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Step 1
Figure out a common arpeggio. The arpeggio uses the same chromatic notes you use to build a major chord. If you think of the chromatic octave as 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 (do re mi fa so la ti) then you're using 1, 3, 5 and high 1 for your arpeggio. Figure these notes out and recognize them for the key you're playing in.
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Step 2
Map out where these notes are on the fretboard. Since there are only eleven separate notes in the scale, all of them appear all over your guitar neck. Find the spots where octaves repeat (such as an open string up to the 12th fret) and mark off notes in your key on each string. This is essential for creating string skipping arpeggios.
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Step 3
Start your arpeggio on a lower string. Play the first two or three notes.
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Step 4
Find a spot where you would play up to the next highest string, maybe in between your 5 and your high 1 octave note.
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Step 5
Stop. Instead of playing the note where you would on the next string, find it on the next highest string.
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Step 6
Continue your arpeggio upward to cover two octaves. You'll hear it start off in your low base note and go up to a higher octave note on a higher string.
