Unlike classical methods that play scales robotically, Cerri introduces scales with articulation. You learn to play scales in legato, staccato, and with accents on the off-beats (the "up-beat" essential for swing).
Corso di Chitarra Franco Cerri Mario Gangi is a landmark multi-genre guitar method published by Fabbri Editori
in 1982. It is celebrated for its dual approach, combining the classical expertise of Mario Gangi with the jazz mastery of Franco Cerri. Forum di Chitarra classica Structure and Content
The course was originally released in installments (fascicoli) and is typically organized into the following components: Written Volumes : Usually consists of 3 main volumes comprising 60 total installments Supplementary Material : Often includes a fourth volume titled "Chitarra Ieri e Oggi" (Guitar Yesterday and Today). Audio Support : Originally accompanied by 20 audiocassettes containing exercises and famous songs. Musical Genres : The curriculum covers a broad spectrum, including: Classical music (Gangi’s specialty). Jazz, Pop, and Rock. Folk, Country (USA), and South American rhythms. Italian songwriting (Cantautori). Technical Features Notation Style : Scores use a double version
—traditional pentagram (staff) and tablature (tabulato)—making it accessible for both classical students and self-taught modern guitarists. Difficulty Level : Aimed at reaching a level roughly equivalent to a third-year conservatory student
: Cerri’s lessons focus on jazz sonorities and are noted for being technically demanding and sophisticated. Forum di Chitarra classica Legacy and Availability
While originally a print-and-tape series, digital versions (PDF fascicoli and MP3 audio) are often sought after in enthusiast forums like Chitarra Classica del Camp
. Some pieces, such as Gangi’s "Exercise in C Major," have been revived on as educational benchmarks. Franco Cerri E Mario Gangi : Corso Di Chitarra
Corso di Chitarra Franco Cerri Mario Gangi , originally published by Fabbri Editori
in 1982, is a celebrated multi-genre guitar method designed for self-taught students. It is highly regarded for its dual focus on classical and jazz/modern guitar, reflecting the distinct expertise of its two creators. Forum di Chitarra classica Core Educational Features Dual-Specialization Approach
: The course is uniquely divided into two distinct pedagogical tracks: Classical Guitar : Managed by Mario Gangi
, focusing on formal technique, posture, and traditional repertoire. Jazz/Modern Guitar : Managed by Franco Cerri
, introducing jazz sonorities, plectrum technique, and swing rhythms. Multimedia Format
: Originally released as a weekly series of fascicles (booklets) accompanied by audio support on vinyl or cassettes to guide students through exercises. Progressive Curriculum Foundational Skills
: Covers posture, hand positioning (using footrests for classical), and basic music theory. Technical Mastery
: Includes systematic finger exercises, major/minor scales, and a comprehensive arpeggio method. Repertoire : Teaches iconic pieces such as "Greensleeves" "Oh Susanna" to apply learned techniques. Forum di Chitarra classica Production Credits Franco Cerri E Mario Gangi : Corso Di Chitarra
Corso di chitarra by Franco Cerri and Mario Gangi is a landmark pedagogical series in Italian guitar instruction, first published in by Fabbri Editori
. It is recognized for bridging the gap between classical and modern jazz guitar techniques. Forum di Chitarra classica Overview of the Course Originally released as a weekly series consisting of 60 installments (fascicoli) Multimedia Integration: Each installment was accompanied by an audio cassette
, allowing students to listen to the exercises and pieces to aid comprehension. Dual Approach:
The method is unique for its parallel structure, offering separate but synchronized paths for acoustic and electric guitar Key Educational Features Pedagogical Breadth:
Mario Gangi, a master of the "Roman School of Santa Cecilia," focused on technical academic foundations. Franco Cerri, a jazz icon, introduced modern jazz phrasing and rhythmic concepts. Difficulty Level:
For classical guitar, completion of the course is considered roughly equivalent to a third-year conservatory level
. The jazz sections by Cerri are noted for their complexity and professional-grade arrangements. Technical Content:
The course begins with foundational work like barre chords and full-fretboard navigation. It includes traditional exercises, such as Major scales and arpeggios, alongside jazz standards and popular pieces like "Oh Susanna". Forum di Chitarra classica Accessing Material
While the physical set is a collector's item often found on secondary markets like Mercatino Musicale , digital versions and excerpts are available: Corso di chitarra di Franco Cerri e Mario Gangi - Wallapop
Il Corso di Chitarra di Franco Cerri e Mario Gangi non è solo un metodo didattico; è il punto d’incontro tra due mondi e due anime dello strumento che hanno segnato la storia della musica italiana. Pubblicato originariamente dai Fratelli Fabbri Editori negli anni '80 (con le iconiche dispense e audiocassette), questo corso rimane una pietra miliare per chiunque voglia approcciarsi alla chitarra con una visione a 360 gradi.
In questo articolo esploreremo perché questo metodo è ancora attuale, chi erano i due maestri che lo hanno creato e come è strutturato il percorso d'apprendimento. I Protagonisti: Jazz e Classica a confronto
Per capire il valore di questo corso, bisogna guardare ai suoi autori. Da una parte abbiamo Franco Cerri, l'uomo che ha dato un volto e uno stile al jazz italiano. Autodidatta di genio, Cerri portava con sé l'eleganza del fraseggio, il senso del ritmo e quella capacità di improvvisare che lo ha reso celebre in tutto il mondo.
Dall'altra parte c’è Mario Gangi, un gigante della chitarra classica. Docente storico al Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia, Gangi è stato colui che ha sdoganato la chitarra come strumento solista d'eccellenza nelle sale da concerto, unendo un rigore tecnico assoluto a una sensibilità interpretativa rara.
Vederli insieme significava abbattere gli steccati tra "musica colta" e "musica leggera", offrendo agli studenti una preparazione completa. La Struttura del Corso
Il punto di forza del metodo Cerri-Gangi è la sua progressività. Il corso è stato pensato per prendere per mano il principiante assoluto e portarlo fino a un livello di padronanza tecnica e teorica notevole. 1. Le Basi: Teoria e Pratica corso di chitarra di franco cerri e mario gangi
Il corso inizia con i rudimenti: la posizione corretta del corpo e delle mani, l'accordatura e la lettura del pentagramma. A differenza di molti metodi moderni che si affidano solo alle tablature, Cerri e Gangi insistono sulla lettura della musica, convinti che la comprensione teorica sia la chiave della libertà espressiva. 2. La Tecnica Classica (Gangi)
Attraverso studi ed esercizi mirati, Mario Gangi introduce lo studente all'uso delle dita della mano destra (tocco appoggiato e libero), alle scale, agli arpeggi e allo studio dei legati. Questa sezione fornisce la "muscolatura" necessaria per suonare con pulizia e dinamica. 3. L'Anima Moderna e il Jazz (Cerri)
Franco Cerri introduce il mondo degli accordi, del ritmo e dell'improvvisazione. Qui l'enfasi si sposta sull'accompagnamento e sulla comprensione delle armonie moderne. È la parte del corso dove si impara a "far cantare" la chitarra in contesti swing, bossa nova o pop. 4. I Duetti
Uno degli elementi più amati del corso sono i brani eseguiti dai due maestri. Ascoltare la chitarra classica di Gangi intrecciarsi con quella jazz di Cerri è una lezione di musica in sé: insegna l'ascolto reciproco, il timing e la fusione dei timbri. Perché sceglierlo ancora oggi?
In un'epoca di tutorial su YouTube rapidi e spesso frammentari, il Corso di Chitarra di Franco Cerri e Mario Gangi offre qualcosa di raro: metodo e coerenza.
Multidisciplinarietà: Non ti costringe a scegliere tra classica e moderna, ma ti insegna che la tecnica è al servizio della musica, qualunque essa sia.
Qualità dei materiali: Gli esempi audio (oggi spesso reperibili in digitale o nei mercatini dell'usato) permettono di ascoltare il "suono vero" prodotto da due maestri assoluti.
Approccio umano: Traspare dalle pagine (e dai video/audio) una passione genuina e un rispetto profondo per lo studente. Conclusioni
Il "Cerri-Gangi" è più di un manuale: è un pezzo di storia della didattica musicale italiana. È adatto sia al giovane che vuole una base solida, sia all'appassionato che vuole riscoprire lo strumento sotto la guida di due leggende. Studiare su queste pagine significa non solo imparare a suonare, ma imparare ad amare la chitarra in ogni sua sfumatura.
