Guitar arpeggio
Ab Minor Guitar Arpeggio
Ab Minor is a three-note arpeggio built from Ab, Cb, and Eb. It is also commonly called Ab Minor Triad. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- Ab, Cb, Eb
- Formula
- 1 b3 5
- Semitones
- 0 3 7
- Chord symbols
- Abm, Abmin
- Also called
- Ab Minor 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 minor chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Ab Minor Triad.
Chord construction and defining tones
Ab minor combines b3 (Cb) and 5 (Eb). The minor third establishes the minor quality, while the perfect fifth keeps the triad grounded.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio to outline Abm and other minor chords without adding seventh- or ninth-chord color.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the Ab Minor arpeggio from one Ab root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Move between the root and b3 (Cb) and 5 (Eb), giving extra attention to the minor third that identifies the chord quality.
- Improvise compact phrases over Abm and finish each phrase on the root, minor third, or fifth.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Minor loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard