Just like 7th
chords, 7th arpeggios contain 4 notes. All we're doing is
adding an extra note to the major and minor triads (3 notes) we
learned previously.
This provides us with a fuller arpeggio sound that can be used to
extend the basic major or minor sounds.
This lesson will add to what we learned in the beginner
arpeggios series
(so make sure you're confident with the lessons before this one).
As we're simply adding to the major and minor triad forms we learned in
the other parts, we don't have to learn new arpeggio
fingerings from scratch. We may just have to alter them slightly to
accomodate this new 7th interval.
Before we take a look at some patterns, watch the video below for
an introduction to the basic theory behind the different types of 7th
we can use in our major and minor solos...
So, there are different types of 7th chord and their arpeggio
equivalents use exactly the same intervals/tones. Where there's a chord, there's
an arpeggio.
Major
7th arpeggio patterns
Root (1)- 3rd
(3) - 5th (5) - major 7th (7)
The major 7th tone lies one semitone (one fret) down from the root. So,
wherever our root
note is, we know the major 7th will sit just below it!
Major
7th arpeggios can be played over major 7th chords or regular major
triad chords. For now, just play the arpeggios and get to know
the
sound they create.
Note:
if you want a more interactive (and entertaining!) way to learn
arpeggios across the fretboard, I highly recommend Guitar
Notes Master.
E/D string
root patterns
A string root
patterns
Dominant
7th arpeggio patterns
Root (1)- 3rd
(3) - 5th (5) - flat 7th (b7)
When you've learned the major 7th patterns, for dominant 7th all you
need to do is move the 7th down one semitone/fret. As a result, this is
known as a flat 7th
or minor 7th
(b7).
Dominant seventh arpeggios can be played over... yes you guessed it -
dominant 7th chords or regular major triad chords (chords without any
7th).
Remember,
you don't have to start these patterns on the lowest root string. You
can use any part of the pattern to create, for example, smaller 2 and 3
string patterns.
Similar concept to above, but this time the flat 7th is built on the minor triad
patterns we learned previously.
Minor 7th arpeggios can therefore be played over minor 7th chords or
used to extend
regular minor triad chords (which don't use the 7th).
E/D string
root patterns
A string root
patterns
D string root
patterns
Now
you know the main arpeggio patterns, try applying them over the
different 7th chords you come across. Use them as lead-ins to larger
scale phrases. Arpeggios are great for "connecting" lead phrases and
because they only include the main chord intervals, they can help put
any larger phrases and passing tones into context.
Remember, you
don't have to use the 5 and 6 string arp patterns. even just repeating
2 or 3 string arps can give your solos enough flavour. We'll look at
inventive ways to apply arpeggios in your solos in another part. For
now, just work on getting physically comfortable with playing these
patterns in part and full.
