Leyenda is a searchable database of graded classical guitar pieces.
The best way to browse the site is by using the search bar, which will search over all the fields of the piece. For example, entering "intermediate" shows all the pieces that we have graded as intermediate.
We grade each piece for an overall skill level and also for specific skills that the piece uses. We also include other sources of grading such as the RCM and Suzuki method books when the piece can be found in the relevant collections.
We also grade specific skills necessary for the piece. The symbols , , , and are used to denote how much the piece exercises the given skill, with meaning not at all, and that the piece exercises that skill extensively.
Beginner
Beginner pieces are intended for students who are first starting. They usually contain simple one-voice melodies or melodies with a simple bass line or accompaniment, and they work only one or two techniques at a time. It is expected that the student understand how to read notes in at least the first position.
Advanced Beginner
Advanced beginner pieces are intended for students who have basic finger mobility and usually consist of a simple melody with a bass line or accompaniment. The student is expected to understand how to read notes beyond first position. Most pieces in this level consist of notes up to the third position.
Intermediate
Intermediate pieces require combining a few skills and mostly contain at least two voices with more voicing complexity. Right hand fingerings tend to be more complex, utilizing various combinations of p, i, m, a. The student is expected to have completed at least the easier studies of Giuliani's 120 Right Hand Studies and should have already started working on Tennant's Pumping Nylon finger independence exercises or the equivalent. The student is expected to understand how to read notes in all positions.
Advanced Intermediate
Advanced intermediate pieces may have multiple sections, sometimes requiring different skills, with passages that might be challenging and require dedicated practice. The student is expected to have completed at least half of Giuliani's 120 Right Hand Studies and completed at least most of Tennant's Pumping Nylon finger independence exercises or the equivalent. The student is also expected to have proficiency in reading notes in all positions. These pieces may also be suitable for early studies of a conservatory student.
Advanced
Advanced pieces require proficiency in most techniques and are usually longer. They typically have multiple sections and require a lot of dedicated practice. Voicing tends to be intricate. The student is expected to have completed Giuliani's 120 Right Hand Studies or the equivalent before attempting pieces at this level. These pieces typically require finger independence proficiency; the student is expected to have completed all of the finger independence exercises in Tennant's Pumping Nylon or the equivalent. These pieces are usually suitable for the conservatory student or advanced high school student.
Virtuosic
Virtuosic pieces are very difficult pieces that showcase various aspects of technique along with sophisticated musicality. These pieces are most suitable for students in their graduate studies or finals years of conservatory study, or for professionals.
Scales
Passages with consecutive stepwise motion of at least five notes.
Shifting
Moving the left hand from one position to another, mid-passage, with no rest between notes.
Chord Transitioning
Arpeggiated or block chords, that require transitioning in the left hand from one chord to another without a rest in between.
Right Hand Arpeggios
Any broken chord pattern with a static left hand.
Left Hand Arpeggios
Arpeggios that involve chord tones played in consecutive ascending or descending order for an octave or more.
Finger Independence
Independent movement of left hand fingers in opposing directions.
Slurs
Hammer-ons and pull-offs.
Bass Stopping
Requirement of stopping bass notes with p finger to prevent the overlap of ringing bass notes.
Tremolo
Fast p-a-m-i right hand technique to emulate indefinite sustain.
Harmonics
High pitched tones produced by lightly touching a string at specific places (where the nodes of the wave vibrating on the string are).
Extended Techniques
Use of any sound production technique on guitar beyond plucking and harmonics, e.g. tambora, pizzicato, golpe, etc.
