Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Online Classical Guitar Lesson

Introduction

This piece has to be one of the most popular songs to play at weddings. I myself have played it at weddings more times than I can remember. Written by Johann Sebastian Bach - the most famous of all Baroque composers. The piece is loved and performed upon numerous instruments including the guitar. The piece was one of Bach's cantatas written during his time at Weimar. It belongs to the cantata 'Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben' (Heart and Mouth and Deed and Life) and has been assigned BWV 147. 

Tips

This transcription is written in the key of G and is not overly difficult. I would place it around grade 3 to 4 Trinity College of London or Associated Board of the Royal School level classical guitar examinations. 

• Don't overplay the bass line
• Keep the melody prominent
• Remember that prominence can be achieved by playing one part softer rather than increasing the volume of the part that needs to be pronounced

I would advise the serious classical guitar student to consider purchasing the classical guitar sheet music with tabs that I have here on the website. My transcriptions have fingerings for both hands which can be a significant benefit to students that have problems trying to figure out which fingers to use where!

Let your fingers fly!