Etude 3, Op.60 by Matteo Carcassi - Grade 5 Classical Guitar Repertoire

A favored piece by many guitarists, this etude melds a beautiful harmonic progression with expressive use of a suspension-filled melody.


On a technical level the etude requires separation in the right hand of bass, melody, and accompaniment. Much of the melody will be played with the a finger so pay attention to the quality of your tone.


While there are a number of dynamic instructions provided on the score it will be the careful execution of melodic notes in each measure that will provide a finesse in this piece.

In general, the melody moves from a non-chordal tone to a chordal tone. This musical effect can be enhanced by making a small decrescendo between the two notes going from strong to weak.


Combining dynamics on this micro level and having a clear idea of a larger-scale dynamic plan will bring out the beauty in this etude.

The complete repertoire book is available as a spiral bound edition here:
Standard Notation:
TAB

or on Amazon:
Standard Notation
TAB

[citytechsarah]

Very expressive and melodic! But you need to smile more bro :-) you have the whole concert hall to yourself ... oh wait ...

[couerl]

I was quite good once like this, but haven't played in 20 years, long story.. I had forgotten completely about the Carcassi etudes, but remember Segrerras and Sor and Villa Lobos, Tarrega and Leo Brower. I ate those up as a kid and learned one every week just about. Between 15-20 I would get up and start playing and keep going until it was night-time, often forgetting to eat or drink, just read and work out fingering and then practice. These are all done quite well, thanks for the memories.

[claudiocruzat]

When I listen to the first 10 seconds I see the gardener looking to the housekeeper (woman) with bedroom eyes.

[livindadrm]

Beautiful interpretation. Love playing this etude. You have inspired me to be more creative regarding musicality. Cheers 🎶

[drdavid]

Another masterful performance of a great instructional piece! Enjoyable just listening to it, as well as providing an excellent demonstration to folks like myself of how this study should be played. I benefit greatly by paying close attention to your dynamics and subtleties of expression. Thanks again for these very helpful and enjoyable posts.

[johnedwinsnyder]

Beautifully played, Simon. This etude evokes a very special memory. It was in my recital in 1969. (A few years ago!)

[vincentthompson]

Incredibly beautiful piece masterfully performed.
Where can I find the music for this?

[hervecastre]

Great interpretation of this outstanding piece

[sulansb]

Beautiful piece & very well played, loved your performance

[markporter]

I heard every note and it was beautiful.
Thank you Simon.

[demolicionesdemexico]

Lovely perfomed, the Guitar? Who is the luthier? Barnet?

[coolrocknroll]

I'm curious . . do you recall how long it took you learn this tune, from being an absolute beginner on guitar?

[hunterbiden]

I play this sometimes. If this is what you have to perform then your like a needle in a haystack.

[ximoalberticelda]

Wondrous. Please, do you do apoyando with your a finger?

[tony]

Why is this considered grade 5, why not grade 2 or 3?