When you play the notes of a chord one at a time, you're playing an arpeggio.
Arpeggios can be played in an ascending manner, descending manner, or broken up into sequences through a picking or fingerstyle pattern.
Arpeggios are an effective improvisation tool because they clearly outline chords and are easier to play than scales. Arpeggios are used in all styles of music and are a must-know for any beginner or advanced guitarist.
Links to arpeggio lessons
A sequence of notes outlining a chord

Written by Sam Blakelock
Updated over a week ago