A Closer Look At Sweep-Picking
(23 Sep 03)
Basic arp-shapes
As I mentioned before, this is some kind of a preface to my other sweep-article. I wanna stick to the basics of the technique and some basic arp-shapes for this one. Three arp-shapes I use a lot are the "C shape", the "A Shape" and the "E-shape". Those are, as the name indicates, based on C major, A major and E major chords.
Here's the C shape:
First, we have a regular C major chord. Every one of you probably knows it. Now, let's move it up an octave (bar 2). In bar 3 you see it arpeggiated (like you sweep it) with an added G on the high E-string. Next, we'll add another G on the bottom, so we get an inverted C major arp. This is a shape I use a lot for sweeping.
Another variation can be seen in the final bar: To avoid the stretch from the low G to C, we'll play the G on the low E-string. I actually prefer the previous version, though (with the G on the A-string).
The A-shape:
First, a regular A major chord. Let's move that up till we get the C major bar-chord in the 15th position. Let's arpeggiate it with another C on top (bar 3). Now, let's avoid the leap from the low C to the next note, G, by adding another E in between (C major triad: C-E-G). This can be seen in bar 4. And that actually is another shape I use a whole lot.
Another way to put in that E can be seen in the final bar... adding it on the A-string. Again, I prefer the previous version, and so did guys like Richie Kotzen and Jason Becker.
And finally, the E-shape:
First, an E major (bar 1). Then, we move that up to the 8th position to turn it into a C major (bar 2). Let's arpeggiate it and add another E on top (bar 3). Again, let's avoid big intervals by adding another E on the A-string (bar 4).
And finally, another way to add that E can be seen in the final bar (adding it on the low E-string). You guessed it... I prefer the previous version.
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