E Minor Augmented Cavaquinho Arpeggio
Cavaquinho arpeggio — fretboard diagram
E Minor Augmented Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: E, G, C
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 5A
Formula: WH-5
Number of notes: 3
Also known as: m#5, -#5, m+
The E Minor Augmented arpeggio contains 3 notes (E, G, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the E Minor Augmented Arpeggio
Play the E Minor Augmented arpeggio whenever a E Minor Augmented chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The E Minor Augmented arpeggio uses 3 notes (E, G, C) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play E Minor Augmented Arpeggio on Cavaquinho
Locate E on your instrument and play through the 3 notes of the Minor Augmented arpeggio (E, G, C) slowly, ensuring each tone rings clearly before connecting them at speed.
The E Minor Augmented arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Eaug, E+, Emaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Play the E Minor Augmented arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on E. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 3 notes (E, G, C). After a few passes, begin improvising short melodic phrases built from these arpeggio tones, connecting them with passing notes.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the E Minor Augmented arpeggio on your instrument at a slow, comfortable tempo, focusing on clean articulation of each of the 3 tones before gradually increasing speed.