Arpeggio-
broken chord. Playing
one note at a time from a triad or chord.
To
learn the diatonic triads in a key visit Chords.
Arpeggios should be a daily part of
your practice routine. They help with technique, learning the fretboard and getting
familiar with what notes belong to what chord. Most importantly they train your
ear to hear chord tones. Below we
will look at a great arpeggio for guitar using a very familiar chord form and
the art of sweep picking.
Sweep picking - sweeping across the
strings with all down or all up strokes. D
Major Arpeggio in 2nd Position - consisting of D, F# and A. Start
by putting your little finger on the D (5th fret of A string). Down pick and as
you drop your 3rd finger on the F# (4th fret of D string), remove your little
finger. Down pick. Continue with your 1st finger playing the A and then 2nd finger
on D and then F# with your 1st. So far each note should be
down picked. You will now turn the pick and hit the high A (5th fret of E string)
with an up. Then pull off back to your 1st finger on F#. Next up pick each note
back down. | 
