Giuliani’s arpeggios
Forty transcribed patterns. Two reference chords. Aim for an even sound and a prepared movement.
Giuliani’s arpeggio patterns give the right hand a precise task: find the required strings, prepare the next contact and keep a deliberate balance as the chord changes. Start with a few formulas you can hear clearly. Moving to a new number is useful when it adds a relevant challenge, not simply because the previous one has been played once.
The tables here cover the first forty formulas from the larger collection of 120. Each table describes the complete written bar for that formula. Read the finger order alongside the string-and-fret sequence; some basses and positions change, so do not assume one repeated shape explains every pattern.
The chord reference uses C and G7 as starting points. Follow each attack table for the actual notes required. Parentheses around right-hand letters mean the fingers attack together, while successive entries follow one another. String 1 is high E and string 6 is the lowest string.
Practise the right-hand order and left-hand changes separately if either is uncertain. Then combine them slowly, counting the number of attacks per click. After a few clear repetitions, test the same skill in a short musical phrase and note one detail to revisit tomorrow.
| Chord | Strings 6 → 1: frets | Left-hand fingers 6 → 1 |
|---|---|---|
| C major | × · 3 · 2 · 0 · 1 · 0 | × · 3 · 2 · 0 · 1 · 0 |
| G7, position from Werner's PDF | 3 · 2 · 0 · 0 · 3 · 1 | 3 · 2 · 0 · 0 · 4 · 1 |
0 = open string; × = string not played. Follow the frets for each attack below: the bass and some chord positions change with the pattern.
Choose a group of patterns
Patterns 1–20 · the foundationsPatterns 21–40 · the next stepsYour practice procedure
1. Play together
Play the pattern's fingers together four times on C, then on G7. Soften the thumb if the bass dominates.
The notes start together at the same volume.
2. Plant all the fingers
Plant the required fingers, play the pattern slowly, then plant them again. Play eight runs per chord.
No finger touches the wrong string.
3. Prepare the next finger
Plant the next finger while the previous one plays. Play eight runs per chord without cutting notes short.
The hand stays steady and the notes stay connected.
4. One attack per click
Loop C then G7 at 60, one attack per click. Restart the minute if a note goes wrong.
One clean minute with the same volume from each finger.
5. Two attacks per click
Play at 60, two attacks per click. Keep the same tone as in the slow run.
One minute without mistakes or unintended accents.
6. Make one finger sing
Bring out i, then m, then a if the pattern uses it. Keep the other fingers soft.
You can identify the chosen finger by listening.
7. Record your clean tempo
Note the pattern number, tempo, attacks per click and main problem. Tomorrow, start from your last clean tempo.
The journal contains the setting and just one point to correct.