Argentinian Fingerstyle Guitar Playlist

Argentina’s fingerstyle guitar tradition blends intricate rhythms, rich harmonies, and deeply expressive melodies. From the melancholy of zamba to the passion of tango, this playlist accompanies the Argentinian Fingerstyle Guitar Course by Camilo Menjura at World Music Method.

While our written list recommends the best-known versions, some tracks on the Spotify playlist may be alternate versions due to availability.

Zamba – The Poetic Heart of Argentina

A poetic and melancholic folk style, zamba is known for its lyrical melodies and slow 6/8 rhythm, often paired with traditional dance. Its guitar accompaniment is delicate yet expressive, making it an essential part of Argentine fingerstyle guitar.

• “Alfonsina y el Mar” – Mercedes Sosa
• “Zamba de mi Esperanza” – Los Chalchaleros
• “La Pomeña” – Cuchi Leguizamón
• “Balderrama” – Duo Salteño
• “Zamba para no Morir” – Suna Rocha
• “Zamba del Carnaval” – César Isella
• “Zamba del Grillo” – Eduardo Falú

Tango – The Sound of Passion and Longing

Dramatic and deeply expressive, tango features syncopated rhythms, powerful melodies, and rich harmonic movement. The guitar often plays both rhythm and melody, adding a raw intimacy to the genre’s signature sound.

• “La Cumparsita” – Carlos Gardel
• “Por una Cabeza” – Carlos Gardel
• “Mi Buenos Aires Querido” – Carlos Gardel
• “Libertango” – Astor Piazzolla
• “Oblivion” – Astor Piazzolla
• “Adiós Nonino” – Astor Piazzolla

Chacarera – The Rhythm of the Argentine Countryside

Born in rural Argentina, chacarera is lively and percussive, played in 6/8 time with dynamic strumming and intricate picking patterns. This style brings energy and groove to the Argentine folk repertoire.

• “Chacarera del Rancho” – Los Chalchaleros
• “Chacarera de las Piedras” – Atahualpa Yupanqui
• “Chacarera del Sufrido” – Peteco Carabajal
• “Chacarera del Patio” – Los Manseros Santiagueños
• “Chacarera del Pensador” – Juan Quintero

Milonga – The Soulful Predecessor to Tango

A precursor to tango, milonga is both lyrical and rhythmic, known for its triplet strumming, syncopated basslines, and introspective melodies.

• “Milonga del Ángel” – Astor Piazzolla
• “Milonga Triste” – Roberto Grela
• “Milonga Sentimental” – Edmundo Rivero
• “Milonga del 900” – Hugo Díaz

Contemporary Fingerstyle Guitarists – Virtuosity and Tradition

Today’s guitarists continue to explore and evolve Argentine traditions, blending technical mastery with the deep-rooted emotional expression of the country’s folk heritage.

• “La Catedral” – Agustín Barrios Mangoré
• “Julia Florida” – Agustín Barrios Mangoré
• “Misionera” – Lucas Imbiriba
• “Verano Porteño” – Astor Piazzolla (arr. for guitar)

Classic Folk Ensembles – The Sound of Tradition

Argentine folk groups have preserved and shaped regional styles, focusing on storytelling, rich vocal harmonies, and deep emotional delivery.

• “El Arriero” – Los Chalchaleros
• “La López Pereyra” – Los Chalchaleros

Summary – A Journey Through Argentina’s Guitar Heritage

This playlist provides a comprehensive guide to Argentina’s fingerstyle guitar tradition, covering folk, tango, and contemporary styles. Whether you’re drawn to the poetry of zamba, the drama of tango, or the rhythmic drive of chacarera and milonga, these recordings serve as both inspiration and essential listening material.

To learn these styles in depth, join the Argentinian Fingerstyle Guitar Course by Camilo Menjura at World Music Method.