Arpeggio Playing
All previous rhythm patterns you have played used strums. Another method of playing chords is by picking each string individually. This is called arpeggio playing.
Hold a C chord shape. Pick each string in the following order and use triplet timing. Remember to pick each string one at a time.
When playing arpeggio style it helps to support your right hand by placing your ring and little fingers on the body of the guitar as shown in the following photos.
Finger support on electric.
Finger support on acoustic.
Try arpeggio picking the following chord progression.
The first note picked is usually the root note of the chord. Strings can be picked in any order you wish. As long as you are holding a chord shape it will sound correct. Some picking patterns sound better than others in different progressions. This arpeggio style of playing can be used on any chord progression.
Apply the same arpeggio picking pattern to the following chord progression containing 4 bars of music and 2 chords in each bar. Pick the root note of the chord first and use the alternative E7 chord shape introduced in Lesson Ten.
The following example does not use triplet timing. Strum the full chord on the first beat followed by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd strings on the second, third and fourth beats while holding the chord shape.
