The Guitar Player's Resource
Do you want to play arpeggio-like melodies with "ear-caching" tensions? Fine! I'm happy to present to you a powerful method for very melodic arpeggio playing.
Myself, I play a very melodic Exotic Metal guitar style, and to make sounding my arpeggios more melodic, I often play arpeggios using other notes than 1-3-5 (i.e. more than root, third and fifth of the chord).
Listen to this example to hear what I'm talking about:
MP3 - Example 1
Sounds interesting? You'll see that it isn't very complicated, but very effective to use!
1. Take your chord (example: E)
2. Play 1-3-5 arpeggios starting on different notes on the scale of the chord (example: notes on the E major scale). Important: Use only notes of this scale!
Example: Play an E in the bass and then the following arpeggios: E major, Ab Minor, B major and Eb dim. These four arpeggios are marked on the fretboard.
Listen to this slow example:
MP3 - Example 2
Each arpeggio adds an extra note to the 1-3-5 arpeggio:
What you get is a gradual extension of the standard 1-3-5 arpeggio. Use this method, and your arpeggios will sound more melodic than before!
Listen to another example:
MP3 - Example 3
On my album "Electric Storm" you can find more music and melodies using this powerful idea. Check it out...and I'd be happy to hear your own "ear-catching" tensions!
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.
Dan Keller, Switzerland's Sultan of String, is a guitarist whose original compositions showcase his exotic metal fretwork.
His debut CD is entitled "Electric Storm".
