Thunderhead

Thunderhead is a cumulative Level 8 piece that weaves together technical elements from earlier levels in GuitarCurriculum. It serves as a companion to Sandías (Level 4), both inspired by the composer’s home in New Mexico. Each summer, the New Mexican landscape is crowned by towering thunderheads—massive cloud formations that appear on the distant horizon and slowly sweep across the sky. This piece captures the experience of watching those majestic structures drift overhead, leaving behind a sense of calm and coolness in the air.

Students will apply a range of techniques in this piece, including slurs, arpeggios, scale passages with right-hand alternation, upper-position reading, and full chords. Fingerings—both right and left hand—are carefully chosen and should be followed closely, particularly in upper-position sections.