ARPEGGIO ETUDE
With Chromatic Embellishments (Part 2)

Back in Lick #11 we explored a chromatic concept à la Jason Becker as can be applied to arpeggios—specifically, approaching each chord tone via a hammer-on executed from 1/2 step below and inserting string skips at particular points. Interstingly, this approach makes it possible to whip through all sorts of intervallic sounds using only the index (for the chromatic “lower neighbor” tones) and middle (for the hammered-on chord tones) fingers of your fret hand.

In this arpeggio etude, the concept described above is used to outline the changes of the shred-friendly progression often associated with Pachelbel's Canon: I-V-vi-iii-IV-I-IV-V. In the key of C, this harmonic analysis (the preceding Roman numeral stuff) translates to the following progression:

C(I) - G(V) - Am(vi) - Em(iii) - F(IV) - C(I) - F(IV) - G(V)

Note: Some forthcoming “shred” examples will also revolve around this progression, so now's a good time to get your feet wet!

For maximum benefit, instead of blindly allowing your fingers to “do the walking,” make every effort to be aware of (and eventuallty memorize) each of the three chord tones that comprise the following arpeggios shapes (appearing in frames—with roots highlighted—over each measure in the TAB example):

• C (C-E-G)
• G (G-B-D)
• Am (A-C-E)
• Em (E-G-B)
• F (F-A-C)
• C (C-E-G)
• F (F-A-C)
• G (G-B-D)

(*You can hear the lick FAST by clicking HERE*)

(*You can hear the lick SLOW by clicking HERE*)

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To help support this site's free online guitar lessons, please check out my new acoustic CD, INTERPRETATIONS—10 crazy versions of '60s and '70s classic rock cover songs (including Queen's “Bohemian Rhapsody,” reproduced “live” with a single guitar and voice!!) Thank you :)

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” 6:03  2. “God Only Knows” 2:39  3. “Blackbird” 2:28  4. “Sweet Baby James” 3:52  5. “Hallelujah” 6:28  6. “She’s Always a Woman” 3:08  7. “Leader of the Band” 4:17  8. “Sister Golden Hair” 2:53  9. “Castles Made of Sand” 3:12  10. “Coconut” 3:44

Total playing time: 39:03 All songs used by permission. All rights reserved.

CD dedicated to my mother, Jeff Buckley, and a few of my friends.