Ask any guitarist for the pieces that first made them fall in love with the instrument, and the same titles come up again and again. These are the melodies that show what the classical guitar does better than anything else: sing. Here are some of the most beautiful pieces ever written for it.
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Francisco Tárrega's shimmering tremolo study is, for many, the single most beautiful thing in the repertoire — a continuous melody floating over a rippling cascade of notes, evoking the fountains of the Alhambra. Read about Recuerdos →
Spanish Romance
The anonymous Romance — also known as Romanza or Jeux Interdits — is pure, wistful melody, and one of the first beautiful pieces most players ever learn. More on Spanish Romance →
The Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez
Joaquín Rodrigo's slow movement is one of the most famous melodies in all of music — a grieving, soaring theme passed between guitar and orchestra. Read about the Concierto de Aranjuez →
Capricho Árabe
Another Tárrega masterpiece: a richly Romantic, Moorish-tinged song of longing that is as gorgeous to hear as it is rewarding to play. Read about Capricho Árabe →
Gymnopédie No. 1
Erik Satie's gently floating piano piece sounds, if anything, even more beautiful on the guitar, whose soft decay suits its stillness perfectly. Read about Gymnopédie No. 1 →
Cavatina
Stanley Myers' theme from The Deer Hunter became one of the best-loved melodies ever written for the guitar — simple, tender and unforgettable. Read about Cavatina →
Un Día de Noviembre
Leo Brouwer's short, song-like piece is modern proof that the guitar can still break your heart in under four minutes. Read about Leo Brouwer →
Where to start
If you are new to the instrument, begin with Spanish Romance and Gymnopédie No. 1 — both are approachable and deeply beautiful. Then let Recuerdos and the Adagio of Aranjuez show you the heights the classical guitar can reach. For the wider picture, see our guide to the most famous classical guitar pieces.
