10 Essential Classical Works for Solo Guitar

The guitar has got to be one of the most adaptable of instruments. Hooked to an amplifier it is capable of knocking out power chords and filling a stadium with sound. In its classical acoustic form, on the other hand, it is one of the most intimate and soothingly sweet of instruments. Here are some of the most essential classical works for guitar, offering a glimpse into its more personal and lyrical side.

1. Johann Pachelbel—Canon in D

Classical guitar repertoire tends to fall into two genres, original works and transcriptions, i.e. works originally intended for another instrument but adapted to the guitar. The famous Canon by Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706), beloved of brides and grooms to be, is a great example of this—it just works so well on the instrument. We also have easy and difficult versions to choose from, so there is something for all levels to get their teeth into.

2. John Dowland —The Frog Galliard

The Frog Galliard by John Dowland (1563–1626) is the composer's most famous work for lute, though nowadays is just as often played on the guitar. A galliard is a popular courtly dance in triple meter, known for its lively, leaping steps. There has been much speculation about its title, but it may refer to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who was rumoured to have been nicknamed "the frog" by Queen Elizabeth I.

3. Ferdinando Carulli- Andantino in G Major

Ferdinando Carulli (1770-1841) was an Italian guitarist and composer of more than 400 works for the instrument. He also wrote one of the first guitar methods and other didactic works. This lovely Andantino is taken from his École de guitare, Op.241, published in 1825. It makes a great first solo work for an aspiring young guitarist.

4. Fernando Sor—Spanish Romance

Fernando Sor (1778–1839) was a prolific composer for guitar of the late classical and early romantic eras. This would be his most famous piece, only his authorship of it is uncertain, not least because it is so different to everything else he wrote. It is a marvellous piece, as evocative as Tárrega’s Recuerdos de la Alhambra, but much easier to play.

5. Beethoven—Moonlight Sonata, 1st Movement

The Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was, of course, originally written for piano. But its mysterious atmosphere transfers so well to the guitar—perhaps it's those repeating arpeggios, which feel so idiomatic on the instrument. So it's not surprising that it has long held our top spot as 8notes' most popular piece for the classical guitar.

6. Carcassi, Matteo - Prelude in D

Matteo Carcassi (1792–1853) was an Italian composer and guitar virtuoso. He wrote prolifically for the instrument, also publishing a still useful method for guitar (Op.59). This easy little prelude is taken from that method. An attractive piece in its own right, it is also a nice way to practise your arpeggio fingerpicking, a technique that will also transfer well to genres of pop music.

7. Francisco Tárrega—Recuerdos de la Alhambra

Recuerdos de la Alhambra (‘Memories of the Alhambra’) by Francisco Tárrega (1852–1909) is a brilliant evocation of Spain's most romantic moorish building. One of the most famous solo works for guitar, it is pretty tricky to play, consisting of a tremolo pattern throughout and some difficult left hand stretches.

8. Isaac Albéniz—Asturias (Leyenda)

You might be forgiven for thinking Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz (1860–1909) was one of the most important composers for guitar, so often are his works played on the instrument. In fact, he never wrote for guitar, all his pieces being transcriptions. Pieces like Asturias (Leyenda), which is steeped in the sounds of Spanish flamenco, demonstrate, however, his deep understanding of the Spanish folk idiom. As a result, they feel really do feel like they belong on the instrument.

9. Franciso Tárrega—Gran Valse (Nokia Ringtone)

Tarrega’s Gran Valse might not be on this list of the most famous classical guitar pieces, except for the fact that Nokia decided to use a short section of it as a ringtone, which then developed a life of its own, becoming the classic, uber, urtext and ultra-ubiquitous ringtone. Still, even without that association, it's a nice piece. But don’t be surprised to see an audience jump when you get to the Nokia bit.

10. Agustín Barrios Mangoré—La Catedral

Paraguayan composer Agustín Barrios Mangoré (1885–1944) was amongst the greatest performers and most prolific composers for guitar. La Catedral is his best known work. It is in three movements, a nostalgic Prelude (added to the other movements in 1938), a hymn-like Andante Religioso and a fast and technically demanding Allegro Solemne.