INTRODUCTION

Estudio in E minor by Francisco Tárrega is a true gem. It sounds great, isn't too hard, and it's over quite quickly - therefore it fall's into my favourite category of 'Pieces that can make you sound much better than you actually are!'

Jokes aside this is a great piece for those of you in the early stages of guitar playing. I would hazard at a guess that it is around the Grade 3 or 4 level for the ARSM or TCL exams.

Performance Points

• try my suggested fingering to make the shift to the B7 chord easier and smoother
• experiment with crescendo/diminuendo
• try different tones
• work on preparing the left-hand fingers in advance where possible
• learn the sections where guide finger(s) can be used effectively to improve transitions
• relax when attempting the big 5 fret stretch in section B and keep the thumb in a good position at the back of the neck
• try picking the harmonics at the end near the bridge for a clearer and brighter tone