The compositions and teachings of Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909) represent a milestone in the development of guitar technique. The present preludes are among his most characteristic works. Strictly speaking, they are musical sketches whose purpose is to bring the player into closer relationship with his guitar by means of ingenious fingering an compositional simplicity. They are therefore invaluable instructional material.

So that, full justice should be done to Tárrega's train of thought no attempt has been made to revise the works or to effect any significant alterations in their fingering. However, in order to facilitate reading, the number of fingering signs has been reduced and other fingering aids included.