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An arpeggio is a way of playing the notes of a chord one at a time in a smooth, flowing sequence instead of striking them simultaneously. The word comes from the Italian arpa, meaning “harp,” because the effect resembles the sound of a harp.
What is an arpeggio?
An arpeggio outlines a chord by playing each of its notes individually, usually in ascending or descending order. Unlike a block chord, the notes are heard one after another while still clearly defining the harmony.
In sheet music, an arpeggiated chord is often indicated by a vertical wavy line placed in front of the chord. This tells the performer to roll the chord rather than play all the notes at the same time.
How is an arpeggio used in piano playing?
Arpeggios are widely used in classical music, pop ballads, film music and many other piano styles. They create a smooth, flowing accompaniment and add movement to the harmony.
Practicing arpeggios also helps develop finger independence, coordination and keyboard familiarity. They are one of the most valuable technical exercises for piano players at every level.
Arpeggio vs. broken chord
An arpeggio is a specific type of broken chord. While a broken chord can use many different rhythmic patterns or note groupings, an arpeggio normally plays each note of the chord individually in a flowing ascending or descending sequence.