Even if you think you’ve never heard Ernesto Lacuona’s “Malagueña,” you’ll probably recognize it. “Malagueña” is one of several movements in Lacuona’s larger work Suite Andalucía, originally published in 1933. He borrowed extensively from traditional Spanish folk music, even for the name (malagueñas are a style of flamenco). So even if you’ve never heard this specific piece, the vibe will definitely remind you of flamenco in general.
“Malagueña,” originally written for piano, was adapted for guitar by flamenco guitarist Sabicas in 1957, and since then it has become a standard for anyone learning fingerstyle guitar. In fact, it’s so popular, that trying to research anything about the traditional form of flamenco of the same name is almost impossible because the top several hundred search results all have something to do with the Sabicas arrangement.
That’s my subtle way of telling you that I don’t have anything else to say about “Malaguena” or the the flamenco style that inspired it. On to the playing tips!
“Malagueña” Playing Tips
I’m including both a Level 1 and a Level 2 arrangement for “Malagueña.” The song features what is essentially a drone note – a note that plays in the background of the entire piece that lays a sort of harmonic foundation for other notes to build on. For “”Malagueña,” that note is the open A string. It is plucked three times per measure, in between the main notes of the melody.
The Level 1 arrangement leaves out the A drone so that you can get the hang of the melody. Once you have that down, switch over to the Level 2 to incorporate the A string. Once you have both down, you’ll be primed to take on the entire original piece if you ever take up playing guitar. The drone will be on the low E string instead of the high A, but much of the rest will be familiar.
“Malagueña” is a fingerstyle piece. You’re welcome to try to alternate-pick the arrangement, but it is far more efficient to alternate between your thumb to pluck the melody and your index or middle finger to pluck the A. Your thumb plucks down, and your finger plucks up, creating an alternate picking pattern with your fingers.
Click the link or the ‘Download’ button below to see the sheet music if your browser doesn’t display the embedded PDF. The Level 2 version of the song is the bottom download button. Happy picking!
“Malagueña” Level 1 Low G Sheet Music Download
“Malagueña” Level 2 Low G Sheet Music Download
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