Ti piacerebbe approfondire una sezione specifica, come gli esercizi di improvvisazione di Cerri o la tecnica degli arpeggi di Gangi?
The Legendary "Corso di Chitarra" by Franco Cerri and Mario Gangi: A Pillar of Italian Pedagogy
For decades, the Corso di Chitarra created by Franco Cerri and Mario Gangi has remained a foundational milestone for Italian guitarists. Released in 1982 by the Gruppo Editoriale Fabbri, this 60-lesson course was a groundbreaking multimedia effort that brought professional guitar instruction into Italian homes. A Masterful Duo: Classical Meets Jazz
The genius of this course lies in the meeting of two musical worlds.
Mario Gangi (1923–2010), representing the "Roman School of Santa Cecilia," was a giant of the classical guitar.
Franco Cerri (1926–2021) was the undisputed master of Italian jazz, known for his elegant style and collaborations with legends like Chet Baker and Billie Holiday.
Together, they bridged the gap between academic rigor and modern improvisation, making the instrument accessible to a wide audience. Structure and Content of the Course
Distributed in weekly installments (fascicoli), the course was designed to take a student from zero to proficiency.
One of the most interesting features of the "Corso di chitarra di Franco Cerri e Mario Gangi" is its unique dual-perspective teaching model, which bridges the gap between classical guitar and modern jazz/pop styles.
Published in 1982 by Fabbri Editori, this course was a massive multimedia undertaking for its time, featuring:
Hybrid Genre Approach: Mario Gangi, a heavyweight of the classical world, and Franco Cerri, Italy's most famous jazz guitarist, combined their expertise. The course included everything from classical music and South American rhythms to rock and Italian singer-songwriter classics.
Dual Notation: To make it accessible to everyone, sheet music was presented in both standard staff notation and tablature—a practice that was less common in formal methods at the time.
Massive Multimedia Scale: The original release consisted of 60 weekly fascicles (lessons) that were often accompanied by 20 audiocassettes, allowing students to hear the masters perform the exercises and pieces they were learning.
Eclectic Line-ups: Some of the recordings even featured international stars like American jazz saxophonist Eddie Daniels.
Cultural Iconography: Interestingly, some regional versions of the course, like the 1986 Brazilian edition titled Acorde, featured Frank Zappa on the cover of lesson #17, despite there being no Zappa-specific content inside. Franco Cerri E Mario Gangi : Corso Di Chitarra
In the early 1980s, an era when the music store was the soul of the neighborhood and the newsstand was a gateway to new hobbies, two of Italy’s greatest guitar masters joined forces to create something legendary. Franco Cerri
, the self-taught king of Italian jazz with his elegant Gibson L-5, and Mario Gangi
, the classical virtuoso of the Santa Cecilia school, didn't just teach—they democratized the instrument. Published by Fabbri Editori starting in 1982, their Corso di Chitarra became a cultural phenomenon that arrived in weekly installments at newsstands across Italy. The Vision
The course was designed as a "complete bridge" between two worlds. While Gangi brought the rigor of classical technique—scales, arpeggios, and precision—Cerri infused the lessons with the rhythmic "swing" and harmonic freedom of jazz. Corso di chitarra Gangi-Cerri digitalizzato - Pagina 5
The "Corso di chitarra di Franco Cerri e Mario Gangi" is more than just a method book; it is a legendary chapter in Italian music history that brought the art of the guitar into thousands of living rooms during the 1980s. The Meeting of Two Masters
The story began in the mid-1960s with the television program Chitarra, amore mio (1965), where Franco Cerri, Italy’s most beloved jazz guitarist, and Mario Gangi, a pillar of classical guitar at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory, first teamed up. Their chemistry was electric—Cerri represented the self-taught, swinging world of jazz and popular music, while Gangi brought the rigor and elegance of the classical tradition. A Revolution in the Newsstands Unlike classical methods that play scales robotically, Cerri
In 1982, Fabbri Editori realized that the public was hungry to learn what they saw on TV. They launched the Corso di chitarra as a serial publication sold in weekly installments at local newsstands (edicole).
