Lesson 15

An Arpeggio is a right hand style where the chords are played one note (string) at a time. The term comes from the Italian word for harp, "arpa". Playing an arpeggio on the guitar will give the effect of a harp. In folk music arpeggios are also, referred to as "fingerstyle" or "fingerpicking" guitar.

Before we play an arpeggio, let's get used to playing the strings with the tips of our fingers and thumb of the right hand by playing a thumb / pluck pattern.

It is best to use a combination of fingertips and finger nails.

2. Place your index finger ( I ) on the 3rd string.

3. Now, place your middle finger ( M ) on the 2nd string.

4. Finally, place your ring finger ( R ) on the 1st string. Hold your fingers on the strings in this position until it feels comfortable.

5. With your right thumb, strike the 4th string. Now, using a combination of the tips and the nails, pluck up on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings simultaneously with the I - M - R fingers.

Repeat the pattern until it feels natural.

1. Strike the 4th string with

the right thumb ( T ). This is Beat 1.

2. Pluck the 3rd string with the index ( I ) finger. This is Beat 2.

3. Pluck the 2nd string with the middle ( M ) finger. This is Beat 3.

4. Pluck the 1st string with the ring ( R ) finger. This is Beat 4.