Villa-Lobos Guitar Lessons – welcome to the only place on the web to learn all the amazing works Heitor Villa-Lobos left behind. I will help you step through each etude, or prelude, you wish to learn; and go even further, by pushing you to learn all 12 IN 1 YEAR!

Why should I learn Villa-Lobos?

This music is some of the most challenging in the classical guitar repertoire. But also the most beautiful. I can’t – not – play Prelude 3, 1 or 5. Etude 1 is amazing, but have you heard the lush harmony of etude 10; or seen the improvement of your tremolo technique from etude 11. The preludes are pieces that all guitarists should have played through at least once. The 12 etudes really should be an everyday affair, at least some of them. These will also introduce you to Villa-Lobos’ musical language. A lot of the ideas contained in the etudes, surface in the preludes, the choros, and his concerto. This gives you an extra bit of insight into the landscape each piece was formed from.

Structure to Villa-Lobos Guitar Lessons – 12 etudes

These Villa-Lobos guitar lessons are finely structured around micro studies, you will help you learn each section of the piece fully. But more than that, you will understand why you are learning it. This ‘small chunk’ way of learning will improve your technique, and understanding of it. It will. Mine did, and so has every other guitarists that have taken to learning these etudes like this. You only play the bits you need to. Below is an outline of all 12 etudes. It highlights which are the master studies, which are the concert pieces, and which are extras. 

A new way to learn

This approach to the 12 Etudes is probably a new way for you; but don’t just “play” through them. Think of them as equipment or tools, they will help you improve all areas of your guitar playing. You pick the right tool for the job, or the right section of music, and then break it down into micro studies to push the technique you want.

I have already done the hard work for you. Each one of these great works has been placed into a handy study guide, with a series of accompanying videos. That explain all the sections in each guide. All you need to do is grab your guitar and learn.

And I am going to show you how to do this. But don’t take my word for it. Check out the comments below. These guitarists have already done what you are about to.

Do I Play the Whole Etude?

I want to dispel a myth here. You do not need to play the entire study, unless you wish too. In fact, I am going to show you how to break up a few of them, think of them as master etudes, into smaller chunks that will push, improve, and strengthen your guitar technique.

In fact, it is possible to play etude 1 – 6 as a super study, only selecting the challenging bits, to really warm up your hands, and push your technique. So as an entry into the wonderful world of Villa-Lobos, and as a freebie to get you started, below is a link to the FREE guide for etude 1 – 6 condensed.

Etude 1 to 6 Condensed

This video will help you understand what I am doing in each section of this super-duper study. This simple act of working different parts of your technique, with music, in a structured manner, will help you make technical gains on the fretboard.

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Etude 6

Etude 1

Etude 2

Etude 3

Etude 4

Etude 5

Advanced Studies

Etude 7

Etude 8

Etude 9

Etude 10

Etude 11

Etude 12

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The 5 preludes are beautiful homages to Brazilian music, culture, and life. Oh! And bach! Villa-Lobos loved Bach, and his ideas. Each study guide, and its accompanying video series, will help you learn each one of in our Villa-Lobos guitar lessons. Highlighting the fingers, and hacks, you need to get the music out of the page and onto your fretboard. These are considered staples for any serious classical guitarist. Learn all five, or just one, it doesn’t matter. This music is worth the time and effort you will be spending learning it.

5 Preludes Guitar Lessons

Below is my take on the pathway through these amazing Villa-Lobos preludes. Just jump in and follow from where you feel you are.

Prelude 1

Prelude 2

Prelude 3