Phrasing and Expression Lesson – E-19: Carulli – op. 241 no. 1 (upbeat)
This lesson is one of nearly 40 such lessons on phrasing and expression found in The Woodshed Classical Guitar Program. It uses a short snippet of music, called an excerpt.
To make the most of this lesson, first scroll to the “Relevant Links” and review those lessons. They contain tutorials on the phrasing methods we’ll use in this lesson.
Next, download and print the sheet music at the link below. Then write in the phrasing markings you expect to see in the lesson. Mark all you can. Then learn the notes, including your phrasing and expressive markings.
Once you’ve done all you can, come back to this page and scroll all the way down. You’ll find the video lesson and a marked-up version to compare yours to.
Have fun!
To begin, print (ideally) and mark up the music below. If you haven’t yet, watch this video on how to use the musical excerpts.
Click here to download the music

After first studying and doing your best with the music above, only then scroll below and watch the video. Do all you can with the music BEFORE watching the video.
Relevant Links:
- Upbeats
- Dynamics
- Accents
- Agogic Accents
- Ties and Syncopations
- Upbeats
- Strong and Weak Beats
- Exaggeration
- The Long Line
Scroll down for the video review.
…keep scrolling…
…almost there…
Made it!
Excerpt Notes
(Again, please only watch the video and look at any marked score below if you have already done all you can to mark your own score. You’ll learn far more by trying first, than by going straight for the “answers”.)


Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.
I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.
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You are building a very interesting and working guitar course, because for what I’ve seen so far it really works!
~ Ulysses Alexandre Alves
-Ulysses Alexandre Alves
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~ Mike Barron
-Mike Barron
“Success lies in relentless execution of the basics.”
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