How to Arpeggiate Chords on the Guitar

Arpeggiating chords on the guitar is like adding a splash of color to your playing. It’s a technique that can transform simple chords into something far more expressive and dynamic. Whether you're into the intricate melodies of progressive metal or the raw intensity of djent, mastering arpeggios can elevate your playing to new heights. Let's break down the art of arpeggiation and see how you can weave it into your guitar journey.

What Are Arpeggios Anyway?

First things first, what exactly is an arpeggio? In simple terms, an arpeggio is when you play the notes of a chord one at a time, rather than strumming them all together. This can create a more textured and nuanced sound. Think of it as a way to highlight the individual notes that make up a chord, allowing each one to shine.

Arpeggios are used across all genres of music, but they hold a special place in metal and its subgenres. They can add complexity and emotion to a riff or a solo, making your playing more engaging and memorable. So, how do you get started with arpeggios?

Getting Comfortable with Finger Positioning

Before you can shred through arpeggios like a pro, it’s essential to get your finger positioning right. Proper technique here lays the foundation for speed and accuracy. You’ll want to ensure your fingers are as close to the fret as possible without actually touching it. This minimizes the effort required to press the string down and reduces the chance of unwanted buzzing.

Start by practicing simple open chords like C major and G major. Play each note individually, focusing on clarity and smooth transitions between notes. As you get more comfortable, work your way up to more complex barre chords. This not only builds muscle memory but also strengthens your fingers, which is crucial for executing fast, clean arpeggios.

Mastering the Picking Hand

While your fretting hand gets a lot of attention, the picking hand is just as important when it comes to arpeggios. Alternate picking is your best friend here. It involves picking in a consistent up-and-down motion, which allows for fluid and efficient playing.

Start slow, using a metronome to keep your timing steady. Focus on even, controlled movements, and gradually increase your speed. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to experiment with hybrid picking, which combines the pick and fingers for a more intricate sound. This technique can add a whole new dimension to your arpeggios, especially in styles like progressive metal where dynamics and texture are key.

Building Speed and Accuracy

Speed is often the goal for many guitarists, particularly in metal genres. However, speed without accuracy can lead to a muddled sound. It’s crucial to build both hand-in-hand. Start by practicing slowly and focus on hitting each note cleanly. Use a metronome to gradually increase your speed, ensuring you maintain clarity at every tempo.

One way to practice is to break down the arpeggio into smaller segments. Work on each segment individually before putting them all together. This not only helps in mastering difficult passages but also improves your overall finger dexterity.

At Riffhard, we offer a ton of exercises that focus on building speed and accuracy, tailored specifically for metal guitarists. It’s a great resource if you’re looking to refine your technique under the guidance of some of the best players in the genre.

Adding Flavor with Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Arpeggios don’t have to be played in a strict note-by-note manner. Adding techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs can bring a unique flavor and fluidity to your playing. These techniques allow you to connect notes more smoothly and can add speed to your playing without relying solely on picking every note.

Try incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs into the arpeggios you already know. For instance, if you’re playing a simple E minor arpeggio, try hammering on to the next note instead of picking it. You’ll notice a smoother, more connected sound that can add a lyrical quality to your playing.

These techniques are especially effective in genres like djent, where precision and fluidity are crucial. Experiment with different combinations to see what works best for your style.

Exploring Sweep Picking

Sweep picking is a technique that can take your arpeggios to a whole new level of speed and complexity. It involves playing consecutive notes on adjacent strings with a single, fluid motion of the pick, almost like sweeping it across the strings.

This technique is a staple in many metal subgenres, known for its ability to create rapid, cascading runs that sound incredibly impressive. However, it requires practice and patience to master. Start with simple three-string sweeps, focusing on maintaining even timing and clean transitions between notes.

Don’t rush the learning process, as sweep picking can be tricky to get right. Take your time and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Our lessons at Riffhard include detailed tutorials on sweep picking, taught by some of the best in the business. It’s a fantastic way to learn from the pros and refine your technique.

Incorporating Arpeggios into Your Playing

Once you’ve got the hang of arpeggios, it’s time to start incorporating them into your playing. Start by using them in place of regular chords in your rhythm parts. This can add a more intricate, sophisticated sound to your compositions.

You can also use arpeggios as a way to transition between different parts of a song. For instance, try using an arpeggiated passage to move from a verse to a chorus. This can create a smooth, seamless transition that keeps the listener engaged.

Arpeggios can also be a great tool for soloing. Use them to outline the chord changes in your solo, adding depth and structure to your improvisation. Experiment with different arpeggio shapes and see how they can add variety and interest to your solos.

Practicing with Purpose

Practice is essential when it comes to mastering arpeggios, but it’s important to practice with purpose. Set specific goals for each practice session, whether it’s working on a particular arpeggio shape, increasing your speed, or incorporating a new technique like hammer-ons or pull-offs.

Use a metronome to keep your timing steady and ensure you’re playing in time. Start slow and gradually increase your speed, focusing on maintaining clarity and accuracy at every tempo. It can be helpful to record yourself playing and listen back to identify areas that need improvement.

At Riffhard, we offer structured practice plans and a wealth of resources to help you make the most of your practice time. With lessons from some of the top metal guitarists in the world, you can be sure you’re learning from the best.

Breaking Out of the Box

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of arpeggios, it’s time to start thinking outside the box. Experiment with different arpeggio shapes and see how you can use them to create new sounds and textures.

Try combining arpeggios with other techniques like tapping or legato to create complex, intricate phrases. You can also experiment with different time signatures or rhythms to add variety and interest to your playing.

Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries and see what you can come up with. The beauty of arpeggios is that they offer endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression.

Final Thoughts

Arpeggiating chords is a fantastic way to add depth and complexity to your guitar playing. With practice and patience, you'll find that arpeggios can open up new avenues for creativity and expression. At Riffhard, we offer a wealth of resources to help you on your journey, with lessons from top metal guitarists to guide you every step of the way. So grab your guitar, start practicing, and see where arpeggios can take you!