Beginning Arpeggios on the Classical Guitar

• Play each finger in the order given and repeat
• Remember the four steps: Plant, Action, Release, Re-plant
• Re-plant fingers before another is brought to action
• Eventually only plant the finger being brought to action

Preparatory Arpeggio Steps

1. Place (Plant) right hand fingers p, i, m, & a on strings , , , & respectively
2. Starting with the first finger of the arpeggio move the finger to action (Action) and then release (Release)
3. Relax to starting position (Re-plant)
4. Repeat arpeggio with fingers and thumb as many times as needed
5. After some security, repeat again while "floating" the hand above strings

Example Explained

The videos demonstrates the beginning arpeggios.

As you begin, pay special attention to the tension in the hand.

The first video plants all the fingers, all the time, unless called to action.

The second video "floats" the hand above the strings and only plants the finger called to action.

Practice Exercises

• p i m a
• p a m i
• p m i a
• p a i m