Spanish Guitar Songs for Guitar – Free Sheet Music and TABs
Ah, the passion and fire of Spanish guitar music! It heats the blood and stirs the senses. And to play Spanish music on guitar is a fun challenge. There are special techniques and movements. But very rewarding and fulfilling. Below you’ll find free sheet music and TABs to download, as well as more on Spanish guitar. Scroll down for PDFs of Spanish Guitar TABs and notation.
What is a “Spanish Guitar”?
Pierre-Auguste Renoir / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
The term “Spanish guitar” is used mainly in two ways. First, it refers to the instrument. This is also known as a classical guitar. The classical or Spanish guitar is an acoustic instrument made of wood by luthiers (guitar makers). And it has nylon strings. Traditionally, these strings were made of gut (animal intestine). These are the precursors to today’s steel-string acoustic guitar and electric guitar.
The classical (Spanish) guitar uses chords in songs to create layers of melody and harmony. It was derived from the Spanish vihuela and gittern (historic instruments) back in the 1400-1500s. Through the following centuries, it morphed into the Baroque guitar. And eventually, it became the classical or Spanish guitar we find so many people playing today.
Spanish Guitar Music
“Spanish guitar” also refers to a style of music from Spain. These songs (pieces) are written to play on classical guitars. And it often stems from the Flamenco guitar-playing tradition. Flamenco guitar uses the Spanish guitar scales (and Spanish guitar chords with strumming). to create a characteristic sound. We often instantly recognize this when we hear it played.
Many composers throughout Western Europe were influenced by Spanish guitar. For example, composers such as Scarlatti and Ravel have composed in the Spanish style. The Spanish sound has captured the hearts and creativity of players and listeners alike. And it has also been very influential on Latin music from the Americas (which Spain colonized). This is perhaps best heard in Argentinian tango.
For centuries throughout Europe, the term “Spanish” was used to refer to most anything sensual or evocative. This included (along with brothels and suggestive dances) guitar. So the phrase “Spanish guitar” is sometimes used in relationship to music that is not from Spain. But it is usually played on classical guitars.
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