Guitar arpeggio
Ab Major Guitar Arpeggio
Ab Major is a three-note arpeggio built from Ab, C, and Eb. It is also commonly called Ab Major Triad. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- Ab, C, Eb
- Formula
- 1 3 5
- Semitones
- 0 4 7
- Chord symbols
- Abmaj, AbM
- Also called
- Ab Major Triad
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent Ab root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Ab root notes and connect the remaining major chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Ab Major Triad.
Chord construction and defining tones
Ab major combines 3 (C) and 5 (Eb). The major third establishes the major quality, and the perfect fifth completes the stable triad.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio to outline Abmaj and other major chords directly, especially when a line needs to land clearly on the chord rather than move through the full scale.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the Ab Major arpeggio from one Ab root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Alternate between the root and 3 (C) and 5 (Eb), listening for how the third defines the chord more strongly than the fifth.
- Play short ascending and descending phrases over Abmaj, changing direction on a different chord tone each time.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Major loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard