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E-shape Major Arpeggio

The underlying chord tone heartbeat of an E-shape major scale.

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

E-shape major arpeggio
E-shape major chord

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

Notice that there's a major third (3) on the fifth string that is not included in this chord shape.

Practicing the arpeggio

Major arpeggio over E-shape major chord

Practice playing the E-shape major triad arpeggio along with the E-shape major chord. Pay attention to the extra 3 on the fifth string.

Major Triad Arpeggio

Understand the major triad arpeggio on a single string.

E-shape Major Chord

The first barre chord learned by beginning guitarists.