Major Triad Arpeggios
Arpeggios outline the notes of a chord one note at a time. Because they contain only chord tones, they are essential for improvisation, soloing, and visualizing harmony across the fretboard.
A major triad arpeggio contains three chord tones:
1–3–5
Watch the companion video below to learn how to locate major triad arpeggios throughout the five CAGED shapes.
The NANDI Method uses fourth relationships to locate each chord tone without memorizing shapes.
Third (3):
• One string higher, one fret lower from the root.
• B-string exception: same fret.
Fifth (5):
• One string lower, same fret as the root.
• B→G exception: one fret lower.
Because the 1ˢᵗ and 6ᵗʰ strings are both E strings, any interval found on one can also be located on the other.
The fifth relationship exists between these string pairs:
E-B • G-D • D-A • A-E
Once one 3 and one 5 have been located, use the octave patterns to find their identical chord tones and complete the arpeggio within each CAGED shape.
The octave shortcuts are:
• E→D, A→G, B→A = 2 frets
• D→B, G→E = 3 frets
Minor Triad Arpeggios
A minor triad arpeggio contains:
1–♭3–5
Watch the companion video below to learn how to locate minor triad arpeggios throughout the CAGED system.
The method is almost identical to major triads, except the 3 becomes ♭3.
Minor Third (♭3):
• Two frets lower than the fourth on the next string.
• When this falls outside the shape, place the ♭3 two frets lower on the adjacent string instead.
Fifth (5):
• One string lower on the same fret as the root.
• B→G exception: one fret lower.
After locating one ♭3 and one 5, use the octave shortcuts to plot their identical notes and complete the arpeggio.
All arpeggios are kept within a five-fret span, making them easy to visualize, connect, and apply throughout the CAGED system.