Easy Pieces for Guitar Groups and Soloists
These easy pieces are designed to be (initially) taught by rote and memorised … the idea is to have fun playing and to cater for all pupils regardless of whether they are striving to learn to read music or not. The melodies are largely designed to be played in first or second position on strings 1 and 2. In some cases, string 3 is also used and other positions are needed, but you can see from the preview which these are. I have avoided awkward string crossing and generally you only need to change strings between phrases if it is required at all. Melodies are given in standard notation with fret numbers marked over the notes. String numbers appear below the stave.
In some cases the chords are relatively easy to play for beginners, but check the key of the piece first if you have in mind for a pupil to play the chords rather than the melody. Bass lines could also be played / improvised on a bass guitar and drums / percussion can be added ad lib to make the whole experience more interesting. Two copies are provided with each piece so that you have chord diagrams for both right-handed and left-handed players. I am gradually including optional bass parts in addition to the two chord and melody sheets.
I have recently added a set of solo pieces to this category, which is an area I might develop.
Beryl’s Blues
This piece includes parts for two guitars with the first part being entirely on the first string and the second part being entirely on the second string. It can be played in first or second...
The Tune With No Name
The melody can be played in first or second position; it is marginally easier in 2nd position. Fret numbers are given above the notes and string numbers indicated underneath. A bass part can be...
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
Part 1 can be played entirely on the first string and part 2 on the second string. A bass part can be played on open strings although a more experienced player could be more adventurous. The more...
Browse Music
Scores
Spy in the Pie
This piece uses chords that have the same shape, so it is useful for pupils having difficulty with finger placement when moving from one chord to another. The melody uses 1st and 2nd strings but is...
Beryl’s Blues
This piece includes parts for two guitars with the first part being entirely on the first string and the second part being entirely on the second string. It can be played in first or second...
A Froggy Day
This is an opportunity to introduce your pupils to the 'slap' ie. pulling the string away from the fret board so that it slaps back against it when released. Also there is a little bit of leaping...
Öresund Reggae
This is a little tricky and requires some crossing of strings mid-phrase. The melody is entirely in 1st position and a bass part can be improvised on open strings. Fret numbers are indicated above...
Double Trouble
Once your pupils have mastered the scale of G major on strings 1 – 3, this is a great piece for practising moving up and down the scale. It also reinforces the basic note values of semibreve (whole...
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
Part 1 can be played entirely on the first string and part 2 on the second string. A bass part can be played on open strings although a more experienced player could be more adventurous. The more...
Butterflies
These four solo pieces are aimed at young guitarists at around UK grades 1 – 3 standard. The initial idea for them came from the fact that I needed more material to develop my pupils' ability to...
Melody Marvel
Melody Marvel is a bit more challenging than some of the other pieces; players need to be able to find their way round some different positions on 1st and 2nd strings and also get to grips with the...
Funky Fish
This piece with two guitar parts has a bit of a Latin feel. The melody can be played in first or second position and switches between first and second strings. The second part (which can be left...
Dooby Doo-Wop Dinosaurs
The chords in this piece are very simple, each one requiring only one finger, the idea being that even the most elementary players can participate in an ensemble. The melody is a bit more...
Jam Pot Jam
This should be played at a steady pace and provides an opportunity for young players to move around the fretboard without too great a challenge. Moving between the chords of C and G can be tricky...
Two Trains
Two Trains is for absolute beginners. Once a pupil can play a couple of notes on the 1st string, they can join in with the melody line. There is a second part on string two for those that have...
Flamenco Fun
This piece is for very young beginners who are just starting to control putting fingers down on a fret (and possibly struggling a bit with too-high action!). It just requires first finger on the...
The Tune With No Name
The melody can be played in first or second position; it is marginally easier in 2nd position. Fret numbers are given above the notes and string numbers indicated underneath. A bass part can be...