The Format: It consisted of 60 to 104 fascicles (depending on the edition) and accompanying audiocassettes.
The Accessibility: For many Italians, this was their first real music teacher. Students would wait every week for the new booklet and tape to hear Cerri and Gangi demonstrate exercises and songs.
The Content: The course was groundbreaking because it didn't force a choice between styles. It offered parallel paths for classical and electric guitar, covering everything from basic fingerpicking to complex jazz chords. The Legacy
Today, the course is a nostalgic treasure for a generation of musicians. While some modern critics debate its technical "currency," it remains highly regarded for its meritorious role in democratizing music education in Italy.
The tracks from the original cassettes—such as their famous rendition of "Greensleeves" or "Oh Susanna"—have been digitized by fans and can still be found on platforms like YouTube, serving as a testament to the course's enduring impact.
For tips on how to play one of the fundamental exercises from the course: Mario Gangi Esercizio in Do YouTube• Jun 2, 2022 If you'd like to dive deeper,
Information on where to find original copies or digital archives.
More details on the individual careers of Franco Cerri or Mario Gangi. Scott Chinery Collection | Reverb Italia
The Pillars of the Italian School: An Analysis of the Cerri-Gangi Guitar Method
In the panorama of classical guitar pedagogy, few methodological works have shaped a national identity quite like the "Corso di Chitarra" by Franco Cerri and Mario Gangi. For decades, this method has been a cornerstone for students in Italy and beyond, serving not merely as a collection of exercises, but as the architectural blueprint for the modern Italian guitar school. To understand the value of this work, one must look beyond the ink on the page and recognize the synthesis of two distinct musical philosophies: Gangi’s rigorous academic structure and Cerri’s lyrical, jazz-influenced musicality.
The collaboration between Mario Gangi and Franco Cerri represented a convergence of two giants. Mario Gangi was the academic titan, a virtuoso who held the chair of guitar at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome for decades. His approach was rooted in the Segovian tradition but expanded with a distinctly Italian emphasis on polyphony and harmony. Franco Cerri, on the other hand, was the people's guitarist—a towering figure in jazz and popular music who brought an unparalleled sense of timing, tone, and expressive phrasing to the instrument. Together, they created a method that bridges the gap between the conservatory and the concert stage, between technical discipline and artistic freedom.
Structurally, the "Corso di Chitarra" is masterful in its progressive logic. Unlike many methods that overwhelm the student with dry mechanical repetition, the Cerri-Gangi approach introduces technique through musical context. The early studies are not merely finger calisthenics; they are miniature compositions that require the student to listen. The method champions the "bottega" style of learning, where technique is acquired through the solution of musical problems. From the correct placement of the right hand to the intricate voice-leading required in the more advanced studies, the method builds a technician who is also a musician.
One of the defining characteristics of the method is its harmonic richness. Gangi was a master arranger and composer, and this is evident in the chord voicings and harmonic progressions found throughout the course. While many beginner methods rely on simple I-IV-V progressions, the Cerri-Gangi course introduces students to a wider color palette early on. This harmonic sophistication prepares the student for the realities of the standard repertoire—from the Romantic works of Giuliani to the modern complexities of Brouwer—ensuring that their ears are developed alongside their fingers.
Furthermore, the inclusion of pieces specifically composed for the method stands as a high point. These are not throwaway tunes, but works that have found their way into the student repertoire globally. They often possess a melodic charm that is undeniably Italian—cantabile lines that sing above bass lines that move with independent life. This focus on "cantabile" (singing tone) is perhaps the most vital lesson of the entire course. It teaches the student that the guitar is not a percussion instrument, but a vessel for the human voice. Cerri’s influence is palpable here; his background in jazz instilled a sense of "swing" and rhythmic precision that is often lacking in classical pedagogy, ensuring that students learn to count and phrase with absolute precision.
