Villa-Lobos
The #villalobos12in12 challenge: all twelve études in Rhayn's own learning sequence, prestudies ahead of each Approaching lesson, plus the five Preludes.
"There is a best sequence for learning them and it is (level is intermediate to advanced): 6, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (linking study as it is music as well) 8, 7, 9, (these are pro level concert pieces next) 10, 11, 12."
Why should I learn Villa-Lobos?
This music is some of the most challenging in the classical guitar repertoire — and also the most beautiful. I can't not play Prelude 1, 3 or 5. Étude 1 is amazing, but have you heard the lush harmony of étude 10, or seen what étude 11 does for your tremolo technique? The Preludes are pieces every guitarist should play through at least once; the études really should be an everyday affair, at least some of them. They'll also introduce you to Villa-Lobos' musical language — a lot of the ideas in the études resurface in the Preludes, the Choros and the Concerto, so learning them gives you insight into the landscape each piece was formed from.
A new way to learn
This approach to the 12 études is probably new to you — but don't just "play" through them. Think of them as tools: pick the right one for the section of music or technique you want to push, then break it down into micro studies. Each one already has a study guide and a series of videos walking through every section — all you need to do is grab your guitar and learn.
From the comments
Thank you very much for this very useful, fantastic, titanic work on the 12 études of Villa-Lobos, explained simply and with very clear tablature. You did an outstanding job. The web will never be grateful to you enough.
Thank you very much, the videos are helping me through the piece.
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.
No systematic way to practice?
Whatever is stopping you, you are not starting a curriculum. You are finishing the one piece you are stuck on.
With the Micro Study System and the CGRocks community behind you, you are not alone.
Join the CGRocks community on PatreonThe 12-in-12 ladder
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! Start here with this full series into all 12 of these amazing studies.
Advanced Studies
5 Preludes
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, highlighting the fingers and hacks you need to get the music off the page and onto your fretboard. These are staples for any serious classical guitarist. Learn all five, or just one — this music is worth the time and effort either way.
5 Preludes Guitar Lessons
Below is my take on the pathway through these Preludes. Just jump in and follow from where you feel you are.
