Arpeggio Styles
The arpeggio picking style is another common picking style used in contemporary fingerpicking guitar. This right hand style differs to the alternating thumb style in that the thumb is not putting the emphasis on every beat of the bar by playing every beat of the bar. With an arpeggio style there is no set pattern to how the right hand thumb is used. The distinguishing feature of the arpeggio style is the playing of the "arpeggio" within a chord shape. The arpeggio refers to the notes that make up the chord. Common arpeggio playing is the playing of the notes within the chord from the lowest note to the highest note and back to the lowest note.
The a Finger
Most arpeggio patterns require the use of the right hand a finger. Basic arpeggio patterns allocate the right hand thumb to the root bass note, the i finger to the 3rd string, the m finger to the 2nd string and the a finger to the 1st string.
Arpeggio Picking Style Pattern One
The first arpeggio pattern is in ^ time and makes use of the i, m and a fingers.
This pattern is used in the following example.
Arpeggio Picking Style Pattern Two
The next arpeggio pattern is also in ^ time. This pattern is a two bar picking pattern that incorporates the alternative bass note.
Arpeggio Picking Style Pattern Three and Four
The next two arpeggio patterns place another bass note on the third beat. Pattern three repeats the root bass note. Pattern four employs the alternating bass note.
Example 48 makes use of the previous two patterns.
Amazing Grace is another song in ^ time.
The arpeggio style is used for the accompaniment to Amazing Grace.
