In Arpeggios From Scales you learned to extract arpeggios from scales. After learning to play the I chord and the V chord arpeggios, you began using them over a simple chord progression. In this lesson you will learn one more arpeggio and will practice ways to incorporate all three into your playing.
Because the I – IV – V progression is so common, it’s important to be able to play the arpeggios of those chords. Using the same method of finding the chord tones that you did for the I chord and the V chord (skip, skip, skip, don’t skip), learn the IV chord arpeggio. Be sure to practice it ascending, descending and in random order!
Each of the three arpeggios you’re currently playing from the major scale are seventh chords (1 – 3 – 5 – 7). If you want to play triads (just “regular chords,” without the sevenths), simply leave the last note off of each arpeggio, so that you’re playing only chord tones 1, 3, and 5. This means that you will envision the scale, and, starting on the root of the chord, think “skip, skip, skip two,” which when played will result in chord tones 1 – 3 – 5 – 8 (or 1).
All three of the triads are major chords. If you’re playing seventh chord arpeggios, keep in mind that while the I chord and the IV chord are Major 7 chords, the V chord is a dominant 7. In other words, if you are in the key of C, the chords will be C Major7, F Major7 and G7.
Although the Major 7 chord may be inappropriate for many styles of music, if you want to play jazz or any music that has a similar harmonic feel, it’s an important chord to know and be able to arpeggiate. The dominant 7 chord is important to know in any style of music you play.
Use a Recording
In order to become proficient in using the arpeggios in your music, you’ll need to either make a recording or use BT1 I – IV – V Progression in the Virtual Studio. Your recording should consist of eight measures for each key you record: two measures of the I chord, followed by two measures of the IV chord, two measures of the V chord and two more measures of the I chord. In the key of C your progression would be as follows:
C / / / I / / / / I F / / / I / / / / I G7 / / / I / / / / I C / / / I / / / / II
Be sure to use a metronome for your recording and record the progression 8 – 10 times in a row. Choose keys that you use often and in which you can easily play the scale pattern. As you learn to play arpeggios in more than one scale pattern, you will want to practice the I – IV – V progression in all keys by playing them around the circle of fifths.
Learn the Minor Chord Arpeggios
Once you have a grasp of the major arpeggios in the scale harmony, learn the arpeggios for the ii, iii and vi chords and practice them in the same way you did the major arpeggios. A good chord progression to use for your recording is iii – vi – ii – V – I.
It takes time to learn and practice all of the arpeggios in the scale harmony, but it’s foundation work for all lead playing, so consider including it in your daily practice.