Level 4 · Musician · 20 min
Play for a listener
By the end you can begin a piece, continue after a hesitation and mark its ending for a listener.
Before this lesson
Lesson steps
1 A starting routine
Settle the guitar in your usual position before looking at the listener.
4 min
Check for · Both hands can leave the strings briefly without holding up the instrument.
More detail
Use the same order for the chair and support as in your practice sessions.
2 The breath
Let one calm exhalation pass before the opening bass.
4 min
Check for · The opening bass begins after the exhalation at your chosen tempo.
More detail
Hear the first group of eighth notes internally while preparing.
3 A recovery point
Resume at the start of the displayed excerpt after a deliberate interruption.
4 min · Quarter note = 44, 1 note per click
Check for · You play the first two bars of the landmark without going back to the start of the piece.
More detail
Stopping here is a recovery drill. On the next take carry on to the chosen ending.
4 A take at home
Record the complete Aguado lesson in one take.
4 min
Revisit the tablature · Step 2
Rhythm variations
Check for · The take includes the first note, the last note and the silence after it.
More detail
A recording gives you a beginning and an end. Continuing after a slip takes practice. Listening back reveals changes in pulse. Select “Complete piece” to see the full tab.
5 Play for one listener
Play the piece for someone you trust through its final resonance.
4 min
Rhythm variations
Check for · You let the last sound die away before lowering your hands.
More detail
If nobody is available, use the previous recording to rehearse the opening. Complete the check with a listener. Select “Complete piece” to see the full tab.
You can move on when…
You pass when you go from the first to the last sound for one listener, recovering at a landmark if needed.
If a movement feels difficult
You start faster in front of the listener.
Hear the first four eighth notes at your tempo before starting.
You stop to explain a slip.
Resume from the next landmark you can hear internally.