Guitar Practice
Arpeggio Riff in C Major
Let's take a look at an arpeggio-based riff in the key of C Major.
This riff is over a iii VI7 ii V7 I progression, adding a b9 to the Dominant chords.
Below is the riff, with the arpeggios these notes were pulled from shown above each chord.
By using just parts of the arpeggios (rather than all of he notes), it sounds more like an interesting riff - compared to sounding like you're running through an arpeggio exercise.
As always, the goal here is to learn the concept, and not necessarily to memorize the riff.
Gear Showcase
LsL Guitars
LsL Guitars is a boutique electric guitar company based in Southern California, known for its hand-built instruments that blend vintage style with modern precision. The company was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lance and Lisa Lerman in their garage in Santa Clarita, California. Lance, a lifelong woodworker with a background in instrument repair, built his first guitar because he couldnât find a vintage-style model that felt right. When local players began praising his work, the couple decided to turn their passion into a full-time businessâand LsL Instruments was born.
From the start, the Lermans built their company around a simple idea: do everything in-house. Every body, neck, pickup, and finish is made by hand in their California shop. This commitment to craftsmanship gives each guitar its own personality and tone. Their instruments often draw from classic designsâlike the T-Bone (T-style) and Saticoy (S-style)âbut each one is built to order, allowing for a high level of customization.
LsL guitars are also known for their use of premium materials and vintage-inspired finishes. Builders use carefully selected woods like swamp ash and roasted maple, paired with thin nitrocellulose lacquer for a resonant, âbroken-inâ feel. The companyâs âEra Seriesâ offers the same quality and hand-built approach at a more affordable price point, aimed at working musicians who want boutique tone without the boutique price tag.
Over the years, LsL Instruments has earned a reputation among professional players and collectors alike for its attention to detail, tone, and playability. Their guitars have been featured in major magazines and praised for their fat tone, sustain, and classic looks. What started as one manâs search for the perfect vintage guitar has grown into one of the most respected boutique brands in the industry.
Key facts:
- Founded: 2008 in Santa Clarita, California
- Founders: Lance and Lisa Lerman
- Known for: Hand-built guitars inspired by vintage designs
- Signature models: T-Bone, Bad Bone, and Saticoy
Check out LSL Guitars | View LsL guitars on Reverb
News & Notes đïž
- Martin announced a D-11 Stained Glass acoustic guitar. It features a high-resolution image of stained-glass artwork designed by Agnes Northrop for Tiffany Studios, currently on display at the Allentown Art Museum. Limited to 50 guitars. MSRP is $1,499.
- Taylor Guitars released 2 new Jacob Collier signature 5-string acoustic guitars - the Jacob Collier GS Mini 5-String and Jacob Collier Academy 22e 5-String.
- Cory Wong posted Part 2 of his podcast interview with Trey Anastasio. Trey talked about composition, his extensive warm-up routine, and revealed that after decades of acquiring lots of expensive gear, he replaced 90% of his rig with a pair of Line 6 multi-effects pedals. Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Mixdown Magazine posted a gear rundown with Ty Segall.
- Tapestry Music and Jay Leonard Jay discussed whether there's a difference between budget guitar cables and boutique cables.
Recommended Reading:
Mike Campbell: Heartbreaker
Mike's book might be best music autobiography ever written. It's a page-turner, with great story after great story. In addition to being a great guitarist, it turns out Mike Campbell is an equally great writer and storyteller.
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