In this lesson, you will begin acquiring tools to help you create strong melodic content. Start by reviewing the arpeggios for the I, IV and V chords, using scale pattern #1. Although you will eventually want to know all of the arpeggios in the scale harmony, concentrate first on these three major chords that you have already practiced.
As play each arpeggio, say first the number of the chord and then the note name that is the root of the chord. Start in the key of C and then play the same I, IV, V chord arpeggios in the key of G.
Your practice will go like this:
Key of C: Scale Pattern #1 in the 7th position, ascending and descending
I chord:
(say the numbers as you play) 1 3 5 7 1 3 5 7 8 descending: 7 5 3 1 7 5 3 1
(say the note names as you play) C E G B C E G B C descending: B G E C B G E C
IV chord:
ascending: 1 3 5 7 1 3 5 descending: 3 1 7 5 3 1
ascending: F A C E F A C descending: A F E C A F
V chord:
ascending: 1 3 5 7 1 3 5 descending: 3 1 7 5 3 1
ascending: G B D F G B D descending: B G F D B G
*Because the IV chord and V chord arpeggios begin on the fifth string in this scale pattern, you will not be able to go as far into the second octave as you do on the I chord. When you are comfortable with playing these two arpeggios from the root of the chords, be sure to go back and learn the chord tones that occur before the root (“1”) on the sixth and fifth strings.
After you have practiced these arpeggios extensively, you will be ready to go through the same process for the ii, iii and vi chords in each of the two keys. This may seem like a daunting task, but it is quite manageable if you don’t rush the process. Although learning these notes and chord tones takes time, every bit you invest on your path to mastery will benefit your lead playing. Just consider this an exercise to add to your daily practice and plug away at it, a little at a time and with plenty of repetition and no expectations. One day you will look up and wonder how you achieved such useful and impressive fretboard fluency!