Arpeggios

In System 7, we will begin a journey into 7th chords. These chords are essential for jazz playing and are useful for other styles as well. We will visit each chord form of the harmonized major scale–Major 7, minor 7, Dominant 7, and minor 7b5.

Then we will put all of them together, moving up the neck through each of the CAGED forms of the 7th chords. These diatonic arpeggios are the primer of learning how to play jazz music. 

In jazz, the arpeggiation of 7th chords is a quintessential technique, unlocking a world of harmonic sophistication and melodic fluidity. By outlining the individual notes of these chords—root, third, fifth, and seventh—through fluid, cascading patterns, musicians can infuse their improvisations with depth, color, and intelligence.

From the velvety smoothness of a major 7th arpeggio to the spicy dissonance of an altered dominant 7th arpeggio, each variation offers a unique sonic palette for expression. Jazz improvisers weave these arpeggios seamlessly into their solos, crafting intricate melodies that dance atop the underlying chord changes.

Moreover, the use of 7th chord arpeggios enhances a player’s ability to navigate complex harmonic progressions with precision and grace. They serve as guide tones, illuminating the harmonic landscape and providing a roadmap for improvisational exploration.

Furthermore, 7th chord arpeggios contribute to the rhythmic vitality of jazz, as players syncopate and articulate each note of the arpeggio to create a dynamic sense of motion and groove. Whether employed in blistering bebop lines or soulful ballad passages, the arpeggiation of 7th chords is a hallmark of jazz improvisation, embodying the genre’s spirit of creativity, spontaneity, and virtuosity.