How to Choose the Right Guitar Score Edition: A Guide for Serious Musicians

As a classical guitarist, choosing the right score edition is just as important as practicing the right technique. The edition you use can shape your interpretation, influence your phrasing, and even affect your understanding of the piece. But with so many options available—manuscripts, Urtext, first editions, and modern scores—how do you know which one to trust?

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of score editions, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to make informed choices to support your musical growth.

Why Score Editions Matter

Not all sheet music is the same. Many editions contain editorial changes, questionable fingerings, altered phrasing, or even incorrect notes. Some editions reflect the editor’s personal interpretation rather than the composer’s original intent.

If you’re serious about playing with historical accuracy and musical integrity, choosing the right edition is essential. Let’s break down the different types of score editions and what you should look for.

Types of Score Editions and How They Differ

1. Manuscripts (The Original Source)

If available, the composer’s handwritten manuscript is the most direct connection to their musical vision. It often contains:

✔️ Authentic phrasing, articulation, and note choices

✔️ Unique layout details (like wavy or straight slurs) that indicate performance style

✔️ An unfiltered view of the composer’s creative process

However, manuscripts can also have drawbacks:

❌ Some are difficult to read due to handwriting quality or missing sections

❌ There may be multiple versions, making it hard to determine the most accurate one

Example: J.S. Bach’s cello suites exist in several handwritten copies, none directly from Bach himself. The most reliable is considered to be the copy by Anna Magdalena Bach, but it still presents challenges in articulation markings.

1. First Editions (Published in the Composer’s Lifetime)

First editions are the earliest printed versions of a piece and often provide a close representation of the composer’s intentions.

✅ Many were reviewed by the composer before publication

✅ Minimal editorial interference

✅ Typically lack fingerings, allowing for personal interpretation

Downsides:

❌ Some contain engraving errors from the publishing process

❌ They may not always reflect the composer’s final revisions

Example: Many 19th-century first editions, like those of Francesco Molino, were printed with tight layouts, making them difficult to annotate for practice.

1. Urtext Editions (Scholarly Modern Versions)

Urtext editions aim to be historically accurate and faithful to the original source while improving readability.

✅ Based on manuscripts and first editions

✅ Correct obvious mistakes without excessive editing

✅ Provide essential information while keeping the music as close to the original as possible

However:

❌ Some editors make interpretative decisions, especially regarding phrasing and articulation ❌ Variations in notation can still exist between different Urtext publishers

Example: In Bach’s Sonata BWV 1001, some Urtext editions “correct” an E natural to an E flat, assuming it was a mistake—yet this change affects the harmonic interpretation of the passage.

1. Modern Edited Editions

Edited editions are interpretative scores where editors add fingerings, phrasing, and articulation suggestions. These can be helpful for students but problematic if the editor takes too many liberties.

✅ Useful for beginners needing fingering guidance

✅ Often more readable than historical editions

✅ Can include performance insights from great musicians

⚠️ Be cautious!

❌ Some editions alter phrasing or articulation in ways that distort the original

❌ Editors may add notes or fingerings that change the piece’s character

Example: Segovia’s editions of pieces like Ponce’s “Theme, Variations & Finale” introduce phrasing changes not present in the manuscript. Some competitions even require specific editions due to long-standing traditions.

Which Edition Should You Choose?

If your goal is historical accuracy and personal interpretation, the best approach is:

🎼 Start with a manuscript or first edition if available

📖 Use an Urtext edition as a practical study score

✍️ Consider making your own edition by comparing sources and adding your own annotations

🚨 Be mindful of modern editions—use them for reference, but don’t rely on them blindly

For transcriptions, check the original source (piano, lute, orchestral score) before trusting an edited guitar version.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Own Understanding

Choosing the right score edition isn’t just about finding the easiest one to read—it’s about connecting with the music at a deeper level. The closer you get to the composer’s intent, the more informed and authentic your interpretation will be.

🎥 Want to see examples of different score editions and how they compare? Check out my video:

Have you ever struggled with a bad score edition? Let me know in the comments below!