Cavatina Tutorial with Upgraded Tabs

Cavatina written by Stanley Myers in 1970 was originally a fairly short piece composed for the film 'The Walking Stick'.

At the behest of John Williams the original piano piece was lengthened and subsequently used in the OST for the war film 'The Deer Hunter' in 1978 after which it rose to the UK Top 20.

Donate

Cavatina is an industry standard piece for guitarists but it is a highly-demanding piece despite its gentle and flowing nature. This is largely attributable to the complex chords that need to be played as smoothly as possible whilst sustaining the melody notes.

Performance points:

  • Try to keep the melody notes sustained

  • Transition from chord to chord as legato as possible

  • Use a light rest-stroke to accent the melody

  • Keep the right-hand steady to increase accuracy