Learning to play the guitar can be a daunting task, especially if you are a beginner. But what if you could start by learning the beautiful and expressive sound of the Spanish guitar?
With its distinctive sound and unique style, the Spanish guitar has captivated music lovers for centuries. And the good news is that you don’t have to be a seasoned player to start strumming some of your favorite Spanish guitar tunes.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the best Spanish guitar tabs for beginners, so you can start your guitar journey on the right note. Now, without wasting any further time, let’s get started.

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Spanish Guitar Tabs:

Spanish guitar music has captivated listeners for centuries with its distinct and emotive style. And for those who want to learn this genre, easy Spanish songs on guitar can be an excellent resource. 

Tabs are a form of sheet music that shows you where to place your fingers on the fretboard, indicating which strings to play and which to skip. But before delving into some easy Spanish guitar tabs for beginners, it’s essential to understand what makes this music unique and how to approach it.

Spanish Style Guitar Music:

One of the defining characteristics of Spanish guitar picking is its use of intricate rhythms and techniques. The style incorporates elements of flamenco, classical, and folk music, among others, resulting in a diverse and vibrant sound. 

To play spanish songs guitar convincingly, you’ll need to practice various techniques and strategies that are specific to the genre. These include right-hand techniques like rasgueado (strumming with the fingers) and tremolo (rapidly picking one note), as well as left-hand techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs.

• Spanish Romance (Romantic Spanish Guitar Tabs):

If you are just starting out with Spanish guitar music, then Spanish Romance is a great piece to start with. This traditional piece was written in the 19th century and has since become a fundamental study in Spanish guitar. Despite its popularity, nobody knows for sure who wrote it, although many of the major guitar composers of the time have been attributed to it.

Spanish Romance is a simple and elegant piece that is easy to learn, even for beginners. The spanish tablature is written in standard notation and tablature notation and is played in the key of E minor. The song has a moderate tempo and features a simple melody that is played on the high E string, as well as some basic chords.

To begin playing Spanish Romance, start by placing your first finger on the second fret of the high E string and playing the note. Then, place your third finger on the fifth fret of the same string and play the note. 

Here’s a detailed guide to Spanish Guitar Tabs East & Notes.

After that, place your second finger on the fourth fret of the B string and play the note. Repeat this pattern a few times until you feel comfortable with it.

The chords for the Spanish tab Romance are also easy to play. The first chord is E minor, which is played by placing your first and second fingers on the second frets of the A and D strings, respectively. 

The second chord is G major, which is played by placing your first finger on the third fret of the E string and your second finger on the third fret of the high E string.

As you become more comfortable with the basic melody and chords, you can add more elements to the song.

Video Tutorial For Spanish Romance

Here’s a video tutorial for Spanish Style Guitar Tab.

• Salamanca

Another great addition to your list of easy Spanish guitar tabs for beginners is Salamanca. While there is not a lot of information available about this traditional Spanish guitar tune, the melody is undoubtedly beautiful and familiar.

Playing Salamanca is relatively straightforward, and the tablature is easy to follow. The song is played in the key of A minor and features a simple yet haunting melody that is sure to captivate anyone who hears it.

To begin playing Salamanca, place your first finger on the second fret of the G string and play the note. Then, place your third finger on the fourth fret of the same string and play the note. 

Check out this guide to master Spanish guitar tabs.

After that, place your second finger on the third fret of the B string and play the note. Repeat this pattern a few times until you feel comfortable with it.

The chords for Salamanca are also relatively simple. The first chord is A minor, which is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the B string and your second finger on the second fret of the D string. 

The second chord is G major, which is played by placing your first finger on the third fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and your third finger on the third fret of the high E string.

Video Tutorial For Salamanca

Here’s a video tutorial to help you master Salamanca.

• Malagueñ

The third option on our list is Malagueña by Ernesto Lecuona. This piece was originally written for piano as part of Lecuona’s Suite Andalucia in 1933 but has since become a popular guitar piece played by instrumentalists worldwide.

Malagueña has a rich history and has been adapted for various performances by artists such as Stan Kenton, Roy Clark, and Carlos Montoya. Montoya’s adaptation of classical guitar is particularly noteworthy and has become a favorite among guitarists.

The song has a distinctly Spanish flavor and is characterized by its energetic rhythm and fast-paced melody. To play Malagueña, you will need to master fingerpicking techniques and learn to play the song’s intricate chord progressions.

The tablature for Malagueña is relatively easy to follow, and with consistent practice, you will be able to play the song with ease. The song’s chord progression is based on the Flamenco scale and is played in the key of A minor.

To start playing Malagueña, begin by placing your first finger on the second fret of the G string and play the note. Then, place your second finger on the third fret of the B string and play the note. 

After that, place your third finger on the fourth fret of the high E string and play the note. Repeat this pattern a few times until you feel comfortable with it.

Video Tutorial For Malagueña

Check out this video to get better at Malagueña.

• Cielito Lindo

Another easy Spanish guitar tab that you should add to your collection is Cielito Lindo. This traditional Mexican folk song was popularized in 1882 by Quirino Mendoza de Cortés and has since become one of the most famous Spanish songs in the world.

The song originated with a verse about being frightened to travel through the Sierra Morena mountains of Spain because of bandits, a theme that was all too real for many people during that time. 

However, over the years, Cielito Lindo has taken on a more lighthearted and celebratory tone and is now played and sung by everyone from mariachi bands to soccer fans.

The tablature for Cielito Lindo is easy to follow and is played in the key of C major. The song features a simple melody that is played on the high E and B strings, as well as some basic chords.

To begin playing Cielito Lindo, start by placing your first finger on the first fret of the B string and playing the note. Then, place your third finger on the third fret of the same string and play the note. After that, place your second finger on the second fret of the high E string and play the note. Repeat this pattern a few times until you feel comfortable with it.

