Major arpeggios are built from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of a major scale, producing a bright, happy sound. Minor arpeggios use the 1st, flattened 3rd, and 5th notes of a minor scale, giving a more somber, emotional tone. Arpeggios allow musicians to play chord tones individually, creating melodic and harmonic interest in solos and accompaniments.
- Major arpeggio = 1, 3, 5 (e.g., C, E, G for C major)
- Minor arpeggio = 1, ♭3, 5 (e.g., C, E♭, G for C minor)
- Arpeggios highlight the emotional core of major (happy) vs. minor (sad) chords
A major arpeggio consists of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the scale.
A minor arpeggio uses the 1st, flat 3rd, and 5th notes of the scale.
Major Arpeggios
A major arpeggio outlines the notes of a major chord: root, major third, and perfect fifth. For example, in C major (C, E, G), these notes are played sequentially to form the arpeggio. This pattern repeats across octaves on the guitar, providing a melodic way to express major harmony.
- Built from: Root (1), Major 3rd (3), Perfect 5th (5)
- Example: C major arpeggio = C, E, G
- Convey a bright, uplifting sound
Major arpeggios sound bright and happy.
Minor Arpeggios
Minor arpeggios consist of the root, minor third, and perfect fifth, mirroring the structure of minor chords. For example, a C minor arpeggio uses C, E♭, and G. This minor third (E♭ instead of E) is what gives the arpeggio its distinct, melancholic tone.
- Built from: Root (1), Minor 3rd (♭3), Perfect 5th (5)
- Example: C minor arpeggio = C, E♭, G
- Convey a moody, introspective sound
A C minor arpeggio uses C, E♭, and G.
Minor arpeggios have a sad, melancholy sound.
Conclusion
Major and minor arpeggios are essential tools for expressing harmony and emotion on the guitar. Major arpeggios deliver a bright, happy sound, while minor arpeggios offer a more introspective, sad tone—reflecting the core moods of their respective chords.
- Major arpeggios = happy, using 1-3-5
- Minor arpeggios = sad, using 1-♭3-5
- Arpeggios connect chord tones for melodic and harmonic creativity