This page is dedicated to Spanish Guitar. These are guitar songs written in the Spanish style.
Scroll down for PDFs of Spanish Guitar TABs and notation.
Also browse the full library of classical guitar sheet music and classical guitar TABs.

What is “Spanish Guitar”?

The term “Spanish guitar” is used mainly in two ways. First, it refers to the instrument. This is also known as a classical guitar. The classical or Spanish guitar is an acoustic instrument made of wood. And it has guitar strings made of nylon. Traditionally, these strings were made of gut (animal intestine). These are the precursors to today’s steel-string acoustic guitar and electric guitar.

The classical (Spanish) guitar uses chords in songs to create layers of melody and harmony. It was derived from the Spanish vihuela and gittern (historic instruments) back in the 1400-1500’s. Through the following centuries, it morphed into the Baroque guitar. And eventually, it became the classical or Spanish guitar we find so many people playing today.

Spanish Guitar Music

“Spanish guitar” also refers to a style of music from Spain. These songs (pieces) are written to play the classical guitar. And it often stems from the Flamenco guitar-playing tradition.  Flamenco guitar uses Spanish guitar scales (and Spanish guitar chords and strumming.) to create a characteristic sound.  We often instantly recognize this when we hear it played.

Many composers throughout Western Europe were influenced by Spanish guitar. For example, composers such as Scarlatti and Ravel have composed in the Spanish style. The Spanish sound has captured the hearts and creativity of players and listeners alike.  And it has also been very influential on Latin music from the Americas (which Spain colonized).  This is perhaps best heard in Argentinian tango.

For centuries throughout Europe, the term “Spanish” was used to refer to most anything sensual or evocative. This included (along with brothels and suggestive dances) guitar. So the phrase “Spanish guitar” is sometimes used in relationship to music that is not from Spain. But it is usually played on the nylon-string guitar.

---

Spanish Guitar Songs – in Notation and TABs

Below you’ll find free PDFs of Spanish guitar songs. These Spanish guitar TABs can be played on any guitar, but sound best and most “Spanish” on nylon-stringed guitar.  Please print, play and share these freely.  If you are a teacher, you are free to use them privately with your students.  Where appropriate, please attribute the arrangements to ClassicalGuitarShed.com, or Allen Mathews, and link to https://classicalguitarshed.com/. Enjoy playing these!

If you have any recommendations of Spanish guitar TABs and pieces to add to this collection, please reach out and let us know!  We’re always on the lookout for great Spanish guitar songs.

---

Popular Spanish Songs to Play

Spanish Romance – Anonymous

Spanish Romance – composer unknown

One of the most famous songs for guitar.  Much of the piece is fairly easy to play. But you will find a barre chord combined with a rather wicked little-finger stretch.  Spanish Romance uses the whole guitar neck, but if with the Spanish Romance TABs, you can find the notes easily.

Click here for the Spanish Romance TABs and notation.
Click for the full Study Guide to Spanish Romance (Romanza)

Malaguena – Ernesto Lecuona

Malaguena – by Ernesto Lecuona

A very fun and popular song to play. The first and third section are easy, and are great for learning common Spanish guitar techniques.

Click here for the Malgueña sheet music and TABs
Click here for the full course on Malaguena.

Lagrima – Francisco Tarrega

Lagrima – by Francisco Tarrega

One of the best examples of Spanish classical guitar. A slow ballad that’s extremely popular with guitarists.

Click here for the Lagrima TABs and sheets.
Click here for the full course on Lagrima, by Francisco Tarrega.