Peruvian Guitar Styles

Could Your Guitar Sound More Melodic?

Most guitarists think in terms of rhythm and lead, chords and melody – but true mastery comes from blending them into one seamless voice. The best players don’t just play the notes; they make the instrument sing.

In Peru, music is a conversation, between past and present, theinstruments, between the dancer and the rhythm. Huayño’s soaring melodies climb and tumble like the Andean landscape, Peruvian waltz flows with elegance before twisting into unexpected syncopation, and Festejo surges forward with the fiery pulse of Afro-Peruvian percussion. These styles aren’t just techniques to learn, they’re new ways to shape melody, control dynamics, and bring life to every note you play.

Led by award-winning guitarist Camilo Menjura, this course breaks down the essential techniques of Peruvian guitar, translating the energy of full ensembles into a solo guitar approach. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of phrasing, rhythmic flexibility, and harmonic movement while learning rich, expressive arrangements from one of the most musically diverse regions in the world.

If you’re ready to expand your musical vocabulary, unlock new levels of expression, and transform the way you approach the guitar, this course is for you.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Master Essential Peruvian Guitar Styles

Develop an authentic feel for Huayño, Carnavalito, Waltz, Festejo, and Landó.
Learn strumming and fingerstyle techniques specific to each genre.

Enhance Your Technical & Musical Skills

Build precision in syncopated rhythms and dynamic phrasing.
Combine chord-melody playing with intricate bass movements.
Learn to adapt multi-instrument arrangements to a solo guitar.

Deepen Your Understanding of Peruvian Music

Explore the historical and cultural significance behind each style.
Understand the guitar’s role in Andean, Creole, and Afro-Peruvian traditions.

Play With Authenticity and Confidence

Learn directly from Camilo Menjura, a specialist in Latin American folk guitar.
Develop a versatile repertoire suited for both solo and ensemble performance.

Sample Lessons

Meet Your Tutor: Camilo Menjura

Born in Bogotá, Camilo Menjura is a guitarist, arranger, and composer recognized for his deep mastery of Latin American folk music. His journey began by learning Colombian folk styles by ear before formally studying classical guitar at one of Colombia’s top music academies.

Camilo’s expertise extends across multiple traditions, from Andean, Cuban, and Brazilian folk to intricate classical and jazz arrangements. His rare ability to translate complex multi-instrumental textures into rich solo guitar performances has made him a sought-after performer and educator.

Twice awarded UK Latin Musician of the Year, Camilo has performed at WOMAD, The Mali Festival of the Desert, and international music festivals worldwide. As the leader of London’s World Music Choir, his work celebrates the global power of music.

In this course, Camilo shares not just technique, but the deep cultural essence and emotion that define Peruvian guitar.

The Ultimate Learning Experience

60 minutes of detailed lessons teaching you to be proficient in some of Peru's popular and folkloric genres including Wayñu, Carnavalito and Waltz.

Interactive On-screen Notation

Learning new skills is easier with our innovative, interactive tools. Access on-screen notation, tablature, slow motion and more.

Landó Masterclass

Take your study further with a 1 hour masterclass in the guitar styles played within the popular Afro-Peruvian style Landó.

Festejo Masterclass

Camilo Menjura's Festejo masterclass will take you deeper into understanding this coastal genre known for accompanying one of Peru's famed dance styles.