Modern and Classical Fingerstyle Solos

"First Solo" by Isaac Gish

Song #10 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

First, listen to the song on Youtube.  If this is your first fingerstyle solo, here's a guide to help you approach it.  This song only uses one finger on the left hand a time, then a simple right hand pattern that repeats throughout the song. 

"Distant Lights" by Isaac Gish

Song #8 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

First, listen to the song on Youtube.  This somber/dramatic melody really appeals to students in need of some music with a unique mood to it.   It's relatively simple, staying in first position most of the time.

"Ashen Sky" by Isaac Gish

Song #11 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

First, listen to the song on Youtube.  This somber/dramatic melody really appeals to students in need of some music with a unique mood to it.   It's relatively simple, staying in first position most of the time.

"Allegretto in A" by Matteo Carcassi

Song #14 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

This light-hearted classical melody is perfect for learning pull-offs as well as for learning to play in 2nd position.   

Study in A Minor

Song #13 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

First, watch the recording here.   The arrangement here is only half of the full song since I intended it to be a short and easy lesson for new players.  If you watch the recording and decide you want the 2nd half as well, it' not too hard to find the sheet music online with a quick google search.

Go slow on this one at first, since the transitions from one measure to the next are not always easy.

"Sicilliano" by Matteo Carcassi

Song #1 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

First, listen to the song on youtube to help you with the rhythm. This is possibly the easiest solo fingerstyle piece I've come across, which is why it is the first song in the book.  

"Somberland Views" by Isaac Gish

Song #28 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

First, listen to the song on youtube.  This dramatic solo is relatively simple if you watch the fingerings carefully.  I've crafted it so that it doesn't require too much left hand movement, but just be sure to watch the finger markings carefully.

"De España" by Isaac Gish

Song #26 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

First, listen to the song on youtube to help you with the rhythm.   This song is usually one of my students' favorites.  Use a capo on the 2nd fret if you want to sound like the recording.

"Andantino" by Ferdinando Carulli

Song #25 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

First, listen to the song on youtube.  The rhythm is pretty straightforward.  Play close attention to the right hand fingerings.  You'll want to shift to different positions at various parts of the song to make the music sound it's very best.   As far as classical music goes, this one is a lot of fun, and even appeals to those who don't initially like classical guitar songs.  

Allegro - by Mauro Giuliani

Song #24 from  "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

Allegro literally translates to "fast and lively".   However, you'll want to start off slow.   Really slow.  Also, be sure to watch the fingerings very closely.

Like all these songs, if there is a video available, you should watch it first.  Here's a link to a video performance of the song.    Students love the intense and fast nature of this classical piece.  

"Silent Night" - Arranged by Isaac Gish

Song #44 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

First, listen to the song on youtube.   You'll notice that the timing is a bit different than the standard version, with the melodic phrases ending on off-beats instead of on beats.  

Watch the fingerings carefully.  Also, although you're more than likely going to be using the tabs, keep an eye on the sheet music so you know which bass notes should be held out for the full measure.

"Greensleeves" - Arranged by Isaac Gish

Song #37 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

There's no recording on this one yet, so do your best with the sheet music and your ear.  I'll do a recording sometime down the line.  This classic melody has bee

This song uses a full F barre chord, so you'll want to know some barre chords on the 6th string before attempting this one.  

"Romanza" - By Anonymous 

Song #45 from "Fingerstyle Solos: Deluxe Compilation".  

First, watch the live video of the performance.  There are a few different versions of this song out there, with slight differences.  You'll notice this video and the sheet music have a small difference at the end.

This song also requires players to be able to play barre chords on the 6th string, so wait until you can play those before attempting this one.

"Yesterday" - John Lennon and Paul McCartney

This song is beloved worldwide.  There's no recording of this arrangement yet, so do your best with the sheet music and using your ear.  

To play this song successfully, you'll need be be able to barre on occasion.   Watch the repeat signs carefully as well, so you can get the structure right.