Arpeggios Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (03:12) Introduction Arpeggios

An arpeggio occurs when the notes within a chord are plucked individually rather than simultaneously. Many musicians use the terms "blocked chord" and "broken chord" to describe the difference between strummed chords and arpeggios.

Arpeggio patterns occur in countless pieces. Mauro Giuliani claimed that if you can play all 120 of his arpeggio studies accurately at an appropriate tempo, then you can play any piece of music that he ever wrote.

General Arpeggio Guidelines

Usually, the thumb is used to pluck notes that occur on the three bass strings. The index finger usually plucks notes on the third string. The M finger is typically used for notes on the second string. Usually, the A finger plucks notes on the first string. Keep in mind that these are basic guidelines. Almost half of the arpeggio patterns that you will encounter will break these rules.

Arpeggio Exercise

Apply your own arpeggio patterns to some basic progressions. To keep the left hand element simple, use "open" chords that you already feel very comfortable with.

At 01:27, Danny demonstrates one such arpeggio pattern. This pattern is applied to an open Em chord. He doesn't place his left hand on the fourth and fifth strings, because they are not involved in the arpeggio pattern. Then, after a few measures, the bass note is changed to A. The bass notes are plucked with the thumb. The guidelines listed above are used for the index, middle, and ring fingers.

Experiment with various patterns using these open strings. For example, Danny reverses the basic pattern at 01:48. If you tire of the sound of open strings, feel free to perform a basic progression such as Em to Am or C to G7. Also, feel free to pluck two strings simultaneously within the pattern.

Note: Tablature and standard notation to all exercises presented in the lesson video are included under the "Supplemental Content" tab. Chapter 2: (02:20) Exercise Danny elaborates on the exercise presented in the previous scene. The basic arpeggio pattern remains the same. This time around however, any note from the E natural minor scale can be played on the first string. Tablature to the E natural minor scale on the first string can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab. Strive to create meaningful melodies within the arpeggio pattern. For simplicity's sake, fret each note on the first string with the index finger.

Feel free to experiment with the arpeggio pattern as well. You can reverse the basic pattern or change the pattern altogether. Chapter 3: (03:18) Giuliani Arepeggio Patterns Mauro Giuliani - 120 Right-Hand Studies

Giuliani's 120 right hand arpeggio studies will prepare you for any arpeggio you may encounter in a classical piece. If you can play these arpeggios smoothly in a wide variety of tempos, you will never have problems when you encounter an arpeggio pattern in a piece of music.

Some of the studies are rather advanced. Danny demonstrates and breaks down one of the easier patterns in this scene at 01:45. The arpeggios that he demonstrates in the lesson are notated in tablature and standard notation under the "Supplemental Content" tab. All of the Giuliani patterns are written in standard notation as well. Tablature may be added to these documents in the future. If you have questions concerning these arpeggio patterns, feel free to write in to Danny or Matt Brown for help.

The arpeggio patterns are broken up into groups based on similar arpeggio formulas. Groups 8 and 9 feature a random collection of arpeggios that do not fit in with the other groups.

Practice Suggestions

-Practice one group at a time. Make sure that you can play each group comfortably along with a metronome before moving on to the next.

-Always practice your weakness, not your strengths. If a certain pattern gives you problems, drill it until it becomes second nature.

-Each arpeggio pattern can be repeated an unlimited amount of times for extra practice. Just be careful that you don't zone out and loose your focus.

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