Lessons

Lesson 63: Arpeggios

Triads

Arpeggiate diatonic triads through the major scale ( the Ionian mode). Practice starting on any note: root, third or fifth. Also try other scales/ modes, for example harmonic and melodic minor, the Lydian and the Mixolydian mode.

Seventh Chords

Arpeggiate seventh chords through the major scale ( the Ionian mode). Practice different combinations of up/ down, i.e. up - up, up - down, down - up. Also try other scales/ modes.

Ninth Chords

Arpeggiate ninth chords through the major scale ( the Ionian mode). Practice different combinations of up/ down, i.e. up - up, up - down, down - up. Also try other scales/ modes.

The II-V-I Progression

Try to make interesting arpeggio licks over the II-V-I progression. The first example below is not very good, because every arpeggio starts on the root of the new chord. The other two examples are much better, since the voice-leading is nicer.

The I-VI-II-V Progression

Try to make interesting arpeggio licks over the I-VI-II-V progression. The first example below is not very good, because every arpeggio starts on the root of the new chord and because every arpeggio goes up. The other three examples are much better, since the voice-leading is nicer. Also practice different combinations of up/ down.

"Coltrane Changes"

Finally, let's look at the progression known as "Coltrane Changes". Try different variations of up/ down and also try changing direction within an arpeggio.

Etudes

Check out my etudes