Ten Fingerstyle Etudes: Performance Notes
Ten Fingerstyle Etudes: Performance Notes
Ten Fingerstyle Etudes: Performance Notes
Performance Notes
The ʻetudeʼ or short study has long been a mainstay of classical guitar studies and provides the
opportunity for the student to focus on particular areas of technique through the study of short
melodic pieces. These exercises are generaly written with specific techniques or patterns in mind
and allow a dedicated study and practise of the essential elements of fingerstyle playing.
However, whilst there is a wealth of material for the contemporary steel string fingerstyle player to
learn, there arenʼt so many short technical studies that allow the player to hone one area. These
ten short melodic ʻetudesʼ will serve as essential technique builders and warm up exercises. Make
sure you approach each study slowly, understand the relevance of each picking hand pattern and
then slowly build up to the suggested speeds - and beyond!
Guide to Notation
All exercises are written in both standard notation and tablature. Suggested metronome markings
for you to work towards and also given with each exercise. The letters inbetween the tab and the
stave give the recommended picking hand fingerings as follows:
Suggested fretting hand fingers are also given - these can be found next to the note heads on the
stave with ʻ1ʼ being the index finger, ʻ2ʼ being the middle finger etc.
Fingering Example: