Using Arpeggios

Arpeggios are chords, with the notes played individually instead of together. In some cases, they are played on instruments such as the piano, because it is impossible to play a chord that is 13 notes with just 5 (or 10) fingers. Many famous songs use arpeggios. Some are used for solos, some for a background riff, and for many other purposes. In most 50's and early 60's hits used arpeggios as the main sound. Believe it or not, arpeggios are still just as popular. (Mainly noticeable in slow songs.)

Here's a very good example of arpeggios beings used instead of regular chords:



Notice how the the "bum bum bum bum bum's" are all sang individually? That's a great arpeggio!

Now here's an example of some arpeggios being used as a solo (Skip to 2:10 to hear the solo): (CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE)



One more example- The beginning of this song is a simple Em chord played as an arpeggio:



They use the arpeggio to build their melody, by adding another guitar, then all of the instruments. This riff is played through the whole song.

So how do you write a song using arpeggios? It's simple! If this is your first time writing a song, you might want to read this first.

Once you have your lyrics, song structure, and chords all put together, then it's time to find a good place to change your regular chords to arpeggios. This is where it's up to you. Here are some things to think about:

*Is your song slow? Try to arpeggio the first chord, and repeat it in a rhythmic fashion. But remember as the chords change, to keep your notes arpeggiating. (<~~I guess I made that word up :P)

*If you're playing hard rock, you can still use an arpeggio anywhere you please. But keep in mind, that it might be harder if you're a beginner guitarist. (It depends on the chord.) If you do try this, I'd suggest chords that are simple to play such as Em,Amaj,Gmaj, ect.

For more information about using arpeggios in your music here are some great sites.


Wikipedia- Arpeggio
A Search Of Tutorial Videos (A lot of useful and cool information here!)
Free Guitar Arpeggio Lesson

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