Top 10 Easy Classical Guitar Songs For Beginners (With Tabs)
Looking for easy classical guitar songs to start with? Here are 10 beautiful classical guitar songs for beginners – complete with tabs and tips to help you learn each piece. Start playing classics from Lágrima to Bach’s Bourrée today!
Classical guitar can seem intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are plenty of easy classical guitar songs that even total beginners can start playing within a few days.
This list focuses on traditional classical guitar repertoire – the kind of pieces that help you build technique, expression, and confidence on the instrument. If you're ready to get started, here are 10 of the best classical guitar songs for beginners.
Note: If you’re just starting out and want help with the fundamentals, we highly recommend checking out lessons from Evan Taucher. They're designed for beginners and cover posture, fingerstyle technique, and reading music. Get Lessons Here
Choosing Classical Guitar Songs for Beginners
When selecting easy classical guitar songs, it helps to consider a few key factors:
- Technique: Is the piece playable using basic fingerstyle patterns and first-position notes?
- Familiarity: Recognizable melodies are more motivating to learn and easier to follow.
- Length and structure: Short, repetitive pieces make learning more approachable.
- Emotional payoff: Even simple music should sound beautiful and satisfying.
All of the songs below have been chosen with these elements in mind.
1. Lágrima by Fransisco Tárrega
This romantic miniature by Spanish composer Francisco Tárrega is one of the most beloved beginner classical guitar songs. It features a simple, expressive melody that stays mostly in first position. Slow tempo and open strings make it ideal for working on tone and phrasing.
Fun fact: "Lágrima" means "tear" in Spanish — and the song captures that melancholy emotion beautifully.
2. Op. 60, No. 1 by Fernando Sor
Carcassi's 25 Studies Op. 60 are a staple of classical guitar education. The first study is very beginner-friendly, focusing on smooth arpeggios and alternating finger strokes. It sounds more complex than it is, making it a great early win.
3. Etude in E Minor – Francisco Tárrega
Another gem from Tárrega, this Etude in E Minor has a haunting minor sound and features a steady arpeggio pattern. It's a great exercise in right-hand control and is often taught early in guitar curricula.
4. Waltz in E Minor – Ferdinando Carulli
This light and elegant waltz introduces basic three-beat rhythm and straightforward chord transitions. Carulli was known for composing accessible works for students, and this piece is a perfect example of that intention.
5. Romanza (Spanish Romance) – Anonymous
This iconic piece is a favorite among beginners. Its arpeggiated style teaches fluid right-hand technique and dynamic contrast. It also uses open strings effectively, making it easier to navigate.
View Tablature | Watch Video Lesson
6. Bourrée in E Minor – Johann Sebastian Bach
A famous piece from Bach's Lute Suite in E Minor, this Bourrée is a rite of passage for classical guitarists. Though it sounds advanced, it actually stays within reach of early-intermediate players and is great for learning counterpoint.
View Tablature | Watch Performance
7. Andantino in G – Ferdinando Carulli
A gentle and lyrical tune, this Andantino is ideal for reinforcing melody and accompaniment within the same hand. It's short, satisfying, and builds confidence with every repetition.
8. Adelita – Francisco Tárrega
A short, sweet Mazurka-style piece, Adelita teaches expressive phrasing and romantic dynamics. The tempo is moderate and most of the notes fall under the fingers naturally. A great follow-up to Lágrima.
9. Study in B Minor – Fernando Sor
This study blends harmony and melody in a rich but accessible way. It encourages attention to legato phrasing and tone control. Sor's etudes are still a foundation of guitar education over 200 years later.
10. Prelude in C – Matteo Carcassi
One of Carcassi’s simpler preludes, this piece focuses on chord transitions and basic harmonies. It helps players get comfortable reading and playing block chords on the guitar.
Other Easy Classical Pieces to Explore
Once you've worked through the list above, try expanding your repertoire with a few other beginner-friendly classics:
- "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven
- "Greensleeves" (Traditional)
- "Minuet in G" by Bach
These are widely recognized melodies that are often taught early and sound great on classical guitar.
FAQs
Q: What is the easiest classical guitar song to start with?
A: “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven is a great first piece. Among traditional repertoire, "Lágrima" and Carulli's "Waltz in E Minor" are top picks.
Q: Do I need a nylon-string guitar to play classical songs?
A: Not necessarily. While nylon-string guitars are traditional for classical pieces, any acoustic guitar can work for beginners practicing the basics.
Q: How long does it take to learn a classical guitar song?
A: Many beginner pieces can be learned in a few practice sessions. It depends on your experience, consistency, and the complexity of the song.
Wrap-Up
These ten songs offer a solid foundation in classical guitar. They each teach core techniques, help develop musicality, and provide a sense of accomplishment for beginners.
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Updated April 2025