Arpeggios — playing the notes of a chord one after another rather than together — are everywhere in the guitar repertoire, and doing them cleanly is a core skill. In this masterclass moment at Siccas Guitars, Ana Vidović discusses arpeggiation using Francisco Tárrega's Mazurka in G major. Here are the right-hand principles to take from it.
What an arpeggio asks of the right hand
In an arpeggio the thumb (p) typically takes the bass while the fingers (i, m, a) take the upper strings in sequence. The challenge is evenness: every note equal in volume and perfectly spaced in time, with no finger sticking out or lagging. A lumpy arpeggio is immediately audible; a smooth one sounds effortless.
Assign the fingers and keep them consistent
Good arpeggio playing rests on reliable fingering. Decide which finger plays which string and keep it consistent, so the pattern becomes automatic. Tárrega's pieces — like this Mazurka — are full of clear arpeggio patterns, which is exactly why they are such good study material: the right hand can learn a shape and repeat it cleanly.
Relaxation and small movements
As with all guitar technique, tension is the enemy. The fingers move from the larger knuckle joint with small, efficient strokes, returning calmly to position for the next note. Keep the hand quiet and let the fingers do the work; a flapping, tense hand produces an uneven arpeggio.
Bring out the melody
Arpeggios are rarely just texture — usually one note in the pattern is the melody (often the top note played by the ring finger). The art is to voice that note slightly stronger so the tune sings above the rippling accompaniment, while the other notes stay soft and even. This is what turns a technical pattern into music.
How to practise
Practise the arpeggio pattern slowly on a single chord first, listening for four equal notes, before applying it to the piece. Then keep the pattern even while shaping the melody on top. The Tárrega mazurkas and his other short pieces are ideal vehicles. For the related skill where one note is rapidly repeated, see our guide to tremolo.
FAQ
What is arpeggiation on guitar?
Playing the notes of a chord one after another instead of together, usually with the thumb on the bass and the fingers on the upper strings.
How do I make arpeggios even?
Consistent fingering, relaxed small finger movements, and slow practice listening for equal volume and spacing on every note.
How do I bring out the melody in an arpeggio?
Voice the melody note (often the top note) slightly stronger while keeping the other notes soft and even.
