Download Part 1 Malagueña: The Lesson

Part 1
Malagueña: The Lesson
by Bartt Warburton
Two chords. That’s all you need. Three-quarter time.
“Malagueña,” from Spanish composer Ernesto Lecuona’s “Suite Andalucia,” has become one of the most easilyrecognized examples of Spanish/Andalusian/Flamenco music. Although it’s usually played with tons of fancy
flourishes, the basic song is based on only two chords. We’re going to learn several of the song’s familiar riffs,
without worrying about playing the song precisely as it was written. It’s just a beginner exercise, after all!
PATTERN 1 of The Opening Theme: SIX NOTES
Place your fingers into the A-chord position. Then pluck the bottom three strings (G-C-E), one at a time.
Remember, the term “bottom” refers to the strung closest to your nose. So you’ll be playing the three strings that
begin on the left side of the diagram.
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Pluck each note with your thumb.
Note 1 is the G-string, on the second fret.
Note 2 is the C-string, on the first fret.
Note 3 is the E-string, played open. No fretting required!
Repeat this pattern twice, for a total of six notes. Then go to the next pattern.
PATTERN 2 of The Opening Theme: SIX NOTES
Place your fingers into the A#maj7-chord position. It’s an A-sharp-major-seventh. It can also be called a “B-flatmajor-seventh.” This part is a little fancier, but you’ll get it.
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Pluck each note with your thumb.
Note 1 is the C-string, on the second fret.
Note 2 is the E-string, played on the first fret.
Note 3 is the E-string, played open. So you’ll lift your index finger away from the fretboard to sound this note.
Note 4 is the C-string, on the second fret (same as Note 1).
Note 5 is the C-string, played open. Lift your middle finger away from the fretboard to sound this note.
Note 6 is the G-string, on the third fret. Use your Ring Finger.
Play this part once, for a total of six notes.
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