G Sixth Cavaquinho Arpeggio
Cavaquinho arpeggio — fretboard diagram
G Sixth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: G, B, D, E
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M
Formula: 2W-WH-W
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: 6, add6, add13, M6
The G Sixth arpeggio contains 4 notes (G, B, D, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the G Sixth Arpeggio
Play the G Sixth arpeggio whenever a G Sixth 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 G Sixth arpeggio uses 4 notes (G, B, D, E) 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 G Sixth Arpeggio on Cavaquinho
Locate G on your instrument and play through the 4 notes of the Sixth arpeggio (G, B, D, E) slowly, ensuring each tone rings clearly before connecting them at speed.
The G Sixth arpeggio outlines a GSixth chord. Playing these 4 tones (G, B, D, E) over the matching harmony ensures your melodic lines clearly follow the chord changes.
Practice Routine
Play the G Sixth arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on G. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 4 notes (G, B, D, E). After a few passes, begin improvising short melodic phrases built from these arpeggio tones, connecting them with passing notes.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the G Sixth arpeggio on your instrument at a slow, comfortable tempo, focusing on clean articulation of each of the 4 tones before gradually increasing speed.