D-shape Major Arpeggio

The major triad arpeggio outlines the chord tones of a major triad chord. When we practice major scales, we know we are playing chord tones on downbeats when we can hear this arpeggio thumping out like a heartbeat underneath the scale.

Arpeggio vs chord shape

This is the major triad arpeggio around the D-shape major chord.

Notice that there's a third (3) on the sixth string, a fifth (5) on the fifth string, and another third behind the grip on the third string, none of which are included in this chord shape.

Practicing the arpeggio

Practice playing the D-shape major triad arpeggio along with the D-shape major chord. Pay attention to the extra chord tones on the sixth and fifth strings, and the extra 3 behind the grip on the third string.