PIMAMI Arpeggio Pattern for Classical Guitar
This common pattern is another “combination pattern”. This means that we combine our primary arpeggios to come up with longer, more complex patterns (like this one!)
You can graduate to this pattern after mastering the primary arpeggio patterns.
We can think of PIMAMI as a combination of 3 different things:
You may notice, this is an elaboration of IMAM (aka AMIM), and is also similar to PIMA.
To play PIMAMI:
- P plays, alternates with I
- I plays, M and A throw
- M plays
- A plays, M and I throw
- M plays
- I plays, alternates with P
When first practicing this one, be sure to take your time and articulate each movement as a “snap” (as opposed to drifting from note to note).

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.
I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.
Those videos on practicing the piece were just awesome, Allen! I've always thought that learning songs might be something completely different than practicing exercises, but the way you teach it makes it much easier than I thought. I'm positive that joining the Woodshed has been the best investment I've ever done for learning the classical guitar. Thank you so much for these lessons.
~ Ulysses Alexandre Alves
-Ulysses Alexandre Alves
Since a year ago with my subscription to CGS it has been for me a pleasurable adventure and a discovery of all the facets of the classical guitar.
Your dedication and enthusiasm, as well as your talent, in the tuition is quite contagious (well, lets hope also for your talent) and has made it fun and useful in my progression. Also the weekly tip that you mail us and the Facebook group is excellent.
~ Michel Donnet
-Michel Donnet
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