Guitar Arpeggios
In this section we feature free online lessons on how to build various types of arpeggios from scale tones.
What is an ARPEGGIO? Simply put, an arpeggio is when you play the set of tones that make up a chord in succession rather than simultaneously.
If you were to play the notes of a chord individually in succession, instead of simultaneously, it can be said that you have arpeggiated it. BUT.....it is not so simple as this on a guitar. Because some chord tones may fall on different frets of the same string, most guitar chord forms will not usually yield the complete arpeggio when played in arpeggiated fashion.
So how do I make an arpeggio?: Use the relevant scale/chord tones. A major arpeggio consists of the root, 3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale; the same as a major chord. And just as a minor chord is produced by using a flatted third, a minor arpeggio consists of a root, minor 3rd, and a 5th. We can also produce more colorful arpeggios by using 7ths and other scale degrees.
Different types of arpeggios will be discussed in further detail with diagrams and theoretical explanations on other pages of this site (See links at right-hand side of this page).
Practice Tips
Use these practice methods with all arpeggios:
Arpeggio Practice Tip #1: Name the scale degress while playing arpeggios, so you are conscious of when you are playing the 3rd, when you are playing the 5th, etc.
Arpeggio Practice Tip #2: Always use a metronome! Play at different speeds and try to work with different rhythms as well.
Arpeggio Practice Tip #3: Once you are fluent in playing arpeggios in ascending and descending fashion, play them using patterns as well. For example, with a major 7th arpeggio: play root, 3rd, 5th, then 3rd, 5th, 7th, then 5th, 7th, octave root, and so on in the established patterns. Make up other patterns too, with varying numbers of notes. As mentioned in the first two practice tips, be mindful of which degrees you are playing, and practice using different speeds and rhythms. This practice method will help you to build "chops".
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