Lágrima by Francisco Tárrega – Beginner Fingerstyle Classical Guitar Tutorial

Ever wanted to play Francisco Tárrega’s haunting “Lágrima” but felt fingerstyle was out of reach? Here’s some good news: this piece is iconic for a reason—it’s short, dripping with emotion, and surprisingly approachable for early classical guitarists. Still, the beauty hides some tricky moments, especially for those new to fingerstyle. Turns out, even the simplest melody can tie your fingers in knots if you don’t have the right roadmap. This beginner-focused step-by-step tutorial will walk through each section of Lágrima, pairing clear fingerstyle technique with downloadable tab and a video walkthrough. Whether you’re picking up a nylon-string for the first time, or searching for a manageable classical guitar challenge, you’ll learn how to tackle the technical bumps (bars 5–7, harmonics) and make this miniature masterpiece actually sound musical. Let’s get started—Lágrima is closer than you think.

What You Need to Play Lágrima – Tárrega Fingerstyle Tutorial

Lágrima sounds its best on a classical or nylon-string guitar, but don’t let gear stop you—any well-setup acoustic will get the job done for practice. The softer response and wider neck of a classical guitar suit fingerstyle playing and help beginners avoid finger cramps, but plenty have learned Lágrima on steel-string models in living rooms and bedrooms everywhere. The thing is, it’s about your technique, not just the guitar.

Guitar and Setup Recommendations

A classical guitar with nylon strings is ideal for the warm, singing tone this piece deserves. If that’s not available, a steel-string acoustic will work—just play gently and watch your right-hand touch. Some find using a footstool or guitar support greatly improves posture and frees the hands for fingerstyle passages. Sit straight, rest the guitar on your left leg (for classical position), and keep both feet flat on the floor or on a support. You won’t need fancy gear, but comfortable seating and stable posture make tough transitions easier, especially as you start learning Lágrima’s fingerstyle patterns.

• Classical (nylon-string): preferred for tone and comfort
• Steel-string: works for learning, just play lightly
• Footstool/guitar support: recommended for posture but optional
• Seating: armless chair or classical position helps right-hand accuracy

Tab and Video Resources

Most beginners learn fastest with a clear, accurate tab paired with a step-by-step video demonstration. Download a highly rated Lágrima tab, and sync it with a reputable video lesson. Rock Class 101 offers a free Lágrima tab with a walkthrough. For visual learners, GuitarTricks hosts a detailed ten-part Lágrima video tutorial by Christopher Schlegel, breaking the piece down measure by measure, and including tips for rhythm and musicality.

• Fingers used: p (thumb), i (index), m (middle), a (ring).
• Tab: Download a beginner-friendly Lágrima tab from trusted sites (see above).
• Video: Access a reputable measure-by-measure tutorial for step-by-step visual guidance.

The combination of tab, a strong video walkthrough, and good posture will set you up for quick progress.

Step-by-Step Lágrima Tárrega Fingerstyle Tutorial (With Tab)

The entire piece can be split into three main sections: Section A (measures 1–8), Section B (measures 9–16), and a final return to Section A (A’, measures 17–24). Tackling each part separately sets up a beginner for real success. Learn each in two-measure groups, then string them together for smooth performance. All fingerings use standard classical notation: p (thumb), i (index), m (middle), a (ring).

Section A: Introduction and Melody (Measures 1–8)

This section features Lágrima’s signature melody in E major. Focus on clear right-hand strokes—melody on the high E string (often played with 'a' finger). Use the thumb (p) for roots on the D and A strings. Keep the left hand close to the frets to avoid buzzing. The phrase starts simply but soon introduces finger shifts and some quick chord changes. Practice the first two bars until the melody feels lyrical. Slow it down; aim for a singing tone, not speed.

• Measures 1–2: Melody on high E (a), accompaniment on B and G (i, m). LH in E major shape.
• Measures 3–4: Watch out for a shift in the melody to B string; reposition LH from E to B note cleanly.
• Measures 5–6: The technical hotspot—LH shifts to F# and G#, right-hand needs split accuracy. Practice hand separation here.
• Measures 7–8: Return to original shape, finish phrase gently with thumb on bass and a-finger on top E.

Try This Now: Practice the first phrase hands separately, then together at half speed. Use rest strokes on the melody for a sweet, projecting sound. For most, 10 minutes of very slow work pays off later.

Section B: Middle Section and Harmonics (Measures 9–16)

This section modulates to E minor, shifting the mood. The chords change more rapidly, and artificial harmonics enter—often a big hurdle for beginners. Start by playing only the bass notes with the thumb, then layer in melody with the ring finger. Chord changes require the 'lag-behind' technique: move each finger just before striking the string to reduce noise and keep things legato.

• Measures 9–10: E minor shape, melody on open E and B. Watch RH: thumb paired with i and m for clarity.
• Measures 11–12: Chord change to B7, then back. Practice moving LH efficiently—minimize finger lifting for smoother sound.
• Measures 13–14: Prepare for harmonics—move LH toward 12th fret lightly, don’t press down.
• Measures 15–16: Artificial harmonic (usually on 12th fret E string). Gently touch above fret and pluck with RH ring/middle for clarity.

