Notes, Chords and Arpeggios Guitar Lesson
Notes, Chords and Arpeggios
Now that David has explained a few common chord shapes, he will go back and explain what notes, chords, power chords, and arpeggios are.
Taught by David MacKenzie in Basic Electric Guitar seriesLength: 8:12Difficulty: 0.5 of 5
Notes
Dave defines a note as "one string plucked/picked to produce a tone or a specific pitch." Often, guitarists strum muted strings to produce a percussive effect. Although muted strings (indicated by x's in notation) do not produce a specific pitch, they are still considered notes.
Take this time to review the proper procedure for fretting a single note. Most beginner guitar students find that their greatest obstacle is producing a consistent solid tune. This is primarily due to issues with the fretting hand. In order to play a note with a tone free of annoying buzzing sounds, the following rules must be observed:
1. The fretting fingers must remain as close as possible to the fretboard at all times.
2. When fretting a note, make sure that the appropriate left-hand finger is as close to the fretwire as possible without actually touching it. Pressing the string down right over top of the fret will cause a note to buzz and ring poorly. Pressing the string down too far from the fret will yield the exact same result. Make note of the location of Brad's fingers when he is fretting a note.
3. The string must be held down with sufficient pressure in order to produce a clear sound. Fretting a note with insufficient pressure causes the note to sound muted.
4. Pressing a string down too hard will cause the string to go sharp. If you apply too much pressure to the strings with your left hand, your playing will always sound slightly out of tune.
5. Do not flatten any of the joints in your left-hand fingers. Make sure each joint is relaxed and slightly bent at all times.
6. Keep the left-hand fingernails as short as possible!
Chords
A chord is formed by any combination of three or more distinct pitches played simultaneously. For every type of chord (major, minor, dominant 7th, etc.) there is a specific formula used to determine which notes are contained within each type of chord. These formulas as well as other complicated music theory concepts are discussed in Phase 2 lessons.
Take this time to review all chords and chord progressions that you have learned so far. As you learn more chords, it is very important that you do not forget chords that you have previously learned. The best way to remember the chords that you have learned is to use them in a musical context. Practice chord progressions often to engrain all chord shapes in your mind.
A. Chord Voicings
Due to the nature of the guitar, there are several different ways to play the same chord. For instance, there are over 75 possible ways to play a basic C chord. Each specific way to fret this chord is referred to as a “chord voicing.†Make sure you have a solid foundation in all basic, open chords before learning alternate voicings for these chords.
Power Chords
The term "power chord" is slightly misleading from a music theory perspective. A power chord is comprised of two notes. Often, one or both pitches are doubled an octave higher to create an overall larger sound. Technically, three different pitches must be present to form a chord. However, since the phrase "power chord" has such a catchy ring to it, it is used frequently by all sorts of musicians. When two pitches are played together simultaneously, they comprise what is called a "double stop."
A power chord creates an emotionally powerful effect. This is how they gained their popular title. When distortion is added to power chords, their sound becomes even more intense.
Usually, a power chord consists of a root note and the note a perfect fifth above it. For example, a C5 power chord consists of the root note C and the note G a perfect fifth above it. However, a root note is often combined with the third or the note a b5 above it to create a power chord with a different tonal flavor.
Arpeggios
An arpeggio is formed when the notes within a chord are picked individually. Dave defines an arpeggio as “a chord or specific notes picked one at a time to create a scale, melody, or sequence in music. Arpeggios are most frequently used to create melody lines and sequences. Most commonly, an arpeggio is substituted for a strummed chord progression in order to create an overall different texture. Arpeggios are frequently used in the course of a guitar solo to outline chord progressions. Watch as David outlines a C# major chord with its corresponding arpeggio notes.
Now that you have learned all of these concepts, try to pick out specific examples of each when listening to your favorite music. Determine whether the guitarist is playing single notes, chords, power chords, or arpeggios. If you have any questions regarding this lesson, feel free to email questions to Dave or other JamPlay instructors.
Supplemental Learning Material
Basic Electric Guitar
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsIn his Phase 1 series, David MacKenzie will walk you through the basics of rock guitar.
Lesson 1
About the Guitar
David discusses the parts of the guitar. He also gives you some basic techniques to get you started.
Length: 31:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Power Chords
In this lesson, David introduces basic power chords. Great fun for beginners!
Length: 10:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Basic Chord Progressions
David introduces some basic chords and chord progressions.
Length: 14:15 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Notes, Chords and Arpeggios
David provides a brief explanation of what notes, chords, power chords, and arpeggios are.
Length: 8:12 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Speed and Coordination
This lesson is all about increasing your speed and coordination. David demonstrates basic picking exercises.
Length: 14:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Chord Exercises
David MacKenzie presents a mysterious sounding chord exercise. This exerices is designed to improve right hand technique.
Length: 9:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Practice and Discipline
In this short lesson David talks about practice, discipline, and how you should apply yourself when learning and mastering the guitar.
Length: 6:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Double Stops
Double stops can bring new life to your rhythm and lead playing. David provides a short tutorial on what double stops are and how they can be used.
Length: 7:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
The Major Chords
David covers the basic major chord shapes. Every guitarist must learn these basic chords.
Length: 18:29 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
The Minor Chords
David MacKenzie walks you through the basic minor chords. Expand your knowledge of chords with this fun-filled lesson.
Length: 8:15 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Major Scales
Major scales are an essential component of all styles of music. They can also be used as a great way to orient yourself with the fretboard.
Length: 32:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Major Scale Jam
David MacKenzie explains how to practice the major scales along with a fun backing track.
Length: 11:10 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
The Minor Scales
David MacKenzie proceeds to an in-depth discussion of the minor scales.
Length: 15:36 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Minor Scale Jam
David MacKenzie shows you how to play the natural minor scale over a rockin' JamTrack.
Length: 6:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
One String Exercise
David demonstrates an excellent one-string exercise in this lesson. This exercise will improve your dexterity and knowledge of the fretboard.
Length: 16:48 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Hammer-ons and pull-offs are techniques that enable you to play with a smooth, legato feel.
Length: 8:27 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Basic Bends
David MacKenzie gives a crash course on bending in this lesson. Bends can add a lot of soul to your playing.
Length: 16:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Cool Rock Licks
David MacKenzie teaches two rock licks inspired by Yngwie Malmsteen and Kirk Hammett of Metallica.
Length: 12:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Hammer-On Exercise
David returns to the world of hammer-ons with a fun new exercise. This lesson includes a JamTrack.
Length: 13:56 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Return to Pull-Offs
David returns to the world of pull-offs with a new exercise. This lesson includes a backing track.
Length: 12:50 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Practicing Bends
David MacKenzie returns to bending technique in this lesson. This lesson features a backing track that is designed for bending practice.
Length: 12:18 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Basic Vibrato
Integrating vibrato into your guitar playing is a great way to add emotion and soul. David MacKenzie explains the basics of vibrato in this lesson.
Length: 9:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Pentatonic Scale
David MacKenzie introduces the pentatonic scale.
Length: 5:48 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Minor Pentatonic Scale
David MacKenzie introduces the minor pentatonic scale in this lesson.
Length: 4:38 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Full Major Scale
David MacKenzie explains a two octave pattern of the major scale.
Length: 11:31 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Full Minor Scale
David MacKenzie introduces a two octave natural minor scale pattern.
Length: 12:20 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Full Major Pentatonic Scale
David teaches a two octave pattern of the major pentatonic scale.
Length: 6:30 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Full Minor Pentatonic Scale
David MacKenzie teaches a two octave version of the minor pentatonic scale.
Length: 9:20 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Cool Lick
David MacKenzie teaches several licks based on common arpeggio patterns. This lesson also includes a backing track to jam with.
Length: 20:40 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Rhythm Basics
David MacKenzie introduces some important rhythm basics in this lesson. This lesson also includes a backing track exercise.
Length: 14:55 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Power Chord Variations
David MacKenzie explains various power chord voicings. By simply moving a finger or two, new power chords can be formed.
Length: 18:43 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Cool Lick Exercise
David MacKenzie introduces some new amazing licks.
Length: 29:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tapping Exercise
David MacKenzie introduces the tapping technique and teaches a fun exercise. This lesson includes a backing track.
Length: 22:44 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Tapping Exercise #2
David MacKenzie teaches another amazing tapping exercise.
Length: 13:07 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Tapping #3: Adding Open Strings
The third tapping lesson elaborates on the previous lesson by adding open strings.
Length: 12:59 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tapping #4: Diminished Lick
The fourth lesson in Dave's tapping series deals with a monster diminished lick.
Length: 11:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Tapping #5
In lesson five of his tapping mini-series, DMac provides backing tracks that you can tap over.
Length: 8:04 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Tremolo Technique
In lesson 38, DMac demonstrates some tremolo techniques to add to your repertoire.
Length: 13:54 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tapping #6
DMac returns to his tapping instruction with more advanced techniques.
Length: 19:54 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Chord Structures
In lesson 40, DMac teaches you how to play various D chords all the way up the neck.
Length: 9:20 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Octaves
In lesson 41, David discusses the octave and its uses while playing.
Length: 17:09 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
About David MacKenzie
View Full Biography
Dave MacKenzie has been playing guitar for 30 of his 45 years on this earth. Starting back when he was 14 years old, Dave picked up the guitar and started to learn from his oldest brother, who had played some guitar as well. Dave was hooked, and couldn't learn fast enough! Everything from the Beatles, Chicago, Ted Nugent, The Eagles, you name it, Dave was trying to play it.
Then as with a lot of players out there, Eddie Van Halen came along and changed the way guitar was played! Dave has been influenced by anyone he has heard play guitar, literally! Always keeping an open mind and a humbleness about him has helped him to keep learning new things on, and about the guitar.
Dave has mostly played in top 40 rock, country, and pop bands. He is most recently playing guitar and keyboards in a 80's metal band called Open Fire. They have opened for Warrant, Firehouse, Winger, and LA Guns
within the 3 and a half years they have been together, and are now jumping into original music.
Dave believes you should have internal motivation, and passion to play guitar, and most definitely, it should be fun!
As with his playing, Dave will find new ways to show you how to get the most out of your time learning guitar!
Acoustic Guitar Lessons
Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.
Steve Eulberg
Steve Eulberg does a quick review of this lesson series and talks about moving on.
Free LessonSeries Details
Danny Voris
Lesson 7 is all about arpeggios. Danny provides discussion and exercises designed to build your right hand skills.
Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Kailana Nelson
Mark Nelson introduces "'Ulupalakua," a song he will be using to teach different skills and techniques. In this lesson, he...
Free LessonSeries Details
Erik Mongrain
Erik expounds on the many possibilities of open tunings and the new harmonics that you can use in them. He explains what...
Free LessonSeries Details
Pamela Goldsmith
Pamela brings a cap to her first 13 JamPlay lessons with another original etude inspired by the great Leo Brouwer. This is...
Free LessonSeries Details
Orville Johnson
Orville Johnson introduces turnarounds and provides great ideas and techniques.
Free LessonSeries Details
Jim Deeming
Jim Deeming discusses how to use a metronome for practice, skill building, and speed building.
Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Kroos
Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Lincoln
Time to unlock your creativity because in this information packed lesson. Mark dives deep into how to deconstruct the process...
Free LessonSeries Details
Eve Goldberg
Eve talks about the boom-chuck strum pattern. This strum pattern will completely change the sound of your playing.
Free LessonSeries DetailsElectric Guitar Lesson Samples
Our electric guitar lessons are taught by instructors with an incredible amount of teaching experience.
Jane Miller
Jane Miller talks about chord solos in part one of this fascinating mini-series.
Free LessonSeries Details
Allen Van Wert
Allen shows you the 24 rudiments crucial to developing finger dexterity. This is a short lesson but the exercises here can...
Free LessonSeries Details
Kris Norris
Kris analyzes different pick sizes and their effect on his playing. Using a slow motion camera, he is able to point out the...
Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Brennan
Mark Brennan teaches this classic rock song by Jethro Tull. Released on the album of the same name in 1971, this song features...
Free LessonSeries Details
James Malone
James explains how to tap arpeggios for extended musical reach.
Free LessonSeries Details
Brendan Burns
Brendan demonstrates the tiny triad shapes derived from the form 1 barre chord.
Free LessonSeries Details
Brad Henecke
Free LessonSeries Details
Tosin Abasi
Tosin explains some of the intricacies of the 8 string guitar such as his personal setup and approach to playing.
Free LessonSeries Details
Lauren Passarelli
Lauren Passarelli offers up her wisdom on purchasing a guitar. She also includes information regarding proper setup and care....
