Extracting Arpeggios from Modal Scales and Using Sweep Tapping on Guitar

🎸 Introduction

Elevate your guitar playing by extracting arpeggios from modal scales to create exciting intervallic leaps. Using sweep tapping adds sophistication and fluidity to your music. This lesson will guide you through understanding modal scales, extracting arpeggios, and applying sweep tapping for a distinctive sound.

Understanding Modal Scales

Modal scales are variations of the major scale, each with a unique tonal quality. Here are the seven modes:

1. Ionian (Major)
2. Dorian
3. Phrygian
4. Lydian
5. Mixolydian
6. Aeolian (Natural Minor)
7. Locrian

Each mode is a starting point for creating interesting arpeggios.

Extracting Arpeggios

An arpeggio is a chord played as individual notes. To extract arpeggios from modal scales:

1. Identify Key Notes: Choose essential chord tones from the mode.
2. Select Intervals: Opt for larger intervals like thirds or fifths, avoiding stepwise motion.
3. Form the Arpeggio: Combine these notes into a sequence with intervallic leaps.

For instance, from D Dorian (D E F G A B C D), you could play D, F, A, and C for a D minor 7th arpeggio (D, F, A, C).

Creating Intervallic Leaps

Instead of moving in steps, use larger leaps to add complexity:

1. Target Notes: Select non-adjacent notes.
2. Practice Leaps: Play the notes with clean, precise movements.
3. Incorporate into Phrases: Use leaps to create standout solo sections.

From C Lydian (C D E F# G A B C), try C, E, G, and B for a C major 7th arpeggio, leaping from C to E (a major third), G (a perfect fifth), and B (a major seventh).

Sweep Tapping Technique

Sweep tapping combines sweep picking and tapping for rapid, smooth arpeggios:

1. Sweep Picking: Use a continuous motion to play several strings in one stroke.
2. Tapping: Use a finger from your picking hand to tap higher notes.
3. Practice: Start with simple arpeggios and increase complexity.

For a D minor arpeggio (D, F, A), sweep from D to A, and tap C for a minor 7th sound.

Practical Application

Here’s how to practice:

1. Choose a Mode: Start with a mode like Dorian.
2. Extract an Arpeggio: Identify key notes for the arpeggio.
3. Practice Leaps: Focus on creating intervallic leaps.
4. Add Sweep Tapping: Integrate sweep tapping for fluid arpeggios.

Practice Example

In D Dorian:

1. Scale: D E F G A B C D
2. Arpeggio: D F A C (D minor 7th)
3. Leaps: D to F (minor third), F to A (major third), A to C (minor third)
4. Sweep Tapping: Sweep from D to C, then tap E for an extended sound.

Conclusion

Mastering the extraction of arpeggios from modal scales and using sweep tapping can significantly enhance your playing. Practice these techniques to add a sophisticated touch to your music. For more in-depth lessons, check out the links in my bio.

Learn more!

Want to explore more advanced guitar techniques? Go here docs.google.com/document/d/1HjZTZS7LXxPNHM9jCANraX…

Happy practicing! #GuitarLesson #Arpeggios #ModalScales #SweepTapping #guitartechniques