Aranjuez Adagio Guitar Lesson
Aranjuez Adagio guitar lesson will help you learn this amazing classical guitar masterpiece. From bonus lessons on scales, slurs, and its story; to phrase by phrase videos. This Aranjuez Adagio guitar lesson will help you learn and play Rodrigo’s most famous guitar concerto.
Aranjuez Adagio Inspiration
Below is a video that will show, and tell, you all about where Rodrigo got his inspiration from for this concerto. And no, it was not his son dying. Scarlatti is there, as are the Bourbons. Click play and dive into the story of this piece.
Aranjuez Adagio Scales
There are only 3 scales in this section, two long, one short. These are easily achievable at the speed this section moves at – 44 BPM. So take it slow, learn the fingers first, then do speed bursts. If you are new to this, there are links at the bottom of the page for Etude No. 7 by Villa-Lobos which will show you how to practice scales for speed.
Slurs & Trills
So in order to pull the Adagio off, you will need to be able to slur, and trill, well. This lesson is designed to isolate the fingers you need to play Rodrigio’s slur ideas. A bit of extra practice, up and down your fretboard, will help you nail the slurs within the Adagio section.
Aranjuez Adagio Guitar Lesson 1
We kick things off with those famous opening chords, and a B minor tonal centre. Remember to pull back on the neck, do not squeeze.
Aranjuez Adagio Guitar Lesson 2
That opening phrase with all of its improvisatory melisma and pathos. This video will guide you through all the left-hand fingering, and hacks you need to nail this phrase. Please note that I have augmented the music, to make it easier to understand. Way too many beams in that original score.
Aranjuez Adagio Guitar Lesson 3
Chords part 2 here. These are slightly tricky, as Rodrigo has composed music for his Adagio, not guitar music. So you will need a little extra practice to get the shifts between chords fluid. Not difficult at all, just time and patience.
Aranjuez Adagio Guitar Lesson Reference
Below is the John Williams video that I have used as a reference for my main fingering ideas. These are by no means the only options, but I mean you can’t argue with them – much. I have changed some of his ideas, though, as I would not necessarily play things like that. I suggest you experiment with these and find your own path.
Fast Scales Extra Practice
Below are some extra lessons that will definately help you get your scales up to the 176 BPM you need, triples mainly, for the scales found in Aranjuez Adagio.
Want more?
Consider joining up to our community here at CGRocks. This lesson was requested both from this community, and the Youtube guitar community. So if you want to be first in on this sort of classical guitar lesson action. Say hello with an email, or on Youtube – click picture below.
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