Free LessonSeries Details
Lisa Pursell
Lisa breaks into the very basics of the electric guitar. She starts by explaining the parts of the guitar. Then, she dives...
Free LessonSeries DetailsAdditional Lesson Features Available to Members
While we have attempted to provide you with an accurate rendition of our video lesson experience, there are some features which
require a membership with us!
Custom Progress Reporting
At JamPlay, we give you the ability to monitor your own progress for any lesson! If you watch one of our lessons and feel as though you understand around half of it, mark your progress at 50%. This adds the lesson to your customized Progress Report, and gives you an incredible ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.
Progressive Bookmarking
With thousands of lessons at your fingertips, JamPlay can be a touch intimidating to a first-time user. With Progressive Bookmarking, we give you the ability to systematically bookmark sections of any lessons you are working on to quickly access later. After all, what is the point of all this content if it isn't easy to use?
Save Your Notes
JamPlay also gives you the ability to leave notes for yourself on any lesson. Just like in any educational system, taking your own notes while learning gives you the ability to highlight the instruction that is important to you. Leave your notes, and we store them in our database for you to reference each and everytime you come back to the lesson.
Join the Thousands of Members at JamPlay
Signup today to enjoy access to our entire database of video lessons, along with our exclusive set of learning tools and features.
Unlimited Lesson Viewing
A JamPlay membership gives you access to every lesson, from every teacher on our staff. Additionally, there is no restriction on how many times you watch a lesson. Watch as many times as you need.Live Lessons
Exclusive only to JamPlay, we currently broadcast 8-10 hours of steaming lesson services directly to you! Enjoy the benefits of in-person instructors and the conveniences of our community.Interactive Community
Create your own profile, manage your friends list, and contact users with your own JamPlay Mailbox. JamPlay also features live chat with teachers and members, and an active Forum.Chord Library
Each chord in our library contains a full chart, related tablature, and a photograph of how the chord is played. A comprehensive learning resource for any guitarist.Scale Library
Our software allows you to document your progress for any lesson, including notes and percent of the lesson completed. This gives you the ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.Custom Chord Sheets
At JamPlay, not only can you reference our Chord Library, but you can also select any variety of chords you need to work on, and generate your own printable chord sheet.Backing Tracks
Jam-along backing tracks give the guitarist a platform for improvising and soloing. Our backing tracks provide a wide variety of tracks from different genres of music, and serves as a great learning tool.Interactive Games
We have teachers covering beginner lessons, rock, classic rock, jazz, bluegrass, fingerstyle, slack key and more. Learn how to play the guitar from experienced players, in a casual environment.Beginners Welcome.. and Up
Unlike a lot of guitar websites and DVDs, we start our Beginner Lessons at the VERY start of the learning process, as if you just picked up a guitar for the first time.Our teaching is structured for all players.
Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Well, looks like that took me to the same place.......YukYuk......I'll be patient.............Thank You
David, Lesson 4, chapt. 2, under Power chord "notes" refers to the third as "b5", does this mean a flat (b) 5 ? example: C5, having a fifth of "G", the third would be F#, or the third is 3 notes above C, making it an E ? What is this ? How is "b5" read or spoken? Thank You
Hey David, Not sure what i'm doing here............posted a question yesterday i believe......most of the posts there are pretty old maybe this is a more direct route.....
Dave Please post the tabs for the riff you played at the end of this lesson Thanks David
Hey, Dave. I'm enjoying your lessons, but I've noticed as you progress through your lessons that the different guitars you use are tuned different. i.e. the silver Fender with the flag in lesson 4 is tuned 1 full step lower than the guitar you use in lesson 3. I'm not having trouble re-tuning, but without you pointing that out to some of your less experienced students, it may end up being a little confusing for them. Just sayin',,,,
I'm pretty sure Power Chord is a term used specifically referring to the 5th interval (+ an octave optional)...
hey there awesome lessons just curious about bar chord/scale type thing. If I take any bar chord then separate it into single notes does that mean if im playing a g bar chord then play the notes thats a g scale or not?
Like these lessons you are very talented I can only imagine what the latter lessons are like
loving your lessons to by the way
am i right in thinking that when your sweet picking an arepeggio in this video you are basically finding the same notes as played in the chord but just picking them individually along the fret board?
