"Romance" is a classic Spanish guitar piece composed by Spanish guitarist and composer Antonio Jimenez Manjon in 1928. It has become a staple of classical guitar repertoire and is one of the most beloved and recognizable pieces for the instrument. Here is a guide on how to play Romance on guitar:
1. Tuning:
Make sure your guitar is in standard tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4).
2. Basic Chords:
The main chords used in "Romance" are:
- G major (G B D)
- C major (C E G)
- D major (D F# A)
- Em minor (E G B)
- Am minor (A C E)
3. Fingerpicking Pattern:
The right-hand fingerpicking pattern for "Romance" is:
thumb (p) > index (i) > middle (m) > ring (a)
The thumb plays the bass note, while the index, middle, and ring fingers play the melody notes.
4. Strumming Pattern:
There are two main strumming patterns used in the piece.
- 1st Pattern: Down (D), Up (U)
- 2nd Pattern: Down (D), Up (U), Down (D), Down-Up (DU)
5. Melody Notes:
The melody notes for "Romance" are played on the first, second, and third strings.
6. Practicing:
- Practice the basic chords until finger placement is comfortable.
- Practice the fingerpicking pattern slowly, paying attention to accuracy.
- Gradually increase the tempo and practice transitioning between chords smoothly.
- Practice the strumming patterns on their own until you can do them consistently.
- Combine the chords, melody, and strumming patterns together and slowly build up speed.
7. Expression and Dynamics:
"Romance" is known for its emotional and expressive nature. Pay attention to the dynamics of the piece and vary your picking pressure to create a dynamic performance.
8. Enjoy!
"Romance" is a beautiful piece that, when played well, will capture hearts and impress your audience. Take your time, practice diligently, and enjoy the process of learning this timeless work of art.