Folk Music for Easy Classical Guitar (Standard Notation)

Enjoy playing your favorite familiar tunes with this carefully curated collection of thirty folk songs, skillfully arranged for easy classical guitar by Amy Hite. Unlike other arrangements claiming to be beginner-friendly, this collection is truly tailored for novice guitarists, ensuring an enjoyable playing experience.

These arrangements are well-suited for beginning guitarists as many of the melodies are harmonized with open bass notes and chords that are easy enough for the hands of a beginner student. They are colorful and fun to play! Includes standard notation and tablature.

The Scottish Reivers were gangs of horsemen who raided the towns along the border of England and Scotland from the 13th to the 17th century. They were master riders and were revered across the land. Each year the town of Duns in Scotland has a festival to celebrate the Reivers. This showcase solo for beginners is inspired by my many childhoods dancing in the town’s Market Square waiting to see the riders come through!

This worksheet packet is a great launching point for students to learn about transposition and proper handwriting skills. After learning a base version of “Zum Gali Gali” in the key of D minor, they have the opportunity to notate the piece in two alternate tonal centers: E minor and A minor. Answer guides are included.

Note: If you are interested in multi-level versions of this piece consider the Zum Gali Gali Mega Pack that features five solo versions, a trio for beginners, and transposition worksheets.

Grandpa’s Jig is a lively showcase solo for beginners that serves as an excellent introduction to playing in 6/8 time. This piece by Joanne Griffiths is part of her songbook entitled “Meet the Pilburys.”

The Zum Gali Gali mega-pack includes a plethora of solos and activities for beginners of all ages. This pack includes five solo versions for primers through late beginners, a piano trio for beginners, and a set of transposition worksheets. Music and materials by Jennifer Eklund.

Scarborough Fair arranged as an easy solo with a haunting teacher duet part. Ideal for beginners and late beginners of all ages. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Star of the County Down, a traditional Irish ballad, arranged for late beginners by Jennifer Eklund.

Zum Gali Gali, a traditional Israeli folk tune, presented in four different versions, appropriate for primers through late beginners. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund.

Note: If you are interested in even more versions of this piece consider the Zum Gali Gali Mega Pack that features five solo versions, a trio for beginners, and transposition worksheets.

Spanish Ladies is a traditional sea shanty arranged here for late beginners by Jennifer Eklund.

Skye Boat Song, a traditional Scottish classic, arranged in a lyrical style for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

The Skye Boat Song, a traditional Scottish folk song, arranged by Jane Tate in a lyrical style for early intermediates.

Endearing Irish Charms, arranged by Jennifer Eklund, is a medley of two familiar Irish tunes “Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms" and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” This intermediate solo provides ample opportunity to work on interpretation, rubato, and lyrical artistry.

Inspired by her childhood years in Duns, Scotland, composer Jane Tate offers up Celtic-inspired solos for late beginners and early intermediates of all ages. The sound of distant pipe bands and romping Celtic rhythms permeate through this collection of ten piano solos.

The Irish Washerwoman, a traditional Irish favorite, arranged for primer level students by Jennifer Eklund. Includes an upbeat, contemporary teacher accompaniment. Part of the Piano Pronto: Keyboard Kickoff method book.

Skye Boat Song, a traditional Scottish folk song, arranged for easy piano solo with a lush teacher duet accompaniment. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund.

Bunessan, a traditional Gaelic melody, artfully arranged by Kevin Costley for intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Hymns of Joy sacred songbook.

Spanish Ladies is a traditional sea shanty arranged here as an evenly-leveled duet for late beginners by Jennifer Eklund.

Starboard Shanty, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is an upbeat minor-key shanty ideal for beginners of all ages.