Guitar arpeggio technique

Arpeggios are widely used on the guitar. An arpeggio sounds the notes of a chord successively rather than together; it is also called a broken chord. A chord is commonly understood here as three or more notes sounded together, while an arpeggio presents those notes in a chosen order. Right-hand position matters. Keep a relaxed, curved hand, as though loosely holding a tennis ball, and use a mirror to observe it. It is also helpful to learn the conventional names of the right-hand fingers.

When playing an arpeggio, the usual starting allocation is:

The p finger plays the 6th, 5th or 4th string

The i finger plays the 3rd string

The m finger plays the 2nd string

“a” finger plays the 1st string.

With the right-hand fingers assigned this way, practise p–i–m–a on strings 6, 3, 2 and 1, then try other patterns. Here are some simple arpeggio exercises.

p–i–m–a (strings 6, 3, 2, 1)

p–i–m–i–a–i–m–i (strings 6, 3, 2, 3, 1, 3, 2, 3)

p–i–m–i–a–m–a–i (strings 6, 3, 2, 3, 1, 2, 1, 3)

p–i–m–i–a–i–m–i–a–m (strings 6, 3, 2, 3, 1, 3, 2, 3, 1, 2)

You can also devise your own patterns and try different orders. Begin on open strings to familiarise your fingers with the movement, then practise with basic chords. At this stage, start the bass note on the chord root—for A minor or A major, for example, use A. This is a straightforward starting method; patterns and finger assignments can change as you advance. The image below also shows a small example of arpeggios in notation and tablature.

Like other guitar techniques, arpeggios require patience and repeated practice. Regular, attentive work helps your technique develop. Enjoy your practice!

Cahit Baltacı
Rekor Sanat – Guitar Teacher