Classical arpeggios: Giuliani, Carcassi, Bach
Guitar · Classical technique · Level 4 · 14 min
In 1812 Mauro Giuliani published his 120 arpeggios (Op. 1): every combination of p-i-m-a over two chords, C and G7. They remain the foundation of right-hand technique. Here are four formulas to know:
| Pattern | Use |
|---|---|
| p-i-m-i | Gentle accompaniment, ballads |
| p-i-m-a-m-i | Waltzes, Romance |
| p-a-m-i | Preparing tremolo |
| p-i-m / a-i-m (triplets) | Melody in the ring finger (Carcassi Op. 60 No. 3, Romance) |
M:4/4 L:1/8 Q:1/4=72 K:C clef=treble-8 "C"C G c G C G c G | "G7"G, G B G G, G B G | "C"C e c G C e c G | "G7"G, f B G G, f B G |]
Making the top note sing
In the Romance or Carcassi's Study No. 3, the melody is played by the ring finger at the top of the arpeggio. Accent it (sometimes with a rest stroke) and keep i and m light: the listener should hear an accompanied melody, not a stream of equal notes.
M:3/4 L:1/8 Q:1/4=66 K:Em clef=treble-8 (3[E,b]BG (3bBG (3bBG | (3[E,b]BG (3aBG (3gBG | (3[E,g]BG (3fBG (3eBG | (3[E,e]BG (3gBG (3bBG |]
Practise the block chords first (all notes together), then the arpeggio slowly, then at tempo. The fretting hand must be ready before the plucking hand.