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A broken chord is a chord in which the notes are played one after another instead of all at the same time. This creates a smoother, more flowing sound than playing a block chord.
What is a broken chord?
In a broken chord, the notes of a chord are separated rhythmically while still outlining the same harmony. The notes may be played from low to high, from high to low or in many different rhythmic patterns.
A broken chord does not have to play every note individually. For example, a pianist may play the root note first and then play the remaining chord tones together. As long as the notes are not all struck at the same moment, the chord is considered broken.
How are broken chords used in piano playing?
Broken chords are one of the most useful accompaniment techniques for piano players. Instead of playing block chords, you can spread the notes over the beat to create movement and make the accompaniment sound more natural and expressive.
Broken chords are commonly used in ballads, pop, rock and contemporary piano music. They add variety to simple chord progressions and help create a smooth, elegant piano style.
Broken chords vs. arpeggios
The terms broken chord and arpeggio are closely related and are sometimes used interchangeably. However, an arpeggio usually refers to playing each note of a chord individually in ascending or descending order, while a broken chord is the broader term for any chord whose notes are played separately rather than simultaneously.