Simple Arpeggio Playing Over Open Chords

Arpeggios often cause a lot of confusion because I think most people believe they can't be that simple. In reality, an arpeggio is nothing more than breaking the notes of a chord up and playing them one at a time instead of all together (and as my kids like to tell me, Arpeggio was NOT Pinocchio's father.)

So in this example taken from a common lesson I do with my private students, you'll get to practice your right hand picking while your left hand really doesn't do anything but hold a chord shape.

This is a great way to get a nice sound without a lot of work. It's common in many different styles of music. Hope you like it.


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Leave A Reply (30 comments So Far)


  1. Carlos

    Hey, this lesson is really helpfull ! Thanks !!!


  2. Sally Miglioranza

    Hi Griff. Very useful..You are an awesome teacher & I love the way you are thorough and take us in a logical , step by step journey towards understanding music..not just showing us how to bash out random songs!Most of all I really respect the fact that you're not a show off!!! Sal (Australia)


  3. steve

    Thank you Griff,it sounded good,nice lesson.


  4. Jimbo

    Griff, I have to tell you, I think that you are probably the best teacher on the web, even an oldie like me can understand and follow it , many thanks.


  5. tim lossner

    That is BEAUTIFUL


  6. Les Turnbull

    Another little treasure to diddle with during the adds, no backing needed.
    like so many good things
    simple but effective

    les


  7. Paul

    Cheers Griff, could never get into note picking but this has given me hope, thanks mate


  8. MARK

    cool chord progression need more . thanx


  9. Bluespower007

    Thanks, your lessons are always interesting and most important they are fun! Best wishes my friend! 007.


  10. chris justice

    your a great teacher thanks so much,


  11. meggie

    Griff, thank you so very much for a lesson a 80 year old lady can enjoy practicing on.


  12. mike mccahill

    the new additions via email are way way more then i expected when purchasing the blues mastered video.


  13. Wayne Woodward

    That really is a nice piece to practice with. I appreciate how you teach with a positive and patient attitude.

    Thank you so much!

    Regards,

    Wayne


  14. Michael

    Excellent finger excercise. Love it. Thank you


  15. Rod P.

    A good lesson, well presented. Thank you for presenting it here. Looking forward to more.


  16. bishop

    Hi,Griff i like the way you teach,((Smile))) as,u the master of strings, teaching
    i have enjoyed all your clips .Thank, you


  17. Roger (UK)

    WOW, superb tune, I dared not ask when to pick 'upwards or downward' common sense I guess.
    Thank you Griff


  18. andy

    Hi,Griff i like the way you teach as the master of strings
    i have enjoyed all your clips .Than you .Andy


  19. andy

    Thankyou griff great sounds ................Andy


  20. Matt

    Man, thanks so much. Very easy and enjoyable method. I have been picking in a sort of clawhammer way for a year, (e.g. 6,2,3,1 for G) and this makes it a lot clearer. The House of the Rising Sun I believe is 5,4,3,2,1 - 1,2)


  21. Kingman

    Another great lesson by a master teacher.


  22. Wayne

    Hi Griff
    Great little exercise tune to improve picking skills and arpeggio's. Thanks again.


  23. Phillip Harrison

    Is this the same as fingerpicking style.


  24. bill

    fantastic beginning blues lessons


  25. danny

    you make things so simple to practice
    thanks griff
    please continue the great work


  26. Gus

    Exactly what I have been looking for! Simple arpeggios for some of my original folk tunes.


  27. irwin garskof

    WOW - Thanks. You make it look so easy...Can't wait to go home and try it!!! IG


  28. Jim Robinson

    Great little piece. I'm not shooled in music but I played alot of rock and jazz in the 60's. Now I'm in MY 60's and I really enjoy your package I bought and your little ditties you do that breaks the everyday practice routine.


  29. Bill

    Great little practice piece ... thank you, Griff


  30. Bill Grigsby

    Really cool, nice sound gives me some good ideas, you could do some bigtime solos over that add drums and base... yeah.