The chords for Cielito Lindo are also easy to play. The first chord is C major, which is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the third fret of the A string. 

The second chord is G major, which is played by placing your first finger on the second fret of the A string, your second finger on the third fret of the high E string, and your third finger on the third fret of the B string.

Video Tutorial For Cielito Lindo

Here’s a tutorial to play Cielito Lindo.

• Entre dos Aguas

If you’re looking to expand your list of easy Spanish guitar songs tabs, Entre dos Aguas is a must-learn piece. This song, which translates to Between Two Waters, was written and performed by the legendary Spanish guitarist, Paco de Lucia, in 1973.

Entre dos Aguas is a great example of the flamenco rumba style, which combines elements of flamenco with Latin American music. The song’s tablature is available online, with many versions to choose from. However, the most straightforward arrangement is the best one to start with.

The song is divided into several sections, each of which teaches a different technique, style, or genre. For instance, the main melody of the first section consists of a series of scale passages combined with a fast and exciting cadenza. To play this section well, you’ll need to master your fingerpicking and strumming techniques.

Another prominent feature of Entre dos Aguas is the Andalusian cadence. This chord sequence is common in Spanish music and helps to give the song its unique Spanish flavor. By learning this cadence, you’ll be able to add a Spanish touch to your own guitar playing.

Video Tutorial For Entre dos Aguas

Make sure to watch this video to learn Entre dos Aguas.

• One-Note Samba

If you’re looking for a slightly different flavor of easy Spanish guitar tabs, then Antonio Carlos Jobim’s One-Note Samba is an excellent option. While technically a Brazilian jazz piece, the song’s smooth and sultry sound is sure to transport you to the heart of Spain.

Jobim was a prolific Brazilian composer who was instrumental in popularizing the bossa nova style of music in the 1950s and 1960s. One-Note Samba is one of his most famous pieces and is renowned for its unique rhythm and catchy melody.

Learning the tablature for One-Note Samba is a great way to improve your rhythmic skills and explore the world of Brazilian jazz. While the piece may be a little more challenging than some of the other songs on this list, an intermediate version of the song is available online.

Jake Reichbart and Walter Rodrigues Jr. have created a great intermediate version of One-Note Samba that is both fun and challenging to play. With its intricate fingerpicking patterns and complex chord progressions, this version of the song is sure to push you to become a better player.

Video Tutorial For One-Note Samba

Here’s a video tutorial for One-Note Samba.

Tips for Mastering Spanish Guitar Tabs

Once you have your collection of easy Spanish fingerstyle guitar tabs, it’s time to start practicing. Here are some tips to help you master these songs:

Practice techniques and strategies: 

Practicing efficiently and effectively is crucial to mastering any instrument, and the same holds true for Spanish guitar tabs. One useful technique is chunking, which involves breaking a song down into small, manageable sections and focusing on each one until you have it mastered. 

For example, you might work on just the first few measures of a song until you can play them smoothly, then move on to the next section. 

Repetition is another important strategy for reinforcing muscle memory and building fluency in your playing. Practice each section of the song repeatedly until you can play it smoothly without mistakes.

Importance of finger placement and posture: 

When playing guitar, proper finger placement and posture are essential for producing good sound and avoiding injury. 

Make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly on the strings in the correct position for each chord or note. You should also maintain a relaxed posture with your shoulders down and back, and your wrists in a neutral position. 

This will help prevent strain on your hands and arms, allowing you to play for longer periods without discomfort.

Resources for learning Beginner Easy Spanish guitar tabs: 

There are many resources and tools available to help you learn and master classic Spanish guitar tabs. Online tutorials and videos can be a great way to get started, and there are many guitar tab apps and websites that provide easy access to tabs for a wide variety of songs. 

Music books can also be a helpful resource, providing a wealth of information on technique, theory, and repertoire. Consider taking lessons with a qualified instructor to receive personalized guidance and feedback on your playing.

Read Also: Easy spanish guitar songs lessons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Spanish guitar called?

The Spanish guitar is also known as the classical guitar or the nylon-string guitar. It is a stringed musical instrument that originated in Spain in the 16th century.

Is the Spanish guitar different from a normal guitar?

Yes, the Spanish guitar is different from the standard acoustic or electric guitar. It has a wider neck and a flat fretboard, which allows for fingerpicking and complex chord progressions. The strings on a Spanish guitar are made of nylon, giving it a unique sound.

Why is it called a Spanish guitar?

The Spanish guitar is called so because it originated in Spain in the 16th century. It became popular in Spain and was used in many traditional Spanish musical styles, such as flamenco and classical music.

Why is the Spanish guitar famous?

The Spanish guitar is famous for its unique sound, which is characterized by its warm and mellow tones. It is a versatile instrument that is used in many different styles of music, including flamenco, classical, and Latin American music.

Is Spanish guitar hard to learn?

Learning to play the Spanish guitar can be challenging, but it is not necessarily harder than learning to play other instruments. It requires dedication, practice, and patience. 

However, with the right resources and guidance, beginners can start playing simple songs relatively quickly.

Is Spanish guitar good for beginners?

The Spanish guitar can be a good choice for beginners who are interested in learning to play classical, flamenco, or Latin American music. It is an instrument that can be played solo or in an ensemble, and it can provide a good foundation for learning other styles of guitar playing as well. 

However, it is important to find a teacher or online resources that are specifically geared toward beginner Spanish guitar players.

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References:

• Usher T. The Spanish guitar in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries //The Galpin Society Journal. – 1956. – С. 5-36.
• Burns A. M., Bel S., Traube C. Learning to play the guitar at the age of interactive and collaborative Web technologies //Proceedings from Sound and Music Computing Conference. – 2017. – С. 77-84.