3 Recommended Classical Guitar Pieces That Are Fast, Technical & Cool

Hello! This is Freeman.

Today, I’ve picked three solo guitar pieces that are fast, technical, and undeniably cool.

These are works with high musical completeness—pieces that might well change your image of what guitar music can be…!!

Libra Sonatine – 3rd Movement “Fuoco” (Composer: Diance)

Let’s start with “Fuoco,” the fiery 3rd movement of Libra Sonatine by French guitarist and composer Roland Dyens.

Speed Factor

From the first note, it bursts with passionate energy and maintains that speed all the way through to the end.

Technical Factor

Both left- and right-hand technique need to be well balanced. But because it uses fingerings that suit guitar well, it’s relatively playable for guitarists who have some experience.

There are moments that borrow from electric guitar techniques—chording “choking” (bending), “slap” style, pentatonic scales—so the piece never feels monotonous.

Cool Factor

Two highlights stand out:

• The arpeggios in the latter half — the melody becomes divine. You’ll feel grateful you can play the guitar.
• The slap at the end — you’ll likely think, “Wait, what is that?!”

Search term: Libra Sonatine Fuoco

“La Catedral” – 3rd Movement “Allegro Solemne” (Composer: Barrios)

This is the third movement of “La Catedral,” composed by the legendary South American guitarist and composer Agustín Barrios Mangoré.

Speed Factor

Fast and mechanical, with precise arpeggios continuing throughout without let-up.

Technical Factor

Being able to sustain sound at a steady tempo for the full duration, especially demanding endurance from the left hand. If you’re good at fast playing, this piece is a worthy challenge.

Cool Factor

The melody has a mysterious beauty; each note matters, leaving no space wasted.

In particular, the final melody uses all frets—low to high—with nearly machine-gun precision.

Search term: Barrios Catedral Allegro

“Aquarelle” – 3rd Movement “Prelude & Toccatina” (Composer: Sergio Assad)

Finally, we have “Aquarelle – 3rd movement: Prelude and Toccattina,” composed by the Brazilian guitarist and composer Sérgio Assad.

The difficulty of this final piece is in a completely different league.

Speed Factor

It starts with a tricky slow-motion melody, then transitions to blistering fast passages that sound almost supernatural for a single guitar.

Technical Factor

When you look at the sheet music, you might feel despair—“Can I even play this?” Even seasoned classical guitarists may feel intimidated.

Complex phrasing, rapid fingering, always two different motions at blazing speed, occasionally even triples—it’s intense.

Cool Factor

There’s something about surpassing sheer technique: a surge of exhilaration, a feeling of “Yes, I have conquered this guitar.”

Playing this piece, you may feel like you truly have become one with the guitar.

Search term: Assad Aquarelle III

In Conclusion

Thank you for sticking with me all the way through!

Interestingly, all three selections are third movements—finale movements of their respective sonatas or suites. It seems finales tend to be the most flashy in classical repertoire.

Of course, that doesn’t mean “fast, technical, flashy = always the best.” There are countless beautiful guitar works beyond just these.

If nothing else, I hope this article helps you feel the allure of guitar pieces that push boundaries—and maybe inspires you to start playing again, or take on something bold.

🎸 Mini Etude Set for Strengthening the Right Hand (p・i・m・a)

To make it easier to practice the right-hand techniques introduced here, I’ve prepared a mini etude bundle that focuses on balancing and strengthening all four fingers — p, i, m, and a.
It’s perfect for improving both speed and control.

Short but dense in content — ideal for training precision and coordination in your right hand.

If you like, take a peek at my guitar channel as well!