learn to play carcassi sicilienne on guitar

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.

1. Carcassi - Sicilienne: Overview Lesson

2. Sicilienne - The Rhythm

3. Sicilienne - Learning the Piece - Section 1(a)

4. Sicilienne - Learning the Piece - Section 1(b)

5. Sicilienne - Practice Section 2

6. Sicilienne - The Rest of the Story

Click Here for the Course Materials

For more sheet music by Matteo Carcassi, Click Here.

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 work with teachers, 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 sore after playing. I was frequently frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then I studied with two stellar teachers – one focused on the technical, and one on the musical. In time, I came to discover a fundamental set of formulas and movements. These unlocked my playing, and brought new life and enjoyment to my practice. Now I help other guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.

Thanks to you (you are my only teacher) in only a few months I've gone from very basic beginner pieces to having just completed learning Bach's Gavottes 1&2 in good form and execution. As a non-classical electric guitarist who has always used a pick and never his fingers, this has been no small feat!

-Gregg Olson

I am truly enjoying the growth and challenge that the Woodshed material provides. I look forward to working hard and learning much in the years ahead. Thanks for all the effort and care that you have taken in providing these lessons and resources!

-Mark Whitsett