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
Carcassi Sicilienne Guitar

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 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, just wanted to provide some feedback. Since I've started doing the exercises [in The Woodshed program] my guitar is sounding a lot better, with fuller sound, less effort. Its as if I bought a new guitar or got a new pair of hands (or both). Amazing my friend. Thank you!

-Nusret Aydemir