Arpeggio maps

Overview

Arpeggio maps show you the chord tones across your entire fretboard. Instead of seeing just one chord shape, you see all the notes that belong to that chord — every root, third, fifth, and seventh (for 7th chords) across every position.

This is useful for improvising, composing melodies, and understanding how chords connect across the neck.

When to use it

• Improvising: See which notes are "safe" over a given chord
• Melody writing: Find chord tones that fit your progression
• Connecting positions: See how to move smoothly between different areas of the neck
• Ear training: Internalize the sound of chord tones by playing through positions

Types + modes

Arpeggio types

Choose the chord quality to see its arpeggio:

• Triads: Major, minor, diminished, augmented
• Sevenths: maj7, dom7, m7, dim7, etc.
• Extensions: 9ths, 11ths, 13ths (where available)

Positions/modes

Most arpeggios can be viewed in different positions across the neck:

• Start from different root locations
• See adjacent positions for connecting lines
• Explore CAGED or similar systems

Switch instrument and tuning to match what you actually play — the positions adapt accordingly.

Reading the map

The arpeggio map highlights:

• Root notes: Usually shown with a distinct marker
• Chord tones: All notes that belong to the chord
• Fingerboard positions: Where each note is located

The visualization shows the entire neck, so you can see connections between positions rather than just isolated shapes.

Practice flow

Here's how to get the most out of arpeggio maps:

1. Start with one position

Pick a single position and get comfortable with its shape. Play through the arpeggio ascending and descending until it's memorized.

2. Connect adjacent positions

Once you know one position, find the next one up or down the neck. Practice moving between them smoothly.

3. Play through chord progressions

Pick a progression (e.g., ii-V-I) and play the arpeggio for each chord. Focus on:

• Common tones between chords
• Smooth voice leading
• Staying in one area of the neck

4. Combine with chord maps

Switch between chord maps and arpeggio maps for the same chord. See how a chord shape relates to its arpeggio positions.

5. Apply to actual songs

Take a song you know and identify the chords. Play through the arpeggios as an exercise, then try improvising using only chord tones.

Tips for effective practice

• Start slow: Clean technique matters more than speed
• Use a metronome: Build time feel while practicing shapes
• Sing the notes: Connect your ear to your fingers
• Focus on connections: The goal is to see the neck as one connected map, not isolated boxes

Sharing and bookmarking

Like chord maps, the URL encodes your current selection:

• Bookmark a specific arpeggio for daily practice
• Share with a student or bandmate
• Create a practice routine by bookmarking several arpeggios

Use cases

Learning to improvise over changes

For each chord in a progression:

1. Open the arpeggio map for that chord
2. Visualize the available notes
3. Practice lines that emphasize chord tones
4. Eventually internalize the map so you don't need to look

Composing a melody

1. Identify the chord progression
2. For each chord section, use the arpeggio map to find chord tones
3. Build your melody using chord tones as anchors
4. Add passing tones and embellishments

Understanding chord construction

Seeing all the chord tones laid out helps you understand:

• What makes a major chord different from minor
• How 7th chords extend triads
• Why certain notes create tension or resolution

Next steps

• Chord maps — explore specific chord voicings
• Songs — write charts using what you've learned
• Open arpeggio maps — start exploring now