Thanks for the arpeggio syllabus

David,
Yes, I intend to do videos (or at least make pdfs) for the four remaining forms. To be honest, when I learned these, I just worked them out on my instrument. After initially memorizing the forms using scale degrees I found practicing them very slowly while saying the note names to be the most helpful. Going slow is really important because it gives you time to think about and absorb the sound and meaning of every note played.

Try this:
1) Memorize the entire syllabus using the E form of G (as you’re already doing). Playing and saying the scale degrees, then note names.
2) Transpose the form up the neck to Ab and play them all while saying the note names. Then do key of A, then Bb, etc. (and remember, go slow, it’s not a race). If you need to, write out the spellings of the chords in each new key on a sheet of paper and use it until you’ve got the note names memorized.
3) After you’ve done all the keys with the E form, go back down the neck and use the A form of C. You’ll notice a lot if similarities in the fingerings (the fingerings you played on strings 654 will be the same only on 543). Use your knowledge of the intervals and notes to extend up to the 1st string and then down to the 6th string.
4) Then transpose the A form up the neck the same way you did for the E form in step 2, saying the name of every note.
5) Repeat this process for the remaining forms (D form, G form and C form)

I think you’ll find that working this out on the instrument in this way is really empowering. You’ll come away from it with a much deeper knowledge of not only the notes all over the fretboard, but also the spellings of chords and the functions of the chord tones (which is really essential when you’re improvising).

Many people look for shortcuts, but the reality is there really are no shortcuts, just distractions from getting the important work done. A solid foundation in the basics is necessary for progress in any other area to really take hold.

Musically Yours,
~ Rick

David,

Yes, there’s certainly more than one way to go about it, and after all the forms are learned, playing them across the neck and through the forms EADGC (basically “Hey Joe” backwards) is a great way to practice (and that’s often what I do for a warmup). But until each form is learned and natural, I think playing it up through the keys chromatically using a single form is the way to go. That way your hand, ears and mind get totally familiar with the sound and feel of each one. And as the fingerings start to get easier, you’re still giving your brain a good workout by spelling them properly in each of the keys.

Musically Yours,
~ Rick