In this lesson we'll be looking at how to apply arpeggios into our own music... 

("Buttah Fingerz")

 

 

Our first example was taken from the song "Buttah Fingerz" from my debut solo album. Notice how I put “pivot" notes inside the major and minor arpeggio shapes. Doing so helps keep everything rhythmically even, and also helps the arpeggios sound more musical. I’ve included the harmony part as well, which also adds to the musicality. Try to use alternate picking when playing that sequence. 

("Vincennes Meth Lab")

 

For our second example I’ll be using the Sean Baker Orchestra song, “Vincennes Meth Lab” for reference. In this song I basically follow the backing chords with the arpeggio of the same name. For example, a B minor chord equals a B minor arpeggio. Notice how in the first bar I ascend in a B minor arpeggio and descend in a C major arpeggio, all within four beats! Try to use sweep picking when playing this part.

 

In our third and last example, I will be using string skipping from the song, “Rock the World”. String skipping arpeggios is one of the best ways to play arpeggios evenly. Basically with this song, I sequenced arpeggios diatonically over an E minor chord. I also played a harmony to make the part sound "phat"! I used a combination of alternate and economy picking to pull this one off. Start slowly and build up to tempo.

I hope this lesson helps you in your own playing. Take care, and keep on shredding!


Peace,

Sean Baker

 

P.S. All the guitars were tuned down a full step on the CD and in the tabs.