The legacy of the "Corso di Chitarra" is visible in the generations of guitarists it has produced. It established a standard of professionalism that elevated the guitar in Italy from a folk instrument to a serious conservatory discipline. While some modern methods may offer flashier visuals or audio accompaniments, the fundamental musical logic of the Cerri-Gangi course remains unmatched in its clarity and depth.
In conclusion, the "Corso di Chitarra" by Franco Cerri and Mario Gangi is more than a textbook; it is a testament to a musical lineage. It combines the intellectual rigor of Mario Gangi with the soulful expressivity of Franco Cerri, offering the student a complete education. It remains an essential companion for any guitarist who wishes to master not just the mechanics of the instrument, but the art of making music.
The story of the Corso di chitarra di Franco Cerri e Mario Gangi
is a unique piece of Italian cultural history, marking the moment when the guitar moved from the conservatory and niche jazz clubs into the living rooms of the general public. Forum di Chitarra classica 1. The Odd Couple of Italian Music
The course brought together two giants from opposite ends of the musical spectrum: Franco Cerri : A self-taught jazz legend who played with icons like Django Reinhardt Chet Baker
. He was already a household name in Italy, partly due to a famous detergent commercial where he was known as the "soaked man". Mario Gangi : A master of the classical guitar and a pillar of the Santa Cecilia Conservatory
in Rome. He represented the rigorous, technical side of the instrument. www.francocerri.com 2. From Television to the Newsstand
Their collaboration actually began on screen. In 1965, they hosted the RAI television show Chitarra, amore mio
("Guitar, my love"), which broke new ground by treating the guitar as a versatile instrument capable of both classical precision and jazz improvisation. Brilliant Classics
Following the success of their TV work, they partnered with the publisher Fabbri Editori to launch the Corso di chitarra
. Unlike traditional textbooks, this was a "partwork" publication—individual booklets (fascicoli) released weekly at newsstands. Forum di Chitarra classica 3. A Multimedia Revolution
For many Italians, this course was their first encounter with "multimedia" learning: The Format : Each of the 60 lessons came with a booklet and an audio cassette The Experience
: Students could read the theory and then immediately hear Gangi and Cerri perform the exercises, which included everything from classical pieces to popular tunes like "Greensleeves" and "Oh Susanna". Accessibility
: In an era before the internet, having world-class masters "teach" you via cassette tape was considered a "gift from God" by self-taught learners who previously had no access to high-quality instruction. 4. Legacy and Cultural Impact The course was so successful that it reached its 5th edition
. It became a nostalgic touchstone for a generation of guitarists who remember the excitement of biking to the newsstand every week to pick up the next lesson. The Pillars of the Italian School: An Analysis
The Corso di Chitarra by Franco Cerri and Mario Gangi is a multi-volume educational method originally published in 1982 by Fabbri Editori. It was famously released as a series of 60 weekly "fascicoli" (booklets) that included audio support via music cassettes. Key Content & Structure
The course is designed to take a student from absolute beginner to an intermediate/advanced level (roughly equivalent to a third-year conservatory level for the classical portions). It is uniquely structured to cover two distinct worlds:
Classical Guitar (Mario Gangi): Focuses on systematic technique, including finger independence, scales, arpeggios, and tremolo. It includes studies by masters like Fernando Sor, Francisco Tárrega, and Mauro Giuliani.
Modern and Jazz Guitar (Franco Cerri): Introduces jazz sonorities, improvisation, and modern accompaniment. Specific Instructional Elements
Foundational Techniques: Step-by-step breakdowns of the Alberti bass, rasgueado, and chromatic scales. Graduated Curriculum: Levels 1–4: Beginners. Levels 5–8: Intermediate. Levels 9–12: Advanced.
Repertoire: Pieces range from Renaissance and Baroque (J.S. Bach, Dowland) to Spanish and South American music (Albéniz, Falla).
Notable Pieces: Original compositions and arrangements like "Greensleeves" (the course's first piece), "El Vito," and "Malagueña".
The Corso di Chitarra , released in 1982 by Fabbri Editori, represents a landmark collaboration between two titans of Italian music: jazz legend Franco Cerri and classical maestro Mario Gangi
. Published originally in installments with accompanying audio cassettes, this method sought to bridge the gap between formal classical training and the expressive freedom of modern jazz. A Fusion of Disciplines
The course is celebrated for its dual-perspective approach, blending Gangi’s rigorous academic foundation from the Santa Cecilia Conservatoire with Cerri’s self-taught jazz brilliance.
