Arpeggios sound like BIG scary music theory…maybe because it’s a fancy Italian word but you should not be scared!
Let’s define what is an arpeggio:
Arpeggio are the notes of a chord played individually. For example, a C major 7 arpeggio is shown below. It is essentially the notes of the chord C-E-G-B-C played individually.
Why learn arpeggios? Learning arpeggios will help you know exactly where all the chord tones are on the fretboard, which will help you play stronger and more melodic solos. Arpeggios are also great for improvising over jazz chord changes because they help you identify the chord tones.
Below are some basic arpeggios shown using a major and minor ii-V-I progression. Please note this lesson just scratches the surface as there are many different arpeggio shapes.
Major ii-V-I
Here are the arpeggio shapes for a C major ii-V-I progression. The arpeggios for D minor 7, G7, and C major 7 are written out.
When practicing, play the shapes ascending as well as descending.
Be sure to transpose these so you can play them in every key.
Minor ii-V-i
Here are the arpeggio shapes for a C minor iib5-V-i progression. The shapes for D minor 7 flat 5, G7, and C minor 7 are written out.
The D minor 7 flat 5 chord is the same as a D minor 7th chord with a flatted 5th.
What is the takeaway here? Arpeggios are a like a ‘key’ for unlocking jazz improvisation. There are many keys you’ll need in jazz like scales, chords, and feel, but arpeggios are one of the more important ones. Sticking with the analogy, the arpeggio key unlocks the fretboard in terms of understanding where the chord tones are. Just think, how many times do you find yourself improvising over a chord but don’t know where the 3rd, 5th, or 7th chord tones are? Arpeggios solve this problem because with enough practice and muscle memory you’ll become a fretboard ninja and never have trouble finding the notes you want to play.