Arpeggios - Tremolo Lesson 20

The previous lesson looked at chords, groups of notes played together. This lesson we play the same notes, but one at a time. The result is an arpeggio, a key music building block.

Begin with the arpeggio on the I chord. Like before, the notes are.

The arpeggio sounds like this.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-1.mp3"]

Simple enough.

Now play the arpeggios for all the I chords, starting at the lower 1, ending at the top, sounding like this.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-2.mp3"]

Again, not difficult. You may find however that your lips stick to the harmonica on the high notes. If so, wet the instrument with your lips immediately before starting. Never force your harmonica over dry lips. Always keep a glass of water with you when playing, take frequent small sips to keep your lips moist.

Now for the IV and V chord arpeggios. These are more challenging. Start with the IV chord one. Like before, the notes are

They sound like this.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-3.mp3"]

Now try the IV chord arpeggio over two octaves, like this.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-4.mp3"]

More challenging. Now the V chord arpeggio. The notes are

They sound like this.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-5.mp3"]

Try the V chord arpeggio over two octaves, like this.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-6.mp3"]

Arpeggios are an integral part of written and improvised music. In particular, classical players of all instruments practise arpeggios constantly. A common exercise is an arpeggio played up an down to a 6/8 rhythm, sounding like this.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-7.mp3"]

Notice that the arpeggio repeats every 6 beats, so that it can be played over and over.

Now try a I, IV, V and I arpeggio with this 6/8 rhythm, using a backing.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-8.mp3"]

Now try it a little faster.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-9.mp3"]

Finally, try the I, IV and V arpeggios again, starting at the bottom notes like before, then moving to the middle arpeggios, then the top one. It sounds like this.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-10.mp3"]

Then try it a little faster.

[audio_player file="/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lesson-20-11.mp3"]

The intermediate lessons are now done. You have sufficient skills to play many tunes, the task now is to learn them. Visit the tune tabs, you'll find tremolo scores for a wide range of tunes, along with backing tracks.

So far you have played mostly for yourself. Having now mastered some tunes, you can play for others. Be modest, play one or two tunes, then stop. People will ask for more if they wish. A few simple tunes, played slowly and accurately will charm many. You now have the skills for this, go seek your audience.

Click here for the next lesson.