Right Hand Classical Guitar Technique: Arpeggios

The main technique (finger movement) we use to play classical guitar music is arpeggios. Pronounced “ar-pay’-gee-ohs”, these are commonly known as finger-picking patterns. However, it goes deeper than this.

Perhaps 90% or more of classical guitar music is played mainly with this technique. Because of this, a big part of classical guitar study includes these movements.

If you train your right hand to move in a consistent way, it will be easier to play music and add more speed. You’ll make fewer mistakes, and will be able to troubleshoot any difficult passages in your music.

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• The Basics of Form and Movement – To get started on classical guitar right-hand technique, it’s helpful to know a few basics.
• 5 Common Guitar Mistakes – Next, see a few common mistakes people make, so you can avoid them.
• Free Course on Right-hand Technique – Then, here’s a step-by-step guide to learning and practicing arpeggio technique.
• An Ongoing Strategy of Guitar Technique – As you learn the movements, this article will give you a higher-level strategy for continued improvement. It discussed how to practice so that you always get better, and avoid ruts and stagnation.

Along with the patterns and movements here, classical guitar also uses alternation for scale practice. (Primary and common patterns here.)

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In The Woodshed Program, we start at the very beginning and build your classical guitar technique from the ground up. This guarantees a solid foundation you can improve on for life. The program uses the methods described above, with additional materials and resources for more effective practice. Click here to learn more about the program.

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Below you’ll find more resources to expand on the links above.