Connecting arpeggios

Playing over the 2-5-1 progression

One of the best ways to learn arpeggio shapes is to start playing them through chord progressions. This technique is a really effective way to learn how to solo over those tricky jazz chord progressions. You can use this technique not only on 2-5-1 progressions but also on entire tunes to get a better understand of the chord movements. Using arpeggios in this way is the best way to outline the underlying harmony and really sound like you know what you are doing.

Exercise 1

A 2-5-1 chord progression in G major is made up from the 2 chord (Am7), the 5 chord (D7) and the 1 chord (Gmaj7). The first exercise uses the respective arpeggios to outline the 2-5-1 chord progression. The arpeggios used to outline this 2-5-1 in G are Am7, D7 and Gmaj7.

Exercise 2

The second exercise is an extension of the first idea this time starting on the high E string and moving down through the arpeggios.

Once you are comfortable with the basic arpeggios shapes practice playing arpeggios through some trickier chord progressions.