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.
I am a 61 year old physician, reconnecting with the classical guitar after a hiatus of nearly 40 years. After a couple of weeks [in the program], I’m now producing a much clearer, yet somehow more mellow and beautiful sound. It was really good to feel it happening in my hand, and that it felt more comfortable and somehow “right”, compared to the way I had played before (“curved picking”). The fog started to lift and I found that I was remembering more, and it felt great (also a bit of a relief!), giving me confidence to keep going. Thank you for making your course available - your love of music and the guitar shines through the teaching. I am very happy I found and registered with CGS.
~ Brian Davey
-Brian Davey
I am a 61 year old physician, reconnecting with the classical guitar after a hiatus of nearly 40 years. After a couple of weeks [in the program], I’m now producing a much clearer, yet somehow more mellow and beautiful sound. It was really good to feel it happening in my hand, and that it felt more comfortable and somehow “right”, compared to the way I had played before (“curved picking”). The fog started to lift and I found that I was remembering more, and it felt great (also a bit of a relief!), giving me confidence to keep going. Thank you for making your course available - your love of music and the guitar shines through the teaching. I am very happy I found and registered with CGS.
~ Brian Davey
-Brian Davey
- 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. >>>
