Transcription
Asturias, originally composed for the piano by the Spaniard, Isaac Albeniz (I860 - 1909), s a typical example of a transcription, meaning to arrange the piece for a different nstrument. The guitar relies heavily on transcriptions by nature of its small repertoire, and t is advisable for the student to study the original version, both music manuscript and recordings, wherever possible.
The following piece is entirely in the fifth position apart from the fourth to last bar where it temporarily uses the first position (marked I) before returning to V.
Remember to remain in the fifth position as the open B notes are played and use p to play bass notes on $.
The following studies by the great Spanish guitarist, Francisco Tarrega, are excellent for demonstrating smooth shifts between the first, second and fifth positions. Both studies use Bars and half-Bars and a number of guide fingers as indicated i.e. 2-2 etc.. Practice using rest strokes on the notes marked V throughout the pieces.
Niccolo Paganini, the renown 19th century violinist, also played the guitar and wrote extensively for the instrument.
This short Andantino demonstrates many of the techniques so far learned such as guides, round arpeggios, grace notes and position shifts.
