34 One-Octave Arpeggios
Arpeggios are chords played one note at a time, as if plucking harp strings (think “harp-eggio”). You already know the fingerings for triads and inversions in close position, but arpeggios require a more open hand position.
Group 1: C, F, and G Major
Notice the change in fingering from the closed/compact position in m. 1 to the open/wide position in m. 2. Apply the fingering from C major to F and G.
Right Hand
Left Hand
LH Arpeggio Fingering Rule #1:
When there is only one white key between do and mi, use finger 4.
Group 2: B, E, A, and D Major
Notice the change in fingering from the closed/compact position to the open/wide position. Apply the fingering from B major to E, A, and D major.
Right Hand
How does the right-hand arpeggio fingering for B, E, A, and D compare to C, F, and G?
Left Hand
How does the left-hand arpeggio fingering for B, E, A, and D compare to C, F, and G?
LH Arpeggio Fingering Rule #2:
When there are two white keys between do and mi, use finger 3.
Mnemonic: “Major BEAD shoots left-hand 3s.”
(Major Bead is a professional basketball player who makes three-point shots with his left hand.)