Try This Now: Play bars 13–16 without articulation first—just place LH in position and tap lightly. Practice harmonic separately: touch above 12th fret, pluck lightly, listen for chime. This step sometimes takes several sessions for beginners. Don’t rush it.

Section A’: Recap and Ending (Measures 17–24)

Now the opening section returns, giving the piece its ABA structure. Most notes and fingerings mirror what’s been learned, but with subtle touches—like a final resolved cadence and a slightly different phrase on the last two bars. Focus on expressive phrasing. Let each note ring; avoid cutting the melody short. Watch hand fatigue at this point—drop your hands, shake them out if needed, and play the final bars slowly and gently.

• Measures 17–20: Repeat first A section, maintain right-hand pattern and left-hand shapes.
• Measures 21–22: Final slow-down—let melody linger, don’t rush endings.
• Measures 23–24: End quietly, releasing pressure for the final chord to fade naturally.

Try This Now: Record yourself playing the last section and listen back for evenness and musical phrasing. Often, the end reveals tension or rushing. Aim for calm, sweet phrasing throughout.

Practice Tips for Lágrima – Overcoming Tricky Spots

Even though Lágrima is short, certain spots cause a lot of frustration for beginners. Most struggle with the finger shifts in bars 5–7 and producing clear harmonics in the B section. Here’s what actually moves the needle: break tough passages into two-bar sections, practice hands separately, and use smart techniques to smooth transitions.

Mastering Bars 5–7: Chord Shifts and Legato

These measures ask for fluid left-hand movement and clean voice connection. Many educators, including Niedt, recommend the "lag-behind" technique—move each finger just before it’s needed, instead of all at once. This prevents squeaks and stalled notes. Instead of gripping hard, use the lightest finger pressure that gets a clean note. Try practicing these bars with just the left hand, no right-hand picking, to ingrain the shapes and minimize “flyaway” fingers. Go painfully slow. Two or three minutes per day is enough—consistency beats speed.

• Isolate bars 5 and 6, repeating just LH shifts 10–15 times.
• Once fluid, add RH one note at a time; target clarity over speed.

Harmonics Made Easy: Taming the B Section

Artificial harmonics in bars 15–16 trip up even experienced players. The trick is: don’t press down, just lightly touch above the 12th fret, and use the side of the ring or middle finger to pluck. Position matters—directly above the metal fret, not behind it. If the note sounds muted, adjust RH attack and finger angle. Practice harmonics away from the piece. Spend a minute or two daily making clear, ringing harmonics on the E string until it feels natural.

• Touch lightly above 12th fret; don’t press.
• Pluck cleanly with side of ring/middle finger.
• If it’s muted: adjust both LH position and RH angle until it chimes.

Final tip: Practice with a relaxed tempo and, if possible, short practice bursts of 5–10 minutes. Tension and fatigue creep up fast in tricky spots—stop, shake out hands, and restart. Regular review beats marathon practice every time.

Adding Musicality: Phrasing, Dynamics, and Expression in Lágrima

The true charm of Lágrima isn’t just hitting the notes—it’s making the melody sing. Even beginners can shape the sound with phrasing and subtle dynamics. Focus first on letting the melody float above the accompaniment. Try shaping each phrase (usually every two bars) with a gentle arc—slightly louder in the middle, softer at the ends. Tiny changes in volume create huge emotional impact.

Phrasing and Dynamics for Beginners

Use rest strokes on the melody notes (especially on the high E and B strings) to bring them forward. Play the accompaniment strings (G and D) softly with free strokes. Add breath—pause slightly at the end of phrases (bars 4, 8, 16) to give the listener a chance to absorb the melody. Listen to recordings by accomplished players as a reference point. Try imitating their phrasing and dynamic swells—but start simple. Musicality can’t be forced, but it’s something to experiment with from the very first run-through. Small steps make the biggest difference—one touch of rubato, a small crescendo, and Lágrima comes to life.

Troubleshooting Common Lágrima Beginner Mistakes

Most beginners trip over the same handful of obstacles when tackling Lágrima. The good news? They’re fixable with minor tweaks.

• Buzzing or muted notes: Make sure left-hand fingers are close to the frets and pressing just enough for a clean sound. Too much pressure causes tension; too little leads to buzz.
• Losing the melody: Practice the melody line alone until it’s clear and effortless. Add the accompaniment softly so it doesn’t drown out the tune.
• Rhythmic inconsistency: Slow down and use a metronome. If rhythm slips, clap or tap out the main beats before playing.
• Harmonics not ringing: Check that the finger touches lightly just above the fret, not on it. Pluck with a firmer attack and adjust angle until the harmonic chimes.
• Fatigue or tension: Take frequent breaks, shake out hands, check posture. Playing relaxed produces far better tone.

Basic fixes like these often solve the biggest frustrations and keep learning on track.

Conclusion

Lágrima remains a favorite for new classical guitarists because it’s expressive and within reach if learned step by step. Every guitarist struggles with tricky bars or harmonics at first. The secret is regular, slow practice with plenty of attention to musicality and posture—not just grinding out notes. Pair downloadable tab with a trusted video walkthrough, and remember: the goal isn’t just to play the right notes, but to make the piece sing. Patience always wins. Come back to this piece often, listen critically, and share your progress—you’ll be surprised how much your playing transforms over time.