Classical Precision: Gangi's contributions emphasize Metronome Use and systematic technical development, focusing on scales, arpeggios, and precise finger placement.
Modern Accessibility: One of the course's most progressive features was Gangi’s early adoption of tablature alongside standard notation, making complex music more accessible to beginners and self-taught players.
Jazz and Popular Style: Cerri’s sections are noted for their more gradual progression, focusing on acoustic and electric styles, including interpretations of popular songs like "Oh Susanna" and "Greensleeves". Educational Philosophy and Impact
The method advocates for a "slow and steady" progression, prioritizing precision and control over speed. Despite being over 40 years old, it remains a frequent point of reference in guitar forums and archives, such as JazzMusicArchives.com, where enthusiasts still discuss its technical exercises and rare recordings.
Critics and students have noted that while the Franco Cerri portions are approachable, Gangi’s classical exercises can be quite demanding for absolute beginners, often introducing complex hand movements early on. However, this "no-shortcuts" philosophy is precisely what has cemented its reputation as a comprehensive foundation for any serious guitarist. Legacy of the Collaboration
Beyond the technical exercises, the Corso di Chitarra is a cultural artifact of 1980s Italy. It brought professional-grade music education into the homes of thousands, supported by high-quality recordings featuring prominent musicians like saxophonist Eddie Daniels. For many, the course was not just a book but a gateway to understanding the guitar as a versatile instrument capable of both Bach-like intricacy and jazz-inflected soul. Corso di chitarra Gangi-Cerri digitalizzato - Pagina 5
Il primo volume parte da zero assoluto. Non sai dove mettere le dita? Non sai leggere una nota? Nessun problema.
Acquistare il metodo non basta. Ecco un piano di studi ideale:
Because the method is concise, you may need:
| Missing element | Recommended supplement | |----------------|------------------------| | More classical études | Giuliani – 120 Right Hand Studies | | Fingerpicking patterns | Mauro Storti – Tecnica del plettro e fingerstyle | | Jazz improvisation | Franco Cerri – Metodo per chitarra jazz (separate book) | | Video demonstrations | YouTube search: “Franco Cerri corso di chitarra lezione 1” |
The Cerri–Gangi method is a historical artifact and an excellent brain-stretcher for the serious guitarist who reads music and wants to understand how Italian jazz guitarists thought in the mid-20th century. It is not efficient for quick results, but it is rewarding for its unique blend of rigor (Gangi) and harmonic street-smarts (Cerri).
If you are a collector or a teacher looking for vintage material, it is worth hunting down. If you simply want to learn jazz or classical guitar in 2026, buy modern books – but keep an eye out for a used copy of Trattato di armonia moderna for its quirky, personal take on chord progressions.
Here’s a nostalgic social media post celebrating the legendary Corso di Chitarra Franco Cerri Mario Gangi Title: 🎸 The Course That Taught a Nation to Play If you grew up in Italy in the , you likely remember seeing those weekly installments at the newsstand "Corso di Chitarra" Franco Cerri Mario Gangi
(published by Fabbri Editori) wasn’t just a music method—it was a cultural phenomenon. Why was it so special? Franco Cerri E Mario Gangi – Corso Di Chitarra - Discogs
Franco Cerri E Mario Gangi – Corso Di Chitarra – Box Set 4 x Cassette, 1982 [r3997383] | Discogs. www.discogs.com
If you stick with this course, you will develop:
It is a disciplined path, but it turns a "guitar player" into a "musician." Highly recommended
This is a specific and somewhat niche request. Franco Cerri (1926–2016) was a giant of Italian jazz (guitar and double bass), and Mario Gangi (1923–2010) was a renowned classical guitarist and educator. Their collaborative "Corso di chitarra" was published in Italy primarily by Edizioni Curci and Ricordi from the 1960s onward.
Because this is a vintage, Italian-language method aimed at bridging jazz, classical, and popular music, it is very different from modern guitar methods. Below is a guide to understanding, finding, and using this course.