Arpeggios are a method of playing the notes of a chord in sequence, one after the other, instead of simultaneously. This technique creates a flowing sound that is integral to many musical styles. In guitar theory, mastering arpeggios helps musicians understand chord structures, improve finger dexterity, and add harmonic richness to their playing.
Arpeggios can be derived from both major and minor chords. When you play a major chord's notes in sequence, you get a major arpeggio. Similarly, for a minor chord, playing its notes in sequence gives you a minor arpeggio. This methodical approach helps in understanding the chord's tonal qualities and provides a basis for more complex musical ideas.
Major Arpeggios
Major arpeggios are constructed by playing the root, third, and fifth of the chord in sequence. For example, in a C major arpeggio, you would play C, E, and G. This arpeggio outlines the chord's harmonic structure and is widely used to create melodies and solos.
| Chord | Notes | Arpeggio Sequence |
|---|---|---|
| C Major | C-E-G | C, E, G |
| G Major | G-B-D | G, B, D |
| A Major | A-C#-E | A, C#, E |
| F Major | F-A-C | F, A, C |
Minor Arpeggios
Minor arpeggios are formed by playing the root, flat third, and fifth of the chord. In a C minor arpeggio, for instance, you would play C, Eb, and G. This structure gives the arpeggio its distinct sound, which is more melancholic compared to the major arpeggio.
| Chord | Notes | Arpeggio Sequence |
|---|---|---|
| C Minor | C-Eb-G | C, Eb, G |
| G Minor | G-Bb-D | G, Bb, D |
| A Minor | A-C-E | A, C, E |
| F Minor | F-Ab-C | F, Ab, C |
Arpeggios for seventh and extended chords build upon the major and minor arpeggios by adding additional chord tones. Seventh chords include the seventh note, while extended chords add ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths. These arpeggios provide a richer harmonic context and are essential for advanced chord progressions and improvisation.
Seventh Chord Arpeggios
Seventh chord arpeggios include the root, third, fifth, and seventh of the chord. For a Cmaj7 arpeggio, you would play C, E, G, and B. This addition of the seventh note adds more tension and resolution, making the chords sound fuller and more complex.
| Chord | Notes | Arpeggio Sequence |
|---|---|---|
| Cmaj7 | C-E-G-B | C, E, G, B |
| G7 | G-B-D-F | G, B, D, F |
| Am7 | A-C-E-G | A, C, E, G |
| Fmaj7 | F-A-C-E | F, A, C, E |
Extended Chord Arpeggios
Extended chord arpeggios build on seventh chords by adding further extensions. For example, in a C9 arpeggio, you would play C, E, G, Bb, and D, which includes the root, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth. These chords offer even more color and complexity, making them popular in jazz and other intricate musical styles.
| Chord | Notes | Arpeggio Sequence |
|---|---|---|
| C9 | C-E-G-Bb-D | C, E, G, Bb, D |
| G13 | G-B-D-F-A-C | G, B, D, F, A, C |
| A11 | A-C#-E-G-D | A, C#, E, G, D |
| F#13 | F#-A-C#-E-D | F#, A, C#, E, D |