I gotta say sir, i love your lessons! So easy to learn and understand, so straightforward, so fun. I'm progressing so fast! Hopefully not to fast. I wanna master the foundations first :)
thank you so much! i am glad it is helping you! rock on!!
i like metalica songs and i think fade to black is one of thows arpagio things at the begining. (sorry i'm new)
hey dave bought a new guitar.not as nice a my prs. i didnt want to mess it up learning.so i bought an ibanez grx series. nice guitar but it seem the strings are alot farter off the frets. i can see the allen key holes on the bridge. can i lower them or do i need to get another nut that is shorter to. i practice several hours a day and would prefer to use the ibanez but the prs is allot easer to play. or did i just get a bad guitar
Hey David, this is Nick (you commented a while back on my tae kwon do pic), just wanted to say that you rock brother, i joined this site becuase of your playing. I also love that airborne sticker on your guitar, I got a huge smile on my face when i saw it, i was with the 101st airborne for two years. Any chance i could talk you into writting "12-12-85" on that sticker? (look up 101st and gander). Take care, Nick airborne all the way!
Concerning arpeggios...Don't you have to know how to write a chord then it is played in the third and fifth with a two octave difference? Please clarify.
that is great "pick any note that is within reason"
i just started, and ive been going along pretty good, but the arpeggios confused me, help?
dude its easy all an arrpergio is picking each string of the chord one by one
If arpeggios are confusing you, think about it like this. When you play a chord you are playing (3) or more notes at the same time. An arpeggio in it's most basic form can just be playing all of the notes in that chord individually instead of at once.
thanks, i get it now
i noticed that when you were doing bar chords that all strings were freted. i can not figure out how to get my first finger to bar all six strings is there any thing i can do to fix this
For most of them you honestly don't need to. For instance many barre chords (such as the A shape and C shape) do not require the 6th string to be fretted. Some people do as it makes changing between the shapes faster, but if you cannot do it it isn't necessary. Also, you only need to worry about your barre finger getting the strings that are not fretted, which can make things substantially easier than making sure all 6 strings ring out. Also keep in mind Barre chords take a lot of hand strength and will get MUCH easier over time.
I see you play G major with fingers 1, 2 ,3. I have seen other places as well. I am just starting, and the first reference I had showed G major with fingers 2,3, 4. Is there an advantage one way or the other?
you should be able to get more stretch as you go. it's kind of like when you lock your knee"s and try to touch your toe's. you have to warm up the muscles and ligaments, and tendons 1st before you try anything that is difficult stretching wise. some of it is strength, and some of it is flexibilty. keep after it wasp!!!! you'll get there!! we are here with you every step of the way, but you are the one who has to apply what you learn here!!! rock on!!!!!!
tks for the answer, ill try it. but will i eventually be able to stretch out more or do i have to work with what i got?
hey wasp, thanks for the question! i would definitely start off with learning the first major chords. i like to teach them from A major to Gmajor first. that way you alway have a reference when you need to find them, or a certain chord in a song. you can play them like an exercise or scale, and it helps with transitioning to different chord structures. i really need to do a lesson on this as well. this seems to work with anyone i have taught face to face. as for your second question, start at the 12th fret with your 1st finger on the small e string (1st string). do a four finger walk up=meaning, 1st finger=12th fret, 2nd finger 13th fret, 3rd finger 14th fret, and 4th finger 15th fret. do that once, then skip to the 2nd string and continue same exercise all the way to the 6th string(same frets). now go to the 11th fret and start over. once you've done that progress down 1 fret at a time (same exercise) until you reach the 1st fret. this allows your finger/hand to warm up on the smaller frets first before you tackle the larger frets spaces (1st, 2nd, 0r 3rd fret area). i hope that is understandable. let me know if it is'nt!! best of success to you!!!!
kinda got lost here. have been messing around with the open power chords (which is pretty kool) but what should i be learning next? closed power chords or all the major chords? i figure it will take some time to learn the major chords, but if i know the power chords will give me somethin to play with in between learning the major chords? what do you suggest? if you suggest the major chords, learn them in a certain order? ty:confused: ps: one BIG question? my fingers will not spread over 4 frets worth a crap, with practice will they eventually be able to or some kind of exercise i can do for them? really feels un-natural at the moment.:(