An arpeggio is simply the notes of any given chord played separately and distinctly. Actually, ever chord can be played as an arpeggio just by playing one note at a time, in any order (arpeggiated picking). Many songs have been created that just use arpeggios.
Arpeggios are great for:
- Improvisation
- Creating a melody
- Finger picking styles
- Sweep picking
- Fretboard tapping
How to use Arpeggios
When a guitarist solos over a chord progression, they may use arpeggios as a way to bridge the gap between chords. One trick a guitarist can use is to play an arpeggio over a chord that does not quite fit in the key they are playing in. Instead of staying with a particular scale(s) over all the chords, a guitarist can switch to the chords arpeggio, and then come back to using compatible scales for the other chords in the progression.
Arpeggio patterns are very useful when a guitarist needs to solo over a chord progression. For example, if someone is playing a C Major 7th chord, then a guitarist could use a C Major 7th arpeggio pattern over it.
The patterns come in many useful forms such as the zigzagging arpeggio patterns.
Some of these patterns are also horizontal patterns as compared to vertical patterns. The zigzagging patterns may be easier to play than some of the patterns where one has to stretch or reach over many frets. It is also a good idea for a guitarist to develop their own arpeggio patterns based on a particular chord. In addition, a guitarist should practice moving the arpeggio patterns around on the Fretboard. The root note determines the name of the arpeggio.
Chords and Arpeggios
Arpeggiated picking of chords is a great way to make a new song or to improvise. An example is the song The House of the Rising Sun by The Animals. There is a great use of arpeggios in this song that stick pretty much to the standard chord structures. It is a good example of arpeggiated picking.
A guitar solo can be created by using both chords an arpeggios, that is, by combining arpeggiated picking and strumming of chords. A guitarist can literally take any given chord progression and replace some (or all) of the chords with their corresponding arpeggios.
When soloing, it is essential to know what the chords are in a song. Once the chords are established, then various soloing techniques may be applied. The use of arpeggios is an effective soloing technique. A guitarist will create exciting songs if they apply some arpeggiated picking and strumming ideas to their chord progressions.
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