid-20th century, frequently compared to the remarkable English operas composed by Henry Purcell in the 17th century.

Britten was a talented pianist and conductor who made substantial contributions to the music world.

This 1963 work is based on a theme from John Dowland’s lute song, “Come, Heavy Sleep.”

Britten crafts eight variations culminating in a haunting reimagining of Dowland’s original melody.

37. Invocación y Danza (Joaquín Rodrigo)

Nadja Janković (17) plays Invocacion y Danza by Joaquin Rodrigo

Invocación y Danza (Joaquín Rodrigo) guitar tab

Rodrigo’s tribute to Manuel de Falla, composed in 1961, features two contrasting sections: a mysterious and evocative invocation followed by a spirited dance.

38. Koyunbaba (Carlo Domeniconi)

Koyunbaba Carlo Domeniconi - How to Tune & Read The Score

Koyunbaba (Carlo Domeniconi) guitar tab

Carlo Domeniconi (born 20 February 1947) is an Italian guitarist and composer.

Although his compositions include a wide variety of genres and instrumentation choices, he is best known for his works for solo guitar, particularly the Koyunbaba suite.

His adoption of multicultural influences characterizes Domeniconi’s style.

His works explore and borrow from various national traditions, including Turkish, Indian, Brazilian, and many more.

Inspired by a Turkish folk tale, this 1985 composition consists of four movements that blend Middle Eastern musical influences with Western classical techniques.

39. The Black Decameron (Leo Brouwer)

Guitar TAB - Leo Brouwer : El Decameron Negro | Tutorial Sheet Lesson #iMn

The Black Decameron (Leo Brouwer) guitar tab

Leo Brouwer, a composer, guitarist, and music director, was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1939.

He received his education under the tutelage of Isaac Nicola, a student of Pujol specializing in composition.

Brouwer continued his studies at the Julliard School of Music and the Hartt College of Music.

This piece contains five evocative and rhythmically complex pieces that explore a diverse range of moods and textures.

40. Etudes Simples (Leo Brouwer)

Estudio sencillo N° 1 (Etude N°1) - Leo Brouwer Tabs

Etudes Simples (Leo Brouwer) guitar tab

Composed in the 1970s, this artist’s works serve as both learning tools and concert-worthy pieces.

They challenge guitarists to master various technical aspects while maintaining musicality.

41. Fugue BWV 1000 (Johann Sebastian Bach)

J.S.Bach: Fugue BWV1000 - George Chatzopoulos guitar - Score + left hand video

Fugue BWV 1000 (Johann Sebastian Bach) guitar tab

Originally written for the lute, this intricate fugue demonstrates Bach’s unparalleled skill in counterpoint and has become a cornerstone of classical guitar repertoire.

42. La Campanella (Niccolò Paganini)

La Campanella (Easy & Short) - Guitar Lesson + TAB

La Campanella (Niccolò Paganini) guitar tab

Niccolò Paganini, (born October 27, 1782, Genoa, republic of Genoa [Italy]—died May 27, 1840, Nice, France) was an Italian composer and principal violin virtuoso of the 19th century.

He is credited with significantly contributing to violin technique.

Known for its virtuosic demands, this piece from Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 2 has been transcribed for classical guitar, showcasing incredible technique and expressive capabilities.

43. Sevillanas (Joaquín Turina)

Valeria Galimova plays Sevillana 💃 by Joaquin Turina on a 2009 Petar Antic Classical Guitar

Sevillanas (Joaquín Turina) guitar tab

Turina was born in Seville and studied there as well as in Madrid.

He lived in Paris from 1905 to 1914, taking composition lessons from Vincent d’Indy at his Schola Cantorum de Paris and studying the piano under Moritz Moszkowski.

Like his countryman and friend, Manuel de Falla, while there, he got to know the impressionist composers Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy, who heavily inspired his work.

This vivacious piece, sometimes known as “Fantasa Sevillana,” is a tribute to Turina’s homeland of Seville.

It contains classic flamenco rhythms and conveys the vivid essence of Andalusian culture.

44. La Maja de Goya (Enrique Granados)

Guitar TAB - Enrique Granados : La Maja De Goya | Tutorial Sheet Lesson #iMn

La Maja de Goya (Enrique Granados) guitar tab

Originally a piano piece from Granados’ “Goyescas” suite, this beautiful transcription for classical guitar evokes the passion of Francisco Goya’s famous painting, “La Maja Desnuda.”

45. Tres Piezas Españolas (Joaquín Rodrigo)

Marcin Dylla: J.Rodrigo - Tres piezas espanolas

Tres Piezas Españolas (Joaquín Rodrigo) guitar tab

These three Spanish compositions, written in 1951, demonstrate Rodrigo’s ability to merge traditional and new elements.

Each movement has its own melodic personality, demonstrating the classical guitar’s versatility.

46. Sonata Romántica (Manuel Ponce)

Manuel Ponce's "Sonata Romántica: I. Allegro Moderato" by Francesca Boerio on a G.V. Rubio "Divina"

Sonata Romántica (Manuel Ponce) guitar tab

Manuel María Ponce Cuéllar (8 December 1882 – 24 April 1948) was a Mexican composer active in the 20th century.

His work as a composer, music educator, and scholar of Mexican music connected the concert scene with a mostly forgotten tradition of popular song and Mexican folklore.

Many of his compositions are strongly influenced by the harmonies and form of traditional songs.

Ponce’s four-movement sonata, written in the early 20th century, displays the influence of 19th-century Romanticism with lush harmonies and soaring melodies.

It remains a favorite among advanced classical guitarists.

47. Homenaje, Le Tombeau de Claude Debussy (Manuel de Falla)

Homenaje "Le Tombeau de Claude Debussy" - Manuel de Falla played by Sanel Redzic

Homenaje, Le Tombeau de Claude Debussy (Manuel de Falla) guitar tab

Born November 23, 1876, in Cádiz, Spain, Manuel de Falla was a renowned Spanish composer who left a significant mark on the early 20th-century music scene.

His unique musical style blended poetry, asceticism, and ardor, capturing some of Spain’s cultural spirit.

Composed in 1920 as a tribute to the late French composer, this piece is a blend of Spanish and French Impressionist styles, showcasing Falla’s masterful handling of harmony and color.

48. El Colibrí (Julio Sagreras)

El Colibri Julio Sagreras - Guitar Lesson (Full Piece)

El Colibrí (Julio Sagreras) guitar tab

Sagreras was born in Buenos Aires. Both his parents were guitarists who taught him the guitar very early – his father was Gaspar Sagreras (1838–1901).

Julio Sagreras participated in concerts from the age of 6. At age 12, he studied piano and composition.

He progressed quickly and became a professor of guitar at the Académia de Bellas Artes in 1899.

In Buenos Aires, he met the editor Francisco Nuñez, who later published a hundred compositions of Sagreras.

In 1905 he opened his own school, Academia de Guitarra.

Between 1900 and 1936, Sagreras gave many concerts in concert halls and salons and also participated in radio broadcasts.

Known as “The Hummingbird,” this delightful piece features rapid, fluttering passages that evoke the graceful movements of its namesake.

It’s a charming and virtuosic piece that showcases the guitar’s nimble capabilities.

49. Una Limosna por el Amor de Dios (Agustín Barrios Mangoré)

UNA LIMOSNA POR EL AMOR DE DIOS - Agustin Barrios -Full Tutorial with TAB - Fingerstyle Guitar

Una Limosna por el Amor de Dios (Agustín Barrios Mangoré) guitar tab

Agustín Pío Barrios (also known as Agustín Barrios Mangoré and Nitsuga—Agustin spelled backward—Mangoré; May 5, 1885 – August 7, 1944) was a Paraguayan virtuoso classical guitarist and composer, primarily regarded as one of the greatest performers and most prolific composers for the guitar.

This is a really pretty piece with intricate melodies and harmonies.

50. Etude No. 1 (Heitor Villa-Lobos)

Lesson: Etude No.1 by Villa-Lobos for Classical Guitar

Etude No. 1 (Heitor Villa-Lobos) guitar tab

Last on our list is the Etude No. 1.

This one is a technically demanding piece that requires precise fingerpicking and fast arpeggios.

Classical Guitar Songs: Conclusion

So there you have it, 50 classical guitar songs to start learning today.

It’s an exciting time to be a guitar enthusiast, and this list is just the tip of the iceberg.

From Bach to Tarrega, there’s a wide variety of musical styles and techniques to explore in this list.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, I hope you find something to learn on this list!

Did I miss a song you think should be on the list?

Let me know in the comments!

And if you enjoyed thiis post, you may also enjoy our acoustic guitar love songs list or hardest guitar songs list too!

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Hi, I’m Harrison, and my team and I use Student of Guitar to share all we are learning about the guitar. We don’t have it all figured out when it comes to the guitar, but I hope this website gives